The whir of the holiday crush seems to start earlier and earlier each year. While there is definitely a hard fall off after the New Year begins, winter is really only JUST beginning. With the very real threat of climate change looming over us at every turn, we may find ourselves snowed in or at home. I’ve gathered together some winter DIY projects you can tackle alone or have a snow day, craft day with the family!
1 | Make your own picture/card shelf
Who says we’ve all moved to the digital age? Nothing adds a special touch to any home like family photos and holiday greeting cards. With this neat addition, you don’t have to let them take up space in a drawer, or gather dust in a box in the attic. My favorite part of this design is that it costs less than $10! (Find it here.)
2 | Gold Evergreen Wreath
If your family tradition includes picking out a fresh tree for your decor centerpiece, then I would highly recommend checking this DIY out. There are sure to be some loose branches and such that are lost during transport- instead of throwing them away, try making some of these festive wreaths to adorn your abode all winter long!
3 | Home Overflow Garage Storage
When you finally get all the decorations out and find presents from years past, do you ever wonder how much better your garage would be if there were shelves. Well, here’s your chance. This is a more involved project, but a worthy investment.
4 | Hot Cocoa Candy Cane Mixers
So, the trees been up fir (see what I did there?) a while now, probably since juuusst after the Thanksgiving turkey settled. Candy canes are probably still hanging on by their sticky hooks. Instead of tossing them, toss them with chocolate! Over here at HQ, if I want to make these for the crew, I’m going to have to grab extras because one of Z’s favorite treats are peppermint candy canes! I know this recipe calls for very specific item,s but feel free to improvise and use what you have on hand.
5 | Forge Your Own Fire Pit
This is one of those projects you can tackle at the onset of the weekend and be able to enjoy the same evening. A fire pit will spark one of those “why didn’t I do this earlier” moments. Even the most crisp nights can’t keep you and the gang from enjoying hot cocoa and marshmallows! Make sure to check local ordinances for burning, wouldn’t want to have an ember spark a winter tragedy!
6 |Indoor Plant Hook
It’s the time of year when you have to bring your plants in, or at least cover them up. Why not add a touch of life to the winter dead-land that is holiday burnout! A beautiful reminder that spring is just around the corner, this plant hanger project is sure to bring life to your winter wonderland.
7 | Pine Cone Fire Starter
We absolutely love nature. We also love collecting random cool things we find on our walks because we are basically hobgoblins! So needles to say, our pine cone collection has grown quite large. I was so happy to stumble across this DIY, because it meant I could decrease our overflowing stash, and make warm winter crafts! The possibilities with this are endless. We used thrifted old holiday candles I hope you love these pine cone fire starters!
8 | Never Too Late Compost Bin
Compost is typically associated with gardening, and gardening is usually a spring/summer activity.However, there are always things you can do year round to guarantee abundant harvests year in and out! This compost bin tutorial gives great instructions to make your own to give a home to all those holiday scraps. Check out our gardening section to learn more.
9 | Fancy Up the Fireplace
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, then try your hands at a mantle makeover! While it may look sophisticated, its actually really simple to do and with your imagination, I am sure you can customize the plan to fit your decor and style. Considering you will probably be spending a lot of time in front of it this season, why not add a special pop to make the space truly home.
10 | Sustainable Heating Pads
I don’t know about you, but we are a super accident prone bunch! Poor coordination, attention elsewhere, or always running seems to wind us up with the need for heating pads and ice packs at least once a week. Add in some aromatherapy and we got ourselves a little sensory friendly fidget that always seems to be misplaced as well. So needless to say, when I found this amazing DIY, I made so many different kinds. In the winter, these rice heaters make great hand-warmers!
11 | Minty Milk Bath
The in-laws are gone and the kids are back in school, but its still cold outside. After the holiday frazzle, find time to relax and unwind with this soothing mint milk bath. Self care should always be a priority, because if you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you possibly take care of your flock?
12 |Snowman Luminary
Grab the glue and the kids for this fun crafty diy! Turn a mason jar, or really any old jar you have laying around into this snazzy snowman light! Use it as a table centerpiece all winter long. A warm touch to a cold, frosty, favorite!
13 |Winter Potpourri
So this might be my of of my favorite simmer pots. It instantly fills any space with the warm aromas of winter – apple pie, cinnamon, oranges, and spices! I do this when I’m cooking up all the Christmas sweets. It’s so much easier to buy the ingredients fresh and make it all than buying premade, over-sweetened store stuff. Instead of tossing the scraps, I boil them in a simmer pot, and allow the scents to do their winter magic. You could also throw the ingredients in the freezer and save them for an event or hostess occasion.
14 | Winter Terrarium
Who doesn’t love a great terrarium. We like to get old ornaments and clearance stuff in that sweet spot after Christmas, but before the new year. Perfect time for finding cute, cheap winter decor! This is so simple, and yet special because you can make it completely your own. Get the details here.
15 |Winter Wine Centerpiece
If you have any sort of traditions, wine is probably a part of at least one. Most people have old glass wine bottles. Did you know you could make a frosty fairy centerpiece with very minimal crafting skills and tools? Well, pop a bottle and get to crafting this wine bottle centerpiece.
16 | Winter Windsock
A super simple and fun craft more themed for the childrens area, or even a cool classroom craft to send home over winter break. These windsocks add a frosty touch to a playroom, or mantle display. Nothing screams appreciated and loved to a child like happily displaying their crafts. Get the details here.
17 | Learn to Crochet/Knit
If you don’t already know, knitting and crocheting are a great hobby to get into, especially during the winter months. After you get the basics down you can make toasty throw, hats and scarves! All these things are sure to keep you warm throughout the winter. And once the final snow has melted, and spring is showing its green self, you can pack them away for next year! The internet is full of wonderful resources to help anyone get started!
18 | Draft Stoppers
So this DIY actually designed to literally warm your home… or at least keep some of those frosty drafts out. out. out. According to EnergyStar, proper insulating techniques are best to efficiently eliminate the cold air. However, these are a cute and cozy addition to your winter wonderland that you will certainly notice the benefit of right away! I love this project because it is so customizable to fit your home.
19 | Visit a Holiday Market
You might be thinking why on earth would you want to go to the market in the cold heart of winter? WELL, this is the perfect time to find some hardy local crafts to add a special touch to your home decor. Plus, you will be supporting someone else’s winter DIYs! You can even find produce that’s specific to the winter season. Check local social media pages to find events near you.
20 | Bake Bread
If you’ve never had fresh baked bread and wine and cheese hearth side while the winter rages on outside… well, that’s a little slice of heaven that I hope you can find after tackling the oh-so-rewarding craft. Nothing warms a home like the smell of fresh bread. I won’t limit you with some random recipe, instead, go find one that calls to you, roll up your sleeves, and knead some dough!
WE round out this incredible list with an oddball –
Happy
Winter
I really hope you enjoyed this winter round up! Let me know if you try any, or even send over additional ideas I can add! Happy Crappy Holiday!
Th3 W31rd Tr1b3 