Complete Gardening
This holiday season, why not try something a little different? With the growing trend of sustainability, upcycling has become a favorite pastime for many.
It’s about transforming old or unused items into something beautifully new and festive. In this blog post, we’ve curated 23 exciting upcycled projects perfect for adding a crafty touch to your Christmas celebrations.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete novice, these projects are designed to inspire creativity and eco-friendly habits. From unique decorations to thoughtful gifts, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your Christmas merry and sustainable.
Dive in and discover how you can recycle and upcycle everyday items into holiday magic!
1. Wine Cork Christmas Tree
Transform your unused wine corks into a charming Christmas tree. Begin by gathering an assortment of wine corks, making sure they’re relatively uniform in size.
Next, stack them into a conical shape, securing each layer with hot glue. As you stack, alternate the corks to ensure stability. Once you’ve achieved the desired height, allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
For decoration, attach small ornaments or buttons to the corks using craft glue. Add a glittery star or a ribbon bow at the top for the finishing touch. This project is not only economical but adds a rustic charm to your festive décor.
Display it as a centerpiece on your dinner table or use it to spruce up a mantel. Its eco-friendly nature makes it a conversation starter, illustrating how recycling can be both beautiful and functional during the holiday season.
2. Sweater Sleeve Wine Bottle Covers
Repurpose old sweater sleeves into cozy wine bottle covers, perfect for gifting or decorating.
Start by selecting sweaters with festive patterns or colors. Carefully cut the sleeves off, leaving enough length to cover your wine bottles.
Turn the sleeve inside out and stitch the cut end to create a neat seam. Once stitched, turn it right side out to see your bottle cover take shape. Slip it over a wine bottle, tying a ribbon or twine around the neck for added flair.
These covers are not only attractive but also provide a personal touch to gifts. They make great conversation pieces and add warmth to your holiday table setting.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to recycle clothing while showcasing your crafting skills. Whether you use them as gifts or décor, these bottle covers embody the spirit of upcycling during the festive season.
3. CD Mosaic Ornaments
Old CDs can find new life as dazzling mosaic ornaments. Begin by cutting the CDs into small, irregular pieces using sturdy scissors. Be cautious, as the pieces can be sharp.
Next, take a clear glass or plastic ornament and cover it with a thin layer of craft glue. Carefully arrange the CD pieces on the ornament, pressing them gently into the glue.
You may choose to cover the entire surface or create patterns with the reflective pieces. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling further. The end result is a beautiful ornament that catches the light, adding sparkle to your tree.
These ornaments are a wonderful way to repurpose obsolete items and create something new.
Not only do they bring a unique touch to your Christmas decorations, but they also reflect a commitment to reducing waste and embracing sustainability during the holiday season.
4. Magazine Page Wreath
Create a colorful wreath using old magazines and a bit of creativity. Begin by tearing out pages with bold colors or interesting patterns. Roll each page into a tight tube, securing it with tape or a dab of glue.
Once you have a collection of rolled tubes, begin forming a circular shape by gluing the ends together. This will serve as your wreath base. Continue adding rolled pages to build volume and texture.
For added flair, consider incorporating ribbons or small ornaments. Once completed, hang your wreath with a strong hook, and admire your handiwork. This project is an excellent way to declutter your home while creating a vibrant piece of décor.
Perfect for your front door or living room, the magazine page wreath is a testament to the beauty of upcycling. It’s not just a decoration; it’s a story of transformation and creativity for the holidays.
5. Tin Can Lanterns
Turn empty tin cans into enchanting lanterns to light up your holiday evenings. Start by washing out the cans and removing any labels. Fill them with water and freeze overnight. This will make it easier to punch holes without bending the metal.
Once frozen, use a hammer and nail to punch holes in desired patterns, such as stars or snowflakes. Be creative or sketch a design on paper to follow. After completing the designs, allow the ice to melt, then dry the cans thoroughly.
For a finished look, spray paint the exteriors in festive colors like gold or silver. Place a tea light or small LED candle inside each can, and arrange them along a pathway or on a porch.
These lanterns provide a warm, welcoming glow and highlight the ingenuity of turning everyday items into festive décor. They’re perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to your festive celebrations.
