Holiday decor story starts with a 40-year-old heirloom nativity scene. Added personal ornaments through crafting using garden inspiration. Sharing DIY holiday decor ideas including cinnamon star, dried flower ornaments, and pomander. Other projects: wreath customization, burlap/button ornaments, pinecone ornaments, felted wool balls, salt dough ornaments, and orange peel stars. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts seeking festive inspiration.
Deck the Halls DIY 10 ideas to add a handmade touch to your holiday decor Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:39:50 GMT https://carmeninthegarden.substack.com/p/deck-the-halls-diy Holiday decor often tells a story, and mine begins with a single heirloom: a ceramic nativity scene my dad made 40 years ago. Over the years, I’ve gradually added stockings and few festive plates and cups, but when it comes to ornaments, I’ve struggled to find ones that truly speak to me. I admire a tree that’s cohesive yet not overly matchy, and this year, I decided to create my own.
With my garden a bit quieter in the colder months and cozy evenings spent indoors, crafting has become the perfect creative outlet. I’ve pulled inspiration from what’s around me—yes, even my garden—to make ornaments that feel personal, meaningful, and festive. In today’s post, I’m sharing a mix of holiday decor ideas I’ve already brought to life and a few that I’m still dreaming up. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking for inspiration, I hope these ideas bring a little magic to your holiday season.
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cinnamon stars, pomander, and mini herbal wreaths
- Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments Materials Needed:
Cinnamon sticks (bought in bulk here )
Twine or floral wire
Hot glue gun
Small greenery sprigs like rosemary, eucalyptus, and thyme and/or holly berries
Instructions:
Arrange cinnamon sticks into a star shape, securing the ends with hot glue or wire.
Add a bow of twine around the center. Add a small sprig of greenery or a berry cluster in the center for decoration.
Attach a loop of twine to the top for hanging.
- Dried Flower & Clear Globe Ornaments
Materials Needed:
Clear glass globe ornaments
Dried flowers (lavender, rose petals, or baby’s breath)
Small greenery sprigs or moss
Instructions:
Carefully open the top of the ornament and fill it with dried flowers and greenery.
Replace the top and tie a ribbon or twine loop for hanging.
- Miniature Wreath Ornaments Materials Needed:
Small embroidery hoops or circular wire forms; I got these natural looking ones
Greenery/herb sprigs (rosemary, cedar, or eucalyptus)
Ribbon or twine
Instructions:
Wrap greenery around the hoop and secure with floral wire.
Add a small bow at the top.
Attach a loop of twine for hanging.
- Pomander Ornaments Materials Needed:
In-season citrus (like oranges or clementines)
Whole cloves
Ribbon
Scissors
Skewer or toothpick (optional, for pre-punching holes)
Instructions:
Wrap ribbon around the citrus, creating four quadrants, and tie it securely at the top. Leave a loop for hanging.
Use a skewer or toothpick to create small holes if needed, and insert cloves in a decorative pattern or randomly all over the surface.
Hang the pomander in a tree, on a wreath, or place it in a bowl for decoration.
- Deck Out a Store-Bought Wreath
Personalize a store-bought wreath with festive embellishments.
Materials Needed:
Store-bought wreath (any greenery or style you prefer)
Ribbon
Faux or fresh holly berries
Pinecones
Floral wire or hot glue gun
Instructions:
Attach holly berries and pinecones to the wreath using floral wire or hot glue, spacing them evenly around the wreath.
Create bows with ribbon and secure them in clusters around the wreath for a festive touch.
Hang the wreath with a sturdy ribbon or hook, and adjust decorations as needed to balance the look.
More Ideas:
- Burlap and Button Ornaments Materials Needed:
Burlap scraps (substitute: fabric or kraft paper)
Twine or ribbon
Small wooden buttons or beads
Hot glue gun and/or sewing supplies
Additional embellishments: bells, mini pinecones
Cotton balls, for stuffing (optional)
Instructions:
Cut burlap into shapes like stars, hearts, or circles. Cut two of each if you want to make them padded.
Stuff and sew the padded ornaments.
Attach buttons or beads in a pattern using glue or a simple stitch.
Tie twine through the top to create a loop for hanging.
- Pinecone Ornaments with Twine & Greens
Materials Needed : Pinecones (substitute: acorns or small twigs bundled together)
Twine or ribbon
Small sprigs of greenery like rosemary, cedar, or eucalyptus
Hot glue gun
Burlap or velvet ribbon for bows
Instructions : Tie twine or ribbon securely around the top of each pinecone to create a hanging loop.
Add a small sprig of greenery by attaching it to the base of the twine with hot glue or floral wire.
Tie a small decorative bow with burlap or velvet ribbon at the top.
Hang on your tree or gift packages.
- Felted Wool Ball Ornaments
Materials Needed:
Wool roving
Polystyrene balls
Felting needle (like this one )
Fine straight pins
Twine or ribbon
Instructions:
Use needle felting techniques to create small felt balls in festive colors.
String them together with twine to make garlands or hang them individually as ornaments.
- Salt Dough Ornaments
Materials Needed (I haven’t tested this recipe yet, but based on what I’ve seen online):
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
½ cup water
Twine or ribbon
Acrylic paint (optional)
Festive cookie cutters
Instructions:
In a stand mixer, mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll it out and use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
Poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until hard. Decorate with paint.
- Orange Peel Stars and Dried Orange Slices
Materials Needed:
Fresh orange peels
Dried orange slices
Small cookie cutters (star or heart shapes)
Twine or ribbon
Instructions:
Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from fresh orange peels.
Poke a small hole near the top of each shape for threading twine.
The peels will air-dry in 1-2 days.
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