As winter settles in, the desire to stay cozy and warm at home is overwhelming. To help lean into that cozy feeling and embrace the concept of “Hygge”, a few extra comforting touches around your house may be warranted. And these winter crafts are just the upcycle ideas you’ve been looking for to help you feel snuggly and content throughout the season.
Wool Scarf Blanket
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Thrifting for wool scarves is the ultimate cozy scavenger hunt for this ridiculously simple sewing project. A few scarves and a few straight-line stitches later and you have an adorable patchwork throw blanket like this. Perfect for snuggling under on a cold day or laying over the back of the couch for a touch of rustic plaid.
Winter Crafts with an Old Sweater
Image credit: Homeroad.
That old sweater that has gotten irreparably snagged or perhaps shrunk in the dryer can get a second chance with this illuminating craft idea. Wrap a mason jar or other glass candle holder with the knitted sleeve (or other section) for a cozy candle that wards off winter’s chill.
Homemade Fire Starters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you use your wood-burning fireplace a lot during the cold winter months, then this recycled craft idea is perfect for you. Toilet tissue tubes and dryer lint are things you’d normally toss in the trash or recycle bin. But with this handy project, you can turn them into fire starters that help your seasoned logs get started more easily in the hearth.
Enjoying Nature from Indoors
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods for the Charlotte Region ReStores.
As the seasons change and the temperature drops, nature lets go of some of her treasures. Pinecones and dried seedpods, in particular, are an inexpensive way to decorate for winter. Filling thrifted clear glass vases and bowls with nature’s bounty is a fun activity to do on a cold day- you can even add some artificial snow for a wintery effect.
Winter Crafts with Stencils
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Knitting always comes to mind in winter- sweaters, scarves, and mittens all have that cozy, knitted look, after all. But if you haven’t learned how to knit, you can still enjoy that nubby look with the help of a stencil, like this.
Cozy Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Coasters aren’t something you normally consider decorative, too, but they can be if you make them yourself. This version uses swatches of fabric from a beloved flannel shirt to decorate wood slices from a craft store. And they’re ideal for holding your mug of coffee or tea every time you need to set it down.
The details about this project are included in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Cozy Vintage Wall Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Winter is a great time to tinker with simple craft projects that you can do entirely indoors. And this DIY wall decor idea couldn’t be easier. Large embroidery hoops are paired with vintage doilies for a touch of cottage-style charm for your home. And in winter, they almost look a bit like cozy snowflakes for your wall decor, as well.
Winter Crafts for Your Front Door
Image credit: Lovely Etc.
Your door works hard all winter long keeping the cold out and the cozy in. Why not decorate it this winter with a cute DIY wreath to celebrate its hard work? Believe it or not, but this winter craft puts a ratty old scarf to wonderful reuse as a winter wreath.
Cozy Coffee Sleeves
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Whatever your favorite winter coffee flavor is, these DIY flannel coffee sleeves are a great way to keep your hands from getting too toasty while holding a to-go cup. They’re insulated, reusable, and made from old flannel shirts, which is the ultimate upcycle for all your winter coffee runs.
The details about this project are also included in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Winter Crafts with Baskets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The fireplace is often a gathering place on cold winter days- so a little cozy touch might be just what it needs. An otherwise “blah” firewood basket got a bright white makeover and a flannel-wrapped handle for an unexpected touch of color and comfort.
Winter Bird Feeder
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Not all winter crafts need to stay inside your home. In fact, this one is made expressly for your yard- and trust me when I tell you your backyard birds will love it. A homemade suet-and-seed mixture in a thrifted coffee mug will keep them fed (and you entertained!) until Winter melts into Spring.
Flannel-Wrapped Candles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Clear glass candle holders are a dime a dozen at thrift stores, but thankfully, they are delightfully easy to upcycle into seasonal decor. These Hygge-inspired candles got a frosty makeover and a little flannel treatment- perfect for those dark, frigid days.
Winter Crafts with Lanterns
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
A plain lantern from the thrift store is ripe for repurposing this winter with this easy stenciling idea. Now it looks like a gorgeous winter lantern that will emit the warmest, most inviting glow no matter how cold and dark it is outside.
Decorative Draft Blocker
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If the cold air is trying to seep into your cozy home, then you definitely need a draft blocker like this! And cozy flannel shirts from your closet or the thrift store are the perfect thing for the job.
Winter Crafts for a Cozy Home
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
In the end, if the world outside your windows looks like this, you can easily embrace the concept of Hygge with a few winter crafts. Cultivating a cozy home is all about surrounding yourself with simple comforts- so, why not make a few of them by hand, too? Happy cozy crafting to you!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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