20 Stunning DIY Winter Decorations to Make This Weekend (Under $20)
Winter brings a special kind of magic that makes us want to cozy up our homes. The soft glow of candlelight, the sparkle of frost, and the warmth of handmade decorations create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
These 20 DIY winter decorations transform ordinary household items into magical winter wonderland pieces. From snow-dusted pine cones to crystal-encrusted branches, each project adds a touch of winter charm without breaking the bank. The best part? You can create most of these using items you already have at home.
The beauty of these winter decorations lies in their simplicity. Want to see some pictures of such winter decor ideas? Let’s dive in!
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20 DIY Winter Decorations
The winter season brings with it a special kind of magic. So, why not decor that suits the wintertime?
Let’s explore 20 beautiful DIY winter decorations that’ll make your home feel like a cozy winter wonderland.
Alert!
Each of the ideas is budget-friendly!
1. Pine Cone Snow Globes
Transform ordinary pine cones into magical snow-dusted decorations. Collect pine cones from your backyard, clean them thoroughly, and paint the tips with white acrylic paint to create a snowy effect. Add a touch of silver glitter while the paint is still wet for extra sparkle.
For an enchanting display, arrange these snow-dusted pine cones in a clear glass bowl with battery-operated fairy lights. The soft glow through the pine cones creates beautiful shadows and adds warmth to any room. You can also hang them on your tree using thin ribbon.
2. Mason Jar Luminaries
Create stunning winter scenes using mason jars and white spray paint. Start by cleaning your jars thoroughly and applying frosted glass spray paint. Once dry, use white paint to add silhouettes of winter trees, deer, or snowflakes.
Place LED candles inside to bring your winter wonderland to life. These luminaries look particularly magical when grouped together on a mantel or as a centerpiece. The soft, flickering light creates moving shadows that make your painted scenes come alive.
3. Sweater Candle Cozies
Give new life to old sweaters by turning them into charming candle holders. Cut the sleeve of an old sweater into sections that fit snugly around various-sized candle holders. The texture adds instant warmth and coziness to any room.
Secure the sweater material with hot glue and embellish with vintage buttons or small wooden snowflakes. These work particularly well with LED candles for safety, and you can mix different sweater patterns for an eclectic winter look.
4. Epsom Salt Luminaries
Transform plain glass containers into sparkly snow-covered vessels. Brush the outside of clean glass containers with Mod Podge, then roll them in Epsom salt. The salt creates a beautiful frost-like coating that sparkles like fresh snow.
Place battery-operated candles inside and arrange them along windowsills or as table centerpieces. The light reflecting off the salt creates a magical glow that mimics the sparkle of snow in winter sunlight.
5. Twig Star Wall Art
Collect straight twigs from your yard and create stunning star decorations. Arrange five twigs of equal length in a star pattern, securing the intersections with twine or hot glue. Spray paint them white or silver for a wintry look.
These stars look beautiful hung on walls in varying sizes or suspended from the ceiling at different heights. Add small LED fairy lights wrapped around the twigs for an extra magical touch in the evening.
6. Sock Snowmen
Turn white socks into adorable snowman decorations. Fill a white sock with rice, tie off sections to create the body and head, then add buttons, felt scarves, and tiny hats made from sock cuffs. These cuties bring instant charm to any shelf or windowsill.
Make them in different sizes using various socks, and create little families of snowmen. Add personality with different accessories – tiny earmuffs, miniature scarves, or even tiny mittens cut from old gloves.
7. Ice Lanterns
Create stunning ice lanterns using balloons and freezing temperatures. Fill balloons with water and place them outside or in your freezer. Once partially frozen, cut away the balloon to reveal a hollow ice sphere that’s perfect for holding candles.
Line your walkway or porch with these magical ice lanterns during winter gatherings. They cast beautiful patterns when lit and last for hours in cold weather. Add food coloring or winter berries to the water before freezing for extra charm.
8. Paper Snowflake Window Display
Create an enchanting window display using paper snowflakes of various sizes. Use coffee filters instead of regular paper for more delicate, lacy designs. Fold and cut intricate patterns, then hang them at different heights using clear fishing line.
Layer multiple snowflakes for depth and add tiny mirrors behind some to catch and reflect light. The result is a magical cascade of snowflakes that transforms your windows into winter artwork. Spray them lightly with glitter for extra sparkle.
9. Winter Branch Centerpiece
Collect fallen branches and spray paint them white or silver. Arrange them in a tall vase and hang small crystal ornaments or icicles from the branches. Add battery-operated fairy lights woven through the branches for a magical glow.
