Transforming Trash into Treasures: Vintage Upcycled Christmas Crafts
Discover the joy of repurposing and upcycling with our vintage-inspired Christmas crafts. From old syrup bottles to recycled Christmas trees, find inspiration in turning trash into holiday treasures.
Having extra time often leads to pondering, and I started noticing a troubling trend in our household - a lot of waste was heading straight to the landfill, and it didn't sit right with me. So, I decided to challenge myself. Every piece of trash got a second look before being tossed away. Some days, I had a clear vision of what these items could become, while other times, they sat on my counter, waiting for that perfect idea to strike.
It's not easy, though. Saving items requires space, and our basement quickly transformed into a treasure trove of discarded possibilities. But the satisfaction of transforming what would've been landfill-bound trash into beautiful items for our home is incredibly rewarding.
Let's start with this charming glass syrup bottle, a personal favorite of mine. With the help of vintage transfers, it morphed into lovely vintage-inspired Santa decor. If transfers aren't your style, free vintage clipart found online works wonders too. Add a piece of pine, some black velvet ribbon, and a few small glass ornaments, and viola - that old syrup bottle found new life!
I didn't stop there. I repurposed an old pepper container by painting it with chalk paint, adding a vintage Santa transfer, and adding wax to the overall piece. And guess what? Even that tired old Christmas tree hiding in the attic got a second chance. I salvaged its branches, paired them with vintage Christmas decorations, and turned a plain spice jar into a festive masterpiece.
But the real showstopper? A Charlie Brown Christmas tree made from a tree limb and a Poppycock can! A touch of celery green chalk paint, burlap ribbon with lace, and some vintage decorations turned it into a sparse yet charming holiday centerpiece.
Of course, who could forget the timeless tin cans? With a vintage picture, a bit of faux rust (thanks to Apple Barrel paint - Nutmeg Brown), some pine, and delicate white poinsettias, I crafted a beautiful Christmas flower arrangement perfect for any nook in the house.
At the eleventh hour, I whipped up this charming vintage Christmas craft using an old frame I had lying around. I decided it needed a festive transformation. I printed a vintage Christmas clipart image, placed it inside the frame, and fashioned a mat from tartan plaid wrapping paper. To complete the look, I adorned it with sprigs of pine from our tree, a delicate white poinsettia, and I must say, the final result was rather lovely.
What's your opinion on it? If you're feeling inspired, would you consider giving one of our crafts a try today? I'd be thrilled to hear from you if you've found some creative motivation here.
I'm sorry for not providing in-process photos. Usually, when I begin a craft, I have a clear vision of where it's going. However, lately, I've been embracing a more spontaneous approach, letting each project evolve naturally. It's been refreshing to see where my creativity takes me, but I must admit it's made me forgetful as a blogger. I often find myself only remembering to document the process after the craft is already completed.
So there you have it, our little adventure into the world of vintage upcycled Christmas crafts. I hope these ideas inspire you to see the hidden potential in everyday items. Happy crafting friend!
Don't Forget to Pin for Later!
Cheers,
Cara
I love all the vintage vibes for Christmas! My fave is your Santa syrup bottle.
ReplyDeleteThank you Allyson, the syrup bottle was one of my favorites too. I had no idea transfers could be so much fun. What a way to upgrade my crafting. I am still working on a loot of items that I will be sharing soon of more crafts with trash for Christmas! I have really enjoyed myself.
DeleteHi Cara! I love seeing all the ways you can turn trash into treasures! Your adorable vintage Santa transfer looks so fabulous on the syrup bottle! I'm in awe of how you can turn a tin can into a work of art! Now I just need to get my mind into Christmas mode! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Donna, that means a lot to me. I really enjoy seeing how creative I can get with trash now. It is almost like a competitive game for myself. :)
DeleteThese are all wonderful ideas, Cara. I've never used transfers - I'm a decoupage girl. I guess I should give them a try!
ReplyDeleteHi Ann, I have never used transfers before these projects, they are so much fun, and so much less stress than decoupage. I always worry about the wrinkling, and if the ink will smear when I use Mod Podge, but there are no worries with transfers. I think I just may become a big fan of them.
DeleteTransfers are my favorite, Cara! I love the way Santa totally transforms your syrup bottle. I think that's my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time using them, and I think I fell in love with them too. They are so easy, look high end, and I do not have to worry about wrinkles, and if everything will turn out like I do with decoupaging. I think the syrup bottle is my favorite too Kim!
DeleteLove how everything looks...very vintage looking... You asked about the pumpkin to the left of my front door in my Falloween Home Tour post...If you meant the one there for Fall, it is terra cotta....If you meant the Jack O lantern there at Halloween, I made it from a water jug that I found behind our dumpster.... I hope you enjoyed Halloween and the Fall Season...I am so looking forward to Christmas....
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
Thank you for the information Debbie! I loved your pumpkin. I am excited to see your Christmas decorations this year Debbie. I will need my fix since we are scaling way back this year with decorating.
DeleteThe clip art you chose is perfect! It's amazing to see how you transformed these items. Thank you for linking up with the Home Imagined Link party.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anna, I enjoyed working on each of these pieces. I have been a busy elf in our basement seeing what all I can come up with using items that would otherwise end up in the landfill. It has been very inspiring to see what I can do.
DeleteThese vintage vibes are giving me the happiest Christmas feels, Cara! I love how you've taken one idea and upcycled so many different things. The tranformation is so perfect for this time of year and gift giving too. I can tell we're in for a treat because you've been crafting up a storm. I'm so excited! Hugs, CoCo
ReplyDeleteThere is just something about Christmas and vintage, it makes me nostalgic. I am a close friend with taking those walks down memory lane of holidays past, and love many of the memories I recall. I thank you for your kind words CoCo.
DeleteGreat ideas for the upcoming Christmas time to repurpose and make use of what we have stashed away.
ReplyDeleteI visited you via Crazylittlelovebirds Link Party #13
I linked up this week with = 16+17. I hope you will join us M-S SeniorSalonPitStop and W-S #WordlessWednesday. You will find both under BLOGGING.
Thank you Esme, I have been having so much fun lately. It has been a lot of fun creating while the weather turns cold.
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