The holiday season is the perfect time to unwind, get creative, and add a personal touch to your home—and Christmas Crafts for Adults make it easy and fun to do just that. These festive projects aren’t just about making decorations; they’re a joyful way to slow down and embrace the magic of the season.
Christmas Crafts for Adults
Christmas crafts for adults are a fun and creative way to bring festive cheer into your home. From elegant décor to handmade gifts, these DIY projects add a personal touch to the holiday season.
DIY Evergreen Wreath
Creating your own evergreen wreath is a timeless way to welcome guests with warmth and tradition. Using fresh or faux greenery, this project adds natural beauty to your front door or fireplace. It’s simple to personalize with ribbons, berries, or ornaments. The best part? It smells amazing if you use real pine or cedar.
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Use a wire wreath frame for a sturdy base
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Combine pine, cedar, and eucalyptus for texture
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Add pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or berries for variety
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Secure elements with floral wire or hot glue
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Finish with a big festive bow or seasonal ribbon
Handmade Scented Candles
Homemade candles are cozy, classy, and perfect as gifts or décor. You can customize the scent, color, and container to suit your holiday vibe. Whether you prefer warm vanilla or fresh pine, crafting candles adds elegance to the season. Plus, it’s a relaxing activity you can do on a chilly evening.
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Use soy or beeswax for a cleaner burn
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Add essential oils like cinnamon, clove, or peppermint
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Pour into mason jars, teacups, or tins
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Use wooden wicks for a modern touch and soft crackle
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Label your candles with custom holiday tags
Painted Wooden Ornaments
Painting wooden ornaments is a charming way to add handmade flair to your tree. From rustic snowflakes to personalized names, these decorations become treasured keepsakes. Great for beginners and experienced crafters alike, this project is simple but meaningful. You can even host an ornament painting night with friends.
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Use acrylic paint for bold, quick-drying color
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Add glitter or metallic pens for sparkle
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Seal with a clear varnish for durability
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Drill a hole for ribbon or twine to hang
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Personalize with names, dates, or quotes
Christmas Garland with Dried Citrus
Dried citrus garlands bring a vintage, earthy charm to your décor. The translucent oranges glow beautifully against lights and greenery. This project is both beautiful and fragrant, filling your home with a subtle fresh scent. You can hang it over windows, mantels, or banisters.