Place this centerpiece on your dining table or console table. The height and sparkle create drama while maintaining an elegant winter theme. You can change the decorations monthly throughout winter to keep it fresh and interesting.
10. Cozy Pom-Pom Wreath
Create a soft, inviting wreath using yarn pom-poms in whites and silvers. Make pom-poms in various sizes and attach them to a foam wreath form. Mix in some sparkly silver pom-poms for winter magic.
Add small pinecones or silver bells among the pom-poms for texture and interest. This wreath brings a modern, cozy touch to your winter decor and looks beautiful hanging on a door or above a mantel.
11. Frosted Pine Garland
Transform artificial pine garland into a frosted masterpiece. Lightly spray sections with adhesive and dust with artificial snow or glitter. Weave in white berry stems and silver ribbon for added interest.
Drape this stunning garland along banisters or mantels. The frosted effect catches light beautifully and creates a magical winter feeling. Add battery-operated fairy lights for evening ambiance.
12. Vintage Book Trees
Turn old books into charming Christmas trees. Fold each page in half toward the spine, creating a full circle when complete. Spray paint them white or silver and add a dusting of glitter.
Group these literary trees in different sizes for an artistic display. They’re perfect for bookcases or side tables and add a sophisticated touch to your winter decor while repurposing old books.
13. Crystal-Encrusted Branches
Create stunning crystal branches using Borax solution. Soak interesting-shaped branches in a saturated Borax solution overnight. The resulting crystal coating looks like magical frost.
Display these sparkly branches in a tall vase or lay them flat on a mantel. They catch light beautifully and create fascinating shadows. Mix them with LED branches for evening drama.
14. Winter Village Jars
Create miniature winter scenes in mason jars. Use small bottlebrush trees, tiny houses, and artificial snow to build tiny winter villages. Add small mirrors for frozen ponds.
Place LED tea lights behind the scene to create a magical glow. These charming dioramas look wonderful grouped together on a shelf or windowsill and can be customized to match your decor.
15. Wool Felt Snowball Garland
Make charming snowball garlands using white wool felt balls. String them together with clear fishing line, varying the spacing for interest. Add some sparkly beads between some snowballs for winter magic.
Drape these playful garlands across windows or along shelving. They bring a soft, whimsical touch to your winter decor and can be used year after year. Mix in some silver or pale blue felt balls for variation.
16. Frosted Window Clings
Create beautiful frosted window decorations using white puffy paint. Draw snowflakes or winter scenes on wax paper, let them dry completely, then peel and stick to windows.
These delicate decorations catch light beautifully and create lovely shadows. They’re perfect for adding winter charm to any window and can be carefully stored and reused each year.
17. Birch Log Candle Holders
Transform birch logs into elegant candle holders. Cut logs into various heights, drill holes for candles, and seal with clear coating. Add small artificial snow drifts around the base.
Group these natural beauties together for a stunning centerpiece. They bring outdoor winter charm inside and look particularly magical when lit. Mix in some pine branches and pinecones for added texture.
18. Suspended Snowflake Mobile
Create an ethereal mobile using clear plastic snowflakes and fishing line. Hang snowflakes at different heights from an embroidery hoop painted white. Add tiny bells or crystals for movement and sparkle.
Hang this magical mobile where it can catch light and create beautiful patterns. It’s perfect above a dining table or in a window where it can catch winter sunlight.
19. Ice Wreaths
Create stunning ice wreaths using bundt pans and natural elements. Arrange winter berries, pine needles, and cranberries in the pan, add water, and freeze. Hang outside using ribbon on cold days.
These beautiful ice sculptures catch light magnificently and create magical rainbow effects. They’re perfect for winter parties or simply as temporary outdoor art during cold snaps.
20. Winter Terrariums
Design miniature winter wonderlands in glass terrariums. Layer white sand or artificial snow, add small evergreen clippings, tiny pinecones, and miniature deer or woodland creatures.
Top with a glass cloche and add battery-operated micro lights for evening magic. These little worlds bring winter charm to any surface and can be customized to match your decor style.
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Final Word
Making your own DIY winter decorations adds a unique flavor to your holiday decorations while saving money. Every project allows for creativity and personalization, enabling you to align your home’s aesthetic seamlessly.
These do-it-yourself projects are more than just ornaments – they’re creating lasting memories. Whether it’s family crafting times or impressive setups that endure throughout the season, these winter ornaments turn your home into a warm sanctuary. So, why not give it a try? Go for it this season and enjoy the beauty of winter!
