30 Easy Christmas Crafts for Adults to Try This Year
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It’s that most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by crafting your heart out?
Forget those flimsy store-bought decorations!
This year, let’s deck the halls (and gift those goodies) with something truly special.
Grab your hot glue gun, put on some carols, and let’s get crafty!
1. Macramé Ornaments
Want to add a touch of boho chic to your tree? Macramé ornaments are surprisingly simple and look incredibly intricate.
How to: You’ll need macramé cord (thin cotton rope works great), a pair of scissors, and maybe a measuring tape. Start with basic knots like the square knot or half hitch knot. You can create small snowflakes, mini Christmas trees, or star shapes. There are tons of beginner-friendly tutorials online – search for “easy macramé Christmas ornaments.”
2. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments & Garland
These aren’t just beautiful; they also make your home smell amazing!
How to: Thinly slice oranges (about 1/4 inch thick). Pat them dry, then bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) for 3-4 hours, flipping them every hour, until they’re firm and translucent. Once cooled, thread twine through a small hole at the top for ornaments, or string them with cinnamon sticks and pinecones for a fragrant garland.
3. Painted Glass Ornaments
Transform plain glass baubles into personalized works of art!
How to: Pick up clear glass or plastic ornaments from your local craft store. Use acrylic paints to create abstract swirls, delicate snowflakes, festive scenes, or even personalized monograms. You can try pouring paint inside for a marbled effect or painting directly on the outside. Let them dry completely, and consider a clear sealant for durability.
4. Air-Dry Clay Ornaments
Simple, elegant, and totally customizable.
How to: Roll out air-dry clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men) or freehand cut shapes. Don’t forget to poke a hole at the top with a skewer before it dries! Once completely dry (check package instructions, usually 24-72 hours), you can paint them, stamp them, or leave them natural for a minimalist, rustic vibe.
5. Beaded Wire Star Ornaments
This craft is both relaxing and results in something truly delicate and beautiful.
How to: Get some bendable craft wire and an assortment of small beads (seed beads, glass beads, even small pearls). Bend the wire into a star shape (or any shape you like!). Then, string the beads onto the wire, twisting the ends to secure them. You can make them as simple or as intricate as you wish.
6. DIY Advent Calendar
Make the countdown to Christmas even more special with a handmade calendar.
How to: Find a sturdy wooden board or a piece of plywood. Attach small hooks in rows (24 or 25, depending on your advent style). Create tiny fabric bags, miniature numbered boxes, or even use small paper envelopes. Fill each with a small treat, a festive note, or a tiny toy. Decorate the board with garland or fairy lights for extra charm.
7. Scented Potpourri Jar
A feast for the eyes and the nose!
How to: Grab a pretty glass jar (mason jars work great!). Layer dried orange slices, whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and small pinecones. You can add a few drops of holiday-scented essential oils (like frankincense or spruce) to boost the aroma. This makes a lovely hostess gift too!
8. Winter Scene Cloche
Bring a miniature magical world right into your living room.
How to: Get a glass cloche (you can often find these at craft stores or home decor shops). Inside, arrange small bottle brush trees, a dusting of faux snow, tiny deer or other animal figurines, and some delicate LED fairy lights. It creates an enchanting centerpiece that glows softly.
9. Rustic Foraged Wreath
Embrace nature’s beauty with a wreath made from outdoor treasures.
How to: Start with a plain grapevine wreath base. Take a walk in nature and gather pinecones, interesting branches, dried berries (make sure they’re not poisonous if you have pets!), and anything else that catches your eye. Use floral wire or hot glue to attach your foraged finds to the wreath. Finish with a simple burlap or velvet ribbon.
10. Knit or Crocheted Stockings
If you’re a yarn enthusiast, a handmade stocking is a cherished heirloom.
How to: Dig out your knitting needles or crochet hook! Choose a classic cable knit pattern or a simple textured stitch in a festive red, deep green, or creamy white yarn. There are countless patterns available online for all skill levels. This project takes time, so start early!
11. Fabric Christmas Coasters
A quick and easy way to add a festive touch to your tabletops.
How to: Pick out some fun holiday-themed fabrics (think plaids, snowflakes, or tiny Christmas trees). Cut out squares or circles of your chosen fabric, adding a layer of batting in between two fabric pieces for absorbency. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening to turn right side out, then stitch the opening closed.
12. Framed Holiday Art
Elevate your seasonal decor with simple framed pieces.
How to: Find your favorite holiday quote, a beautiful festive drawing, or even a vintage Christmas image online. Print it out nicely and pop it into a rustic, vintage, or modern frame. If you’re feeling artistic, try your hand at watercoloring a simple winter scene or practicing some festive calligraphy.
13. DIY Vanilla Extract
A gift that truly keeps on giving, especially for the bakers in your life.
How to: All you need are good-quality vanilla beans (split down the middle) and your favorite vodka. Place the beans in a clear bottle, fill with vodka, seal, and store in a cool, dark place for at least 6-8 weeks, shaking occasionally. The longer it steeps, the more flavorful it becomes! Don’t forget a pretty label.
14. Hand-Poured Soy Candles
Fill your home (or a friend’s!) with the cozy scents of the season.
How to: Purchase soy wax flakes, wicks, and candle-making pitchers. Melt the wax, add essential oils or fragrance oils in scents like pine, cinnamon, gingerbread, or cranberry. Secure wicks in small jars or decorative tins, pour the wax, and let them set. Customize with labels and ribbons.
15. Personalized Sharpie Mugs
A fun, easy, and totally personal gift idea!
