'Tis the season to be jolly — and crafty. Because who says crafts are just for kids? This winter get in on the DIY fun yourself, with a few elegant and easy Christmas crafts for adults. From unexpected holiday trees (minus the mess of needles) to ornament chandeliers and mini mantel displays, these creations will put you in the spirit.
1. Use a Swedish candle wreath to add a Nordic nod to your windows.
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DIYer extraordinaire Erin Francois of Francois et Moi was inspired by the Santa Lucia Crown to make this Swedish candle wreath. It's perfect for your windows during the short winter days. Simply attach eucalyptus springs to a brass hoop with floral wire, clip on the candle, and add a leather cord for hanging. Keep in mind that the candle is more for form than function, as it can be a fire hazard if not watched carefully.
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2. Spell out cheery words with pine garland.
Merry Christmas, indeed! Amy Kim of Homey Oh My created this minimalistic garland with Australian pine, floral wire, and not much else. Use your wire cutters to bend and snip the metal into letters, then wrap pieces of pine around the forms. Tie the letters to the string, then affix to the wall with washi tape to make a joyful statement.
3. Make a tree you can display year after year.
If you have a small space, or traditional Christmas trees aren't your style, this modern, Scandi-inspired wooden option may be the perfect fit. And there's no need to clean up needles. Get out your drill, and follow along with this step-by-step from Hunker contributor Caroline Burke. To keep with the modern vibe, hang black and white ornaments. Bonus? It's collapsible for easy storage once January 1st hits.
4. DIY a simple and sleek ornament chandelier.
The instructions to this Christmas craft may be in Dutch, but they're so simple there's no need for translating. Fill clear ornaments with the foliage of your choice — pine and eucalyptus work well — then hang them from string at varying lengths to make for a sleek, simple decoration.
5. Create these handmade trees for a colorful centerpiece.
Red and green are great, but so are pink, orange, and blue. Think outside of the classic Christmas colors for this cardboard cone DIY. With a few supplies (acrylic craft paint, sponge brushes, yarn, and a hot glue gun) you can create this holiday tree forest from Hunker contributor Sara Albers in nearly no time at all. From a dinner table centerpiece to mantel decor, these sweet trees can be repurposed in multiple spots for years.
6. Add a string light tree when you're short on space.
This DIY string light Christmas tree from Collective Gen is a merry and bright version of a modern pine, and it'll work especially well if you're tight on space or veer towards the minimalist look. With some basic drilling and measuring, you can create this with a piece of plywood, fairy lights, and basic screws.
7. Work in some clay decor.
For an easy Christmas craft, customize these handmade trees in your color theme of choice. Simply shape and design polymer clay to resemble mini trees, then paint away. Consider this a perfect project for family night.
8. Try a faux etched mirror.
Confessions of a Serial DIYer breaks down the how-to for this faux etched lettering on a salvaged mirror. And trust us: It's not as tricky as it looks. The project costs nearly nothing and will result in a one-of-a-kind piece you can use forever. With a silhouette of a holiday phrase along with frosted glass spray paint and a little bit of patience, you can get this look for yourself.
9. Paint bottle brush trees for a new take on a classic look.
Bottle brush trees have been a holiday favorite for years, but Happy Happy Nester brought new life to hers by bleaching the bristly little figurines and spray painting them with vibrant, non-Christmas-y colors. How cute would it be to create colorful forest scenes in mason jars and display them along a mantel?