6. Button Garland
Gather those loose buttons from your sewing kit and string them into a festive garland. Begin by selecting buttons of various colors, sizes, and shapes to add visual interest.
Using a needle and strong thread, string the buttons together, alternating colors and sizes for a dynamic look. You can create patterns or keep it random; the choice is yours. Once the desired length is achieved, knot the ends of the thread to secure the buttons in place.
Drape the garland across your fireplace mantle, around a Christmas tree, or along the walls. The button garland is a delightful way to utilize spare sewing supplies and add a homemade touch to your holiday decorations.
It’s a simple project that even kids can help with, making it a wonderful family activity. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a unique, personalized decoration that embodies the spirit of upcycling and creativity.
7. Denim Pocket Advent Calendar
Repurpose old jeans into a charming advent calendar with denim pockets. Begin by cutting out the back pockets from the jeans, leaving a small border around each pocket.
Arrange the pockets in a grid pattern on a large piece of fabric or burlap. Secure each pocket with strong fabric glue or by sewing them in place. Number the pockets using fabric paint or iron-on numbers.
Once dry, fill each pocket with small treats, notes, or trinkets, perfect for counting down to Christmas. Hang your creation on a wall using a dowel or curtain rod. This denim pocket advent calendar is not only a fun craft but also a meaningful way to recycle clothing.
It adds a rustic, homemade touch to your holiday décor, inviting anticipation and joy each day leading up to Christmas. Plus, it’s a wonderful conversation piece that showcases your commitment to sustainability.
8. Old Book Snowflakes
Transform old book pages into intricate snowflakes for a classic Christmas decoration. Begin by selecting pages with interesting text or illustrations. Fold each page into a square, and then fold it diagonally to form a triangle.
Continue folding into smaller triangles, and use scissors to cut patterns along the edges. Unfold carefully to reveal your snowflake design. For added sturdiness, consider laminating the finished snowflakes.
Hang them using clear fishing line or thin thread near windows or from ceiling fixtures. These snowflakes add a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your holiday décor. This project is not only about creating beautiful decorations but also about breathing new life into forgotten books.
You’ll enjoy the delicate charm of the snowflakes and the eco-friendly nature of upcycling. It’s a simple yet rewarding craft that captures the magic of a white Christmas, all while keeping sustainability in mind.
9. Jar Lid Christmas Magnets
Turn old jar lids into festive magnets to brighten up your kitchen space. Begin by selecting jar lids of various sizes and cleaning them thoroughly. Choose holiday-themed images from magazines or print your own designs.
Cut the images to fit the inside of the lids. Apply a thin layer of craft glue to the back of each image and press it firmly into the lid. Allow it to dry completely. For added protection, consider using a clear sealant over the images.
Attach a strong magnet to the back of each lid using hot glue. These jar lid magnets are a wonderful way to repurpose materials and add a personalized touch to your holiday kitchen décor.
They make great gifts and can be tailored to suit any theme or color scheme. Enjoy the creativity involved in crafting these magnets and the joy of upcycling everyday items into something fun and festive.
10. Egg Carton Bells
Craft charming bells from egg cartons to add a playful touch to your Christmas decorations. Begin by cutting the individual cups from an egg carton. Trim the edges to create a bell shape.
Paint each bell in festive colors, allowing them to dry completely before handling. Once dry, use a needle to poke a small hole at the top of each bell. Thread a piece of yarn or ribbon through the hole, tying a knot to secure it.
For added sound, consider attaching small jingle bells inside each carton cup. Hang these cheerful bells on your Christmas tree, along a garland, or from a mantle.
This project is a creative way to recycle materials that often get discarded, turning them into decorations that sing with holiday cheer. It’s an ideal craft for getting the whole family involved and showcasing how upcycling can be both fun and festive.
11. Upcycled Holiday Village
Turn empty cereal or pasta boxes into a charming holiday village. Cut them into house shapes, paint them, and add details like windows, doors, and rooftops using craft paper or markers.
12. Paint Swatch Gift Tags
Repurpose paint swatches into unique gift tags that add a pop of color to your presents. Start by collecting unused paint swatches in various shades.
