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When the weather outside is frightful…start crafting!
Temperatures are dropping, which means it’s time to prepare for indoor activities. And no we don’t mean watching endless hours of TV (though we do love doing that, too, and don’t judge). So what to do? How about heading to the craft closet or making a quick trip to the art store and trying your hand at one of these easy winter projects that are as fun to display as they are to make!
Even if you’re not experienced, we’ve got some simple project that will look like you fussed for days. And many of these ideas use items you already have around the house or can find for a few dollars online or at the crafts store. And and added bonus, these these ideas can be used and enjoyed all winter long, not just at the holidays. With the crazy year we’ve all had, crafting is the perfect way to grab the kids away from screen time, or to spend an afternoon by yourself being completely immersed in something other than chores (or a Zoom call). So, cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, put together some snacks or holiday cookies for sustenance, and enjoy getting creative with these easy crafts. You’ll probably find more than one to inspire so be ready to have your hands covered in glue and glitter! Now, go get crafting! Once you’ve tackled this list, check out our mason jar Christmas crafts and Christmas wood crafts to fill your home with rustic decor.
Live in a warm weather local and have a hankering for snow? Clip on the snowshoes and head out back to adorn the trees with paper snowflakes! It’ll be a winter wonderland without the shivers.
Set a cozy table with a yarn wrapped vase. Simply wrap around a glass vase or weave into a braid before wrapping. Insert knitting needles if desired. Fill with corresponding color flowers.
Overlapping evergreen bay leaves circling a pillar candles, and held in place with twine, add a touch of green to a wintry table.
This soft and cozy wreath will keep your front door looking sharp all season long.
To make: Simply wrap a scarf around a foam wreath form. Attach child-sized mittens with straight pins and fashion a bow from a length of yarn.
Recycle vintage men’s shirts into colorful necklaces by tearing and wrapping them around wooden beads and stringing on leather cording. You’ll be the belle of the ball!
To make: Cut 1 1/2-by-3-inch rectangles from a patterned shirt. Wrap pieces around 1-inch wood craft bead, cutting slits in the fabric as necessary so it lays flat. (Be sure not to cover the holes on the beads.) Glue in place with craft glue. Thread onto leather cording, tying a knot between each bead
Simple and tasty, these easy DIY peppermint Hot Chocolate Stirrers will get you through plenty of chilly days.
To make: Dip ends of candy cane in melted semisweet chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes: place on a parchment paper-lined plate, and chill. Lightly mist large marshmallows with water. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Store your staples in style in a custom made Washboard Cabinet.
To make: Retrofit an existing cabinet (or build a new one) to fit a vintage washboard. Hang on the wall and use as a pint-sized pantry or medicine cabinet.
Celebrate your love ones by displaying their photos in a family tree.
To make: Start by drawing a simple tree shape on a piece of watercolor paper cut to the size of a shadow box frame. Paint tree with watercolor paint. Add mini clothespins, with hot glue. Clip photos in clothespins.
How’s this for the perfect craft? First, you assemble it. Then you get to use it to take a nice, hot, relaxing bath on a cold winter’s eve! It also makes a great gift for upcoming birthdays or Valentine’s Day.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
This tutorial mixes glue and water so that the glitter falls slowly, creating a magical, sparkling effect.
Get the tutorial at Hey, Let’s Make Stuff.
You probably have a ton of corks lying around and don’t know what to do with them. Take an old vase or even up-cycle an old jar, and cover it in wine corks! It’s super-easy and so cute!
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
No knitting needles are required for these simple, yet beautiful, garland strands that are perfect for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Upgrade a Mason jar into an adorable glowing snowman luminary that will look perfect on your Christmas dinner table—or just around your house as a winter decoration.
Get the tutorial at Chica Circle.
You’re stuck inside so there’s no excuse not to organize your jewelry finally! This simple branch project makes it easy to hang up your faves so you’ll never have to dig through a tangled mess again.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
You don’t have to look hard to find that vintage sled you’ve been dreaming of. Instead, make it yourself!
Get the tutorial at Twelve on Main.
One thing we love about this wreath? It works either inside or outside of your home.
Get the tutorial at Made in a Day.
We’re used to seeing miniature villages around this time of year, but none as cute as this. It reminds us of a Christmas terrarium!
Get the tutorial at Nesting Place.
Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier than this project! Wrap battery-operated candles with any color yarn. It’s a great way to use up yarn scraps you might have left from another craft.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
Yes, you read that right. This door décor was made using a winter hat!
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Break away from the traditional wreath by opting for this boho version. We love the mini seasonal touches like pinecones and bottlebrush trees.
Get the tutorial at Kaleidoscope Living.
Need to fill up a blank wall? Create this inexpensive and darling silhouette portrait of any member of the family (even Fluffy!). It makes a perfect gift for grandparents, too!
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
Use our free cross stitch pattern to make this work of art as you relax by the fireplace.
Get the pattern here.
Browse your backyard for pinecones and use your foraged finds to make this warm and inviting piece for your front door.
Step 1: Cut eight two-foot-long pieces of ribbon.
Step 1: Use a hot glue gun to adhere the last two inches of each ribbon to the base of eight four- to six-inch pinecones.
Step 2: After the glue dries, collect all the ribbon ends and stagger them so that the cones fall at varying lengths. Tie the ribbon ends together in a knot, trim the tips so they are uniform, and slip the knot over a finishing nail.
If the snow doesn’t show signs of stopping, throw on your favorite sweater, pour yourself some hot coca, and make this rustic wood sign for your mantel or shelf.
Get the tutorial at Live Laugh Rowe.
Transform basic winter gloves into a special accessory with this easy project. Use a rainbow assortment of beads and sequins to add pizzazz, or opt to keep it simple and feature just one or two colors.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Don’t let a small rip or tear make you throw your favorite scarf away! Upcycle it (or pick one up at the dollar store) to craft this cozy wreath on the cheap.
Get the tutorial at Tried and True.
You can make your paper snowflakes one-of-a-kind by using this blogger’s templates and then adding a few of your own unique cuts before unfolding. Hang them by a window, attach them to cards, or display them just about anywhere.
Get the tutorial at Omiyage Blogs.
Crafted with sparkling sequins and luxe velvet fabric, this piece is both bright and cozy, which is just what we need in our homes come January.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
The only thing we love more than a pretty snow globe is a pretty personalized snow globe. Customize yours with a family portrait and colorful bottle brush trees.
Get the tutorial A Kailo Chic Life.
Need to brighten up a wall with some color? Make this clever ombre paper chain wall hanging out of seasonal colors or those that match your decor.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
These versatile, glittering snowflakes are so easy to make—and thank goodness because you’ll want to display them everywhere! Craft a batch of these to hang from your Christmas tree, display on your mantel, attach to gifts, or showcase just about anywhere.
Get the tutorial at Eighteen25.
While fresh florals are hard to find come January, branches and berries are easy to source and look beautiful in this birch vase.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner.
This light is a slightly more advanced DIY project, but its beauty makes it well worth the extra effort.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Feel free to use moss, bottlebrush trees, woodland animals, or whatever you wish when creating your very own wintertime scene with this easy project.
Get the tutorial at Ave Styles.
Invite your friends over for a winter dinner party and pass out these adorable DIY favors on their way out.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Here’s one more free cross stitch pattern from Country Living to enjoy working on in front of the fire– with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, of course!
Get the pattern here.
