Top Christmas craft ideas to try this year

Christmas gifting and decorating can be pricey, especially on a student budget. With crafting making its big comeback, thanks in part to the influence of ‘crafty girl’ Martina Calvi, DIY holiday projects are a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit and also save yourself some money. Here are some of the best Christmas crafts to try this year.

Where to buy craft materials

• The Works
• Amazon
• Charity shops
• Supermarkets
• Flying Tiger
• Søstrene Grene

Top Christmas craft ideas to try this year

1. Paper Garlands

Paper chains and star garlands are super cute and perfect for adding a festive touch to any room. Use patterned or metallic paper for extra flare!

What you’ll need:

• Coloured or patterned paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• String or thread (optional, for star garlands)
• Ruler & pencil (optional)

How to Make Them:

1. Cut strips of paper for chains or cut out star shapes for a garland.
2. For paper chains, loop each strip and glue the ends together, linking them into a chain.
3. For star garlands, cut out stars and glue or tape them along a long piece of string.
4. Hang your garland wherever you need a festive touch.

2. Felt Ornaments

Create any shapes you’d like: stars, cats, mirrorballs, food. Add beads, embroidery, sequins, or buttons to make each ornament unique.

What You’ll Need:

• Felt sheets
• Scissors
• Needle & thread or fabric glue
• Stuffing (optional)
• Beads, sequins, buttons, embroidery thread (optional)
• Ribbon or string for hanging

How to Make Them:

1. Cut out two identical shapes from felt.
2. Stitch or glue the edges together, leaving a small opening.
3. Add a bit of stuffing if you want a puffy ornament.
4. Close the remaining opening and attach a hanging loop.
5. Decorate with beads, embroidery, or sequins.

3. Felt Photo Frame

These make wonderful handmade gifts and are incredibly easy to customise to fit any photo size or aesthetic. You can also easily turn them into keychains or magnets.

What You’ll Need:

• Felt sheets (in various colours)
• Scissors
• Glue (hot or fabric) or needle and thread
• Clear plastic sheet (optional for a “glass” front)
• Magnet backing or keychain (optional)
• Decorative items (buttons, sequins, etc)

How to Make Them:

1. Cut two felt rectangles (or the shape you are going for).
2. Leave one solid back piece and one front frame with an opening that will fit your photo size ( For example: 6 x 4 or 2 x 2).
3. Glue (or sew) the front piece to the back on three sides, leaving the top open to slide in a photo.
4. Add decorations around the frame.
5. Attach a magnet or keychain ring if desired.

4. Felt Banner

A felt banner is a charming way to share your seasonal greetings. Create letters, shapes, or festive symbols, then string them together for a warm handmade decoration.

What You’ll Need:

• Felt sheets (in various colours)
• Scissors
• Hot glue or fabric glue
• Ribbon, yarn, or twine

How to Make Them:

1. Cut banner shapes from felt. These can be triangles, rectangles, or a flag.
2. Cut out letters or shapes to glue onto each banner piece.
3. Decorate your banner pieces.
4. Leave as is if you are making a felt flag.
5. If you are making a hanging banner, attach each piece to a long ribbon or string with glue.
6. Hang your banner!

5. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough is a quick and easy way to create ornaments that perfectly match your Christmas aesthetic.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking tray
• Straw or skewer
• Paint & brushes
• Ribbon or twine
• Mod Podge

How to Make Them:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
2. Roll to the thickness of a pound coin.
3. Cut shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Make a small hole for hanging.
5. Bake at 120°C for 2 – 3 hours or until dry.
6. Once cooled, paint and decorate.
7. Seal with Mod Podge.
8. Thread the ribbon through the hole.
9. Hang on your tree!

6. Painted Ornaments

Upcycle old or unwanted baubles and turn them into something new and beautiful.

What You’ll Need:

• Old or plain baubles
• Acrylic paint or paint pens
• Paintbrushes
• Palette or paper plate
• Mod Podge
• Ribbon (optional)

How to Make Them:

1. Clean and dry the baubles.
2. Paint your design.
3. Let dry fully.
4. Seal with Mod Podge.
5. Add ribbon if you want a new hanging loop.

7. Painted Candles

Painting dinner candles is a fun and relaxing craft. Use acrylic paint or paint pens to add florals, stars, stripes, or festive scenes.

What You’ll Need:

• Plain dinner candles
• Acrylic paint or paint pens
• Palette and brushes

How to Make Them:

1. Wipe candles so the surface is clean and dry.
2. Use paint or paint pens to decorate with stripes, florals, stars, or festive designs.
3. Let them dry completely before handling.
4. Display or gift them!

8. Paper Angels

Make your own angel tree toppers or ornaments using a printable paper angel template. Decorate them with collage materials, glitter, stickers, or paint to give each one its own personality.

What You’ll Need:

• Paper angel template
• Coloured or patterned paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Pens, stickers, glitter, and collage materials
• String (optional for hanging)

How to Make Them:

1. Print or trace your angel template onto paper.
2. Cut out the angel.
3. Decorate with collage, drawings, or glitter.
4. Punch a hole in the top and attach a loop of string to turn it into an ornament.

Whether you’re making decorations for your home or heartfelt handmade gifts for friends and family, these easy Christmas craft ideas aren’t to be missed. Gather your supplies and get crafty! If you need some more gift inspo check out our guide for students participating in a Secret Santa.