Cut them into desired shapes, such as rectangles or circles. Using a hole punch, make a small hole at the top of each tag. Write the recipient’s name or a festive message on the swatch with a permanent marker.
For a decorative touch, consider adding stickers or small embellishments. Thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole and attach the tag to your wrapped gifts. These paint swatch gift tags are not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious, making use of materials that might otherwise be discarded.
They add a personal and creative flair to your holiday gifts, showcasing your dedication to sustainability and thoughtful crafting. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional from simple, everyday items.
13. Sweater Mitten Ornaments
Upcycle old sweaters into adorable mitten ornaments for a cozy, rustic Christmas tree. Begin by tracing a mitten pattern onto the sweater fabric, ensuring you have two pieces for each mitten.
Cut out the pieces and sew them together along the edges, leaving the wrist area open. Turn the mitten right side out and embellish with small buttons or embroidery for added charm. Attach a loop of ribbon or yarn to hang the mitten on your tree.
These sweater mitten ornaments are a delightful way to recycle clothing and add a touch of warmth to your holiday décor. They’re easy to make and can be customized with different colors and patterns to suit your style.
This project is perfect for crafters of all levels and showcases the beauty of upcycling. Enjoy the process of turning something old into something new, creating a festive atmosphere that’s both unique and environmentally friendly.
14. Bottle Cap Snowmen
Turn ordinary bottle caps into charming snowmen decorations for a playful holiday touch. Start by gathering a collection of bottle caps and painting them white.
Once dry, stack three caps vertically and glue them together to form the snowman’s body. Use a black marker to draw eyes and buttons, and an orange one to create the carrot nose.
For added flair, tie a small piece of fabric or ribbon around the top cap to resemble a scarf. Attach a loop of string or ribbon to hang the snowmen on your tree or around your home.
This project is an excellent way to recycle materials and add a whimsical element to your Christmas décor. Bottle cap snowmen are easy to make and delightful to display, capturing the joy and creativity of the holiday season. They’re perfect for crafters of all ages, making it a fun family activity that emphasizes sustainability.
15. Pinecone Gnomes
Collect pinecones and turn them into cute gnomes by adding a felt hat, a pom-pom nose, and a faux fur beard. These whimsical decorations can sit on your mantle or be used as ornaments.
It’s a fun way to incorporate natural materials into your holiday crafting.
16. Jar Lid Mini Wreaths
Repurpose jar lids into tiny wreaths by wrapping them with twine or ribbon. Add small embellishments like beads, buttons, or sprigs of greenery. Attach a loop of ribbon to hang these charming mini wreaths on your tree.
17. Mason Jar Lid Snow Globes
Turn mason jar lids into DIY snow globes. Attach a small figurine or holiday trinket to the inside of the lid, fill the jar with water, glitter, and a drop of glycerin, and screw the lid back on tightly. These make charming gifts or décor.
18. Upcycled Beanie Ornaments
Use old socks or beanies to create tiny hat ornaments. Cut the fabric into strips, roll and tie off one end to form a hat, and add a pom-pom on top. Hang them on your tree for a cozy look.
19. Tin Can Snowmen
Stack tin cans of various sizes to create snowmen. Paint them white, add faces and buttons, and use fabric scraps for scarves. These can be displayed on porches or indoors for a rustic holiday vibe.
20. Cardboard Star Garland
Cut stars out of old cardboard boxes and paint them in festive colors. String them together with twine or ribbon to create a garland. This lightweight, eco-friendly decoration can be used on walls, mantles, or trees.
21. Glass Jar Luminaries
Transform old jars into luminaries by covering them with tissue paper and Mod Podge. Cut out festive shapes like stars or trees and layer them on the jars. Add a tea light for a magical glow.
22. Broken Jewelry Ornaments
Repurpose broken jewelry pieces by attaching them to clear ornaments or gluing them onto small wooden shapes. These glamorous decorations give new life to items that would otherwise be discarded.
23. Fabric Scrap Christmas Trees
Use leftover fabric scraps to make small fabric trees. Cut triangles out of fabric, sew them together, and stuff them with cotton. Add a stick for the trunk and a wooden disc as the base.