How to: Get plain ceramic mugs. Use oil-based permanent markers (they work best for durability) to draw designs, write names, or add funny quotes. Once your design is complete, bake the mugs in a preheated oven (check specific Sharpie instructions, but usually around 350°F for 30 minutes) to set the ink. They become top-rack dishwasher safe!
16. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Simple, aromatic, and versatile.
How to: Gather bundles of 3-5 cinnamon sticks. Tie them together tightly with festive twine, ribbon, or even raffia. You can use them as charming tree ornaments, attach them to gifts as a natural embellishment, or simply place them in a decorative bowl to subtly scent a room.
17. Personalized Photo Magnets
Bring cherished memories to the fridge!
How to: Print out your favorite photos (or photos of loved ones). Using a gel medium (like Mod Podge), transfer the photos onto small wooden discs, ceramic tiles, or even flat glass gems. Once dry and sealed, glue strong magnets to the back. A wonderful, nostalgic gift.
18. DIY Sugar Scrub
A luxurious treat for dry winter skin.
How to: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar with a carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil until it reaches a scrub-like consistency. Add a few drops of festive essential oils like peppermint, orange, frankincense, or spruce for a holiday scent. Spoon into small jars and decorate with a ribbon and label.
19. Pinecone and Acorn Garland
Embrace rustic, natural charm with this easy garland.
How to: Collect pinecones and acorns from your yard or a local park. Clean them well. You can either carefully drill a small hole in each and thread them onto a strong twine or jute rope, or use a hot glue gun to attach them securely to the rope. This looks fantastic draped across a mantelpiece or a staircase banister.
20. DIY Paper Star Lanterns
A truly impressive craft that creates a warm, inviting glow.
How to: You’ll need heavy-duty paper or cardstock, a ruler, a craft knife, and glue. There are many templates and tutorials online for folding and gluing intricate star shapes. You can add cutouts for extra light to shine through. Place an LED candle or fairy lights inside for a stunning effect on your windowsill or mantel.
21. Painted Wood Slice Coasters or Ornaments
Natural beauty meets artistic expression.
How to: Purchase blank wood slices from a craft store (or slice your own if you’re handy!). Use acrylic paints to create miniature winter landscapes, snow-covered trees, holiday sayings, or abstract patterns. Once dry, seal them with a clear varnish for coasters, or drill a small hole and add a ribbon for ornaments.
22. Hand-Embroidered Kitchen Towels
Add a personal, charming touch to your kitchen or a thoughtful gift.
How to: Grab some plain cotton kitchen towels and embroidery floss. Find a simple holiday design – a sprig of holly, a tiny reindeer, or a festive phrase like “Merry & Bright.” Trace the design onto the towel and use basic embroidery stitches like backstitch, satin stitch, or French knots to bring it to life.
23. Geometric Cement Votives
Modern, minimalist, and surprisingly easy to make.
How to: Buy a small bag of cement mix and some geometric silicone molds (often found for baking or soap making). Mix the cement according to package directions in small batches. Pour into the molds, place a tea light (or a small pillar candle if it’s a larger mold) in the center, and let it cure. You can leave them natural or paint them with metallic or festive colors.
24. Customized Scented Dough Ornaments
A classic craft with a fragrant twist.
How to: Make a simple salt dough (flour, salt, water) or baking soda clay. For a natural holiday scent, knead in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground cloves. Roll out the dough, cut out shapes, and use stamps, stencils, or even twigs and leaves for impressions. Bake until hard, then decorate with paint or leave natural.
25. Hand-Lettered Gift Tags
Elevate your gift-giving with beautifully crafted tags.
How to: Get some nice watercolor paper or thick cardstock. Practice your calligraphy or hand-lettering for names, “To/From,” or short holiday greetings. You can add small painted details like a sprig of holly, a tiny snowflake, or a touch of glitter. Punch a hole and thread with twine or ribbon.
26. DIY Felt Poinsettia Wreath
A vibrant, long-lasting wreath that pops with color.
How to: Cut out many red and green felt petals (various sizes for dimension). Layer the red petals to form poinsettias, adding a small bead or button to the center. Glue these felt flowers onto a wreath base (foam or cardboard works well), mixing in some green felt leaves for contrast.
27. Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Jars
A cozy gift that’s perfect for a chilly winter night.
How to: Layer cocoa powder, sugar, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white!), and even some crushed peppermint candy in a decorative mason jar. Attach a tag with simple instructions on how to prepare the hot chocolate. It’s a thoughtful and universally loved gift!
28. Upcycled Sweater Bottle Sleeves
Give an old sweater new life and a bottle of wine a cozy makeover.
How to: Grab an old, clean sweater that you no longer wear. Cut off a sleeve to the desired length of your bottle. Simply slip the cut sleeve over a wine bottle, spirit bottle, or even a fancy olive oil bottle. Tie it with a festive ribbon around the neck for a charming, rustic gift bag.
29. Painted Rocks as Gift Toppers
A unique and sustainable way to add flair to your presents.
How to: Find some flat, smooth rocks (clean them well!). Use paint pens or acrylics to draw small holiday designs like snowmen, snowflakes, Christmas trees, or festive messages. These can be used as quirky, weighted gift toppers that double as small decorative pieces afterward.
30. Handmade Felt Mistletoe
A cute, long-lasting alternative to the real thing!
How to: Cut out mistletoe leaf shapes from green felt (use two different shades of green for depth). Hot glue them onto a small wooden ring or even a piece of cardboard cut into a ring. Add a few small white felt circles or mini white pom-poms for berries. Attach a festive ribbon for hanging.
There you have it—30 fantastic Christmas craft ideas to keep your hands busy and your spirits bright this holiday season! Whether you’re decking your own halls or creating heartfelt gifts, there’s something here for every skill level.
