DIY Natural Festive Decorations: Connect with the Earth While You Celebrate
DIY Natural Festive Decorations. With the solstice on the 21st December, the Birth of the Sun or Christmas on the 25th December and New Years Eve, there are many celebrations to be had in the festive season. It can be a wonderful time and decorations can add a bit of sparkle to your home during this celebratory time. This year we have prepared a DIY guide to encourage a more eco friendly approach to decorations instead of opting for store bought plastic options. These projects are wonderful to do with your children or other family members during the holidays and will most certainly add a bit of rustic charm to your home!
Here are a variety of DIY natural festive decoration ideas that are simple to make, beautiful, and kind to the planet. From pinecone garlands to upcycled candle holders, these ideas will help you craft rustic decor that are both earth friendly and festive.
1. Pinecone Garlands: A Rustic Touch to Your Tree or Mantel
Pinecones are abundant in the forest and make for perfect, natural ornaments. You can easily turn them into stunning garlands to hang on your Christmas tree or across the mantelpiece. Plus, pinecones are biodegradable and reusable, making them an excellent choice for sustainable décor.
What You’ll Need:
– A collection of pinecones (sustainably harvested or found in your local forest)
– Twine or ribbon (recycled string or yarn works great)
– Hot glue gun or craft glue
– Optional: natural paint (e.g., gold or white) or glitter for decoration
How to Make It:
1. Collect pinecones of various sizes from your local forest or park.
2. If you want to add a touch of holiday sparkle, lightly spray paint the tips with gold or white paint, or dust with a little natural glitter.
3. Using a hot glue gun or craft glue, attach the pinecones along a length of twine. You can space them evenly or cluster them for a fuller look.
4. Once your garland is ready, hang it up as a charming rustic decoration.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Use recycled twine or string from old packages to avoid purchasing new materials.
2. Recycled Glass Jar Candle Holders
Bring a soft, warm glow to your home with recycled glass jar candle holders. This DIY project not only gives new life to old glass jars but also creates an inviting atmosphere with the flicker of candles. You can further decorate them with elements from the forest to enhance their rustic charm.
What You’ll Need:
– Recycled glass jars (old jam jars, mason jars, etc.)
– Forest finds like pine needles, acorns, moss, or birch bark
– Twine or ribbon (optional)
– Tea light candles or pillar candles
– Glue (craft or hot glue)
How to Make It:
1. Clean the glass jars thoroughly and remove any labels.
2. Wrap the top of the jar with twine or ribbon for a rustic finish.
3. Attach pine needles, acorns, or small pieces of birch bark to the jar with craft glue. You can also glue moss around the base for a woodland effect.
4. Place a tea light candle or pillar candle inside the jar.
5. Light the candles for a warm, cozy feel that’s perfect for the holidays.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Using recycled jars helps reduce waste and keeps glass out of landfills.
3. DIY Natural Festive Decorations: Foraged Wreaths
A foraged wreath is a beautiful and eco-friendly way to decorate your front door or mantelpiece. By using natural materials found in your local forest or park, you create a wreath that reflects the beauty of the season while being kind to the planet.
What You’ll Need:
– A wreath form (you can make one from wire or use an old cardboard circle)
– Foraged greenery (pine, fir branches, holly, eucalyptus, etc.)
– Berries, acorns, dried flowers, or other natural decorations
– Wire or twine for attaching the greenery
How to Make It:
1. Create or use a wreath form made from wire or cardboard. For a completely sustainable option, you can also use an old, broken wreath form.
2. Begin attaching the foraged greenery around the wreath form, using wire or twine to secure each piece in place.
3. Add natural decorative elements such as berries, acorns, and dried flowers to create a festive and textured look.
4. Hang your wreath on your door or wall for a beautiful natural touch.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Make sure to only collect greenery and items that are abundant and not endangered in your area.
4. Natural Twig Stars
These charming twig stars are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly simple to make. They add a rustic, woodland vibe to your Christmas décor and can be placed on the tree, mantel, or around the home.
What You’ll Need:
– A selection of twigs from your garden or forest (make sure they’re dry and sturdy)
– Twine or craft glue
– Scissors
– Optional: non toxic paint, glitter, or natural string for decoration
How to Make It:
1. Gather twigs of similar size and cut them to the desired length.
2. Arrange the twigs into the shape of a star and secure them at the points using twine or craft glue.
3. Optionally, you can paint the stars with natural paints or add glitter for a festive touch.
4. Hang the stars on your Christmas tree or use them as table decorations.
Eco-Friendly Tip: You can make multiple twig stars from one branch, making this a great upcycling project!
5. Upcycled Sweater Stockings
Instead of buying new stockings, consider making your own from old sweaters or fabric scraps. This DIY project is a fantastic way to reduce textile waste and create something personal and unique for your home.
What You’ll Need:
– Old sweaters (preferably wool or thick cotton)
– Scissors
– Needle and thread or hot glue gun
– Buttons, twine, or scraps of fabric for decoration
How to Make It:
1. Cut out the shape of a stocking from your old sweater. You can use an old stocking as a template.
2. Sew or glue the sides of the stocking together.
3. Add decorative elements like buttons, twine loops, or fabric patches for a festive touch.
4. Hang your new upcycled stockings on the mantel or around the house.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Repurposing old sweaters reduces waste and gives new life to fabric that might otherwise be thrown away.
