Crafting a Merry Season: Simple Decorations for Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to bring festive spirit into your home than through DIY holiday decorations. Creating holiday decor is a fun and fulfilling activity allowing you to personalise your space and add a unique, artistic touch. Whether you’re decorating solo or with your kids, these simple ideas can help you create a cozy, festive environment filled with your own creative flair.

Paper Snowflakes

Materials:

• Square Paper (if using A4 paper, simply fold the bottom of the paper upwards and cut away the excess)
• Scissors

A classic holiday decoration, paper snowflakes are easy and fun to make for all ages. For a classic look simply fold a piece of paper in half diagonally, making a triangle. Fold it in half again to create a smaller triangle. Then fold this into thirds, first by folding over the right hand side of the triangle into the middle, and then the left hand side into the middle. Cut off the pointed ends so you’re left with a small triangle. Cut your snowflake pattern into the side of this small triangle, being careful not to go all the way across or it’ll break the snowflake. Unfold carefully and flatten it out.

For a different look use different kinds of paper or paint the paper before/after creating the snowflake. Hang them from the ceiling, tape them to windows, or place them around your home for a wintery, artistic feel!

Salt Dough Ornaments

Materials:

• 125g Table Salt
• 250g Plain Flour
• 125ml Water
• Parchment Paper
• Cookie Cutters
• Paint

Salt dough is a great way to make lasting keepsakes, and chances are you will have everything needed in the cupboard already. Please note these are NOT edible!

Preheat the oven to 120C and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Combine salt and flour together in a bowl. Slowly stir in water until a dough forms. Once the dough is formed transfer to a floured surface and roll out, keeping in mind that the thicker the dough the longer it will take to harden. Using cookie cutters cut it into any shape you’d like, and gently transfer to the baking sheet. If using as ornaments remember to make a hole in the top. Bake for 1.5 hours or until solid. Leave to cool and then paint as desired!

Sock Snowmen

Materials:

• White socks- for the body
• Colourful sock – for the hat
• Rice
• Rubber bands or thread
• Buttons
• Ribbon
• Glue gun
• Markers
• Pom poms

This is perfect for using mismatched socks or that pair that never gets worn. Start by filling a white sock with rice. Use a funnel to make it easier and fill until it’s a good round shape, a surprising amount of rice can fit! Tie it off with a rubber band or thread. Take another band and place in the upper 1/3 of it to make the head. Glue the buttons on the lower part. Draw a mouth and eyes with a black marker or with black paint. Use orange to mimic a carrot and cut a pom pom in half and glue together to elongate it, then glue onto the face to make a nose. Add ribbon for a scarf, gluing it down. Take a colourful sock and cut the foot part, without the heel, and roll it a bit and place on the head of your snowman. These sock snowmen make great decorations and are great for cuddling too!

These simple, creative holiday crafts are perfect for those who want to decorate the house and make their own holiday treasures. Not only is the creative process fun, but these decorations will also add a special homemade touch to your home. Gather the family, bring out the craft supplies, and let the holiday magic begin! 🎄✨