Easy DIY Christmas Decor

I love decorating for Christmas! The lights all a glow on the tree makes for a very cozy feeling in a room. The ribbons and bows, wreaths and garland, oh my! Sometimes it can get overwhelming with all the possibilities. I always ask myself “where am I going to store this when I’m done?”  
In an attempt  to keep decorating accessories from taking over my home and storage places I have implemented some DIY ideas into my holiday decor. I wanted to share a few with you. 
​PILLOWS
I love pillows! I like to change them seasonally, which can quickly fill up a closet. I decided to start covering my pillows instead of buying new ones. I have a sewing machine and know how to do the simple things, but I don’t always like to drag it out. Not to mention my fabric that sits on the table, or pillow covers with pins waiting to be sewn. I tried to think of other ways to cover my pillows. There are some great pillow covers you can buy. I like Pottery Barn because they sell the covers online with tons of great patterns and a hidden zipper. Though I change my ‘pop of color’ in a room often this can get expensive. While passing the table linen aisle one day I saw a placemat of exactly the look I needed in a pillow. With closer inspection the cloth placemat had a double layer. Light bulb! 

​You can use table runners in the same process.  It makes two pillows. 

​The shape of place mats and table runners make it perfect for lumbar pillows. For square pillows I’ve used cloth napkins, dish towels and of course fabric;) Putting like sides together and sewing 3 sides, is pretty simple if you have a sewing machine and minimal knowledge. There is also stitch witchery and other iron-on applications that would work well for non-sewers. Tying cut edges of flannel fabric is another great non-sewing technique. I also like to use neutral fabric for pillows that say 'winter,' not just 'Christmas,' that way I can keep them displayed through January.

​WREATHS AND GARLAND, OH MY!
Besides the Christmas tree, wreaths and garland are another staple of Christmas decorating. The beautiful arrangements you find in stores of decorated wreaths and garland can be a great and easy way to add instant holiday cheer to your home. They are not inexpensive though. Someone took time and creative skills to make the arrangement that beautiful.  Making your own beautiful arrangement with the items you already have will be most cost effective.
Ornaments, pine cones, berry sprigs, and ribbon are all items most likesly in your stash. Garland from a store is less than $6 if you can find it on sale. I often use the left over cuttings from our tree for decorations all over the house, indoors and out. In containers with ornaments, in outdoor plants, over mailboxes, on windows, by tying the branches together with floral wire, you can make plenty of customizable arrangements. 

​Store bought garland can be easier to work with and can be just as pleasing to the eye with some great accents. The branches can easily bend around ribbon, berry branches and ornaments. Using the same ribbon in multiple arrangements around your home will keep a cohesive look.
Wreaths are a welcoming decoration on your front door, but are now making their way indoors. You can hang them over mirrors and frames, and even straight to the wall. They can also be a great place to display all the holiday Christmas cards you receive. 

​PICTURE FRAMES
Trading out the photos in your frames to display your Christmas pictures are another easy way to add a festive flare to your wall. The photos of your children with Santa, playing in the snow, or professional holiday shots make a great trip down memory lane. I keep the Christmas photos in the frames already on the wall, great for storage.  (also helps with the ‘where did I put those photos’ episodes).
You can also make chalkboard frames. Place black paper in a frame and write on the glass with a white chalk marker. There is also chalkboard scrapbook paper at your local craft store you can write on with chalk. I have used the ‘chalkboard’ spray paint on wood, but beware, I used the chalkboard marker and it does NOT erase! The best option for me is to keep the glass in the frame and use the marker, it makes for easy and fast clean up. 

I wish you a great holiday season where many friends and family gather in your festive home! Enjoy your DIY Christmas decorations and please share your own DIY decoration below.                                             ~gina t graham

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