Christmas Decorations Indoor

Transforming Trash into Treasured Christmas Crafts: Creative DIY Ideas

Explore innovative DIY Christmas craft ideas that turn everyday items into festive treasures.  From upcycled tuna cans to charming jar transformations, get inspired to deck your halls with unique holiday decor.  Join us on a journey of creativity and resourcefulness this holiday season!  

Hello there, my dear.  That had a touch of Mrs. Doubtfire vibes, didn't it?  I'm not entirely sure she was as enthusiastic about holiday crafting inspiration as I am, but I'm thrilled to share some delightful DIY Christmas crafts with you today.  

I'm in quite the festive mood here, crafting handmade holiday decorations and feeling a bit like an old soul.  Teehee!  I've been on a crafting spree, using all sorts of items that were destined for the trash.  It's been a bit chaotic with my crafting - or should I say "upcycling".    

In fact, friends and family have joined in, saving their trash for me.  Lucky me, right?  Though my craft materials are overflowing, some upcycling ideas come easily, while others require a bit more thought.  

I'm ready to spread some Christmas inspiration your way, so you can get into the crafting spirit and sprinkle your home with holiday cheer. 

First up, let's talk about a craft involving a humble tuna can.  I assure you; there are no lingering fishy smells from this can.  I even have step-by-step instructions for making this personalized Christmas ornament to adorn your decor.  

After cleaning and drying the can, I applied two coats of chalk paint, allowing it to dry.  Then, I cut out a circle of wrapping paper and affixed it to the inside of the can.  

I used a small clip art piece I'd saved long ago - it might be from Graphic Fairy, but who knows?  With a clear vision in mind for my DIY Christmas ornament, I applied Mod Podge inside the can and on the back of the wrapping paper.  Then, I did the same for our jolly St. Nick clip art.   

To upcycle one of our trees, I didn't purchase any pine this year for crafting.  I'll be using it everywhere!  I hot glued a piece of pine from the tree branch inside the can to cover any scratches (from my experimenting with this piece).  

  

Not stopping at the inside, I added another piece of clip art to the back of the can.  I wish I'd thought to stamp the year on it, but that idea came later.  You can see, I may have been a bit heavy on the Mod Podge, and of course, I couldn't wait for it to dry before I snapped a pic.  

I drilled a hole in the top of the can, threaded twine through it, and hung it on our DIY Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the dining room.  I was delighted with how this DIY ornament turned out - hard to believe it used to be a tuna can.  Oh, the possibilities of turning trash to treasures are endless!    

Next, an ugly duckling got a marvelous makeover and became the swan it was meant to be.  Chalk paint came to the rescue with a single coat of moss green chalk paint and a tree transfer.  This tin was on its way to becoming the belle of the ball!  

What do you think of this transformation?  I've fallen in love with this one - it's as if it was always meant to be in its new look.  

I'm quite pleased with how this glass jar turned out.  Can you tell I've been on a rustic kick lately?  I'm loving the rusty spots and grime I've added to each piece lovingly. 

Have you seen the jam jars at the Dollar Tree that folks use in their decor and tiered trays?  I found a wooden one my Grandpa made many years ago and decided to see what I could create with it.  

Since there are two sides, I had two chances to create new decor just by flipping it over.  Lucky me!  One side features Santa, and the other has a bird.  Birds always remind me of my Grandpa, so I knew a bird had to be on one side.  

I have more to share, but that will have to wait for another day.  Christmas is my favorite time of year, and crafting for Christmas this year has kept me busy.  What do you think of our easy holiday DIY projects?  Would you consider making one of your own?

Don't Forget to Pin for Later!

Cheers,

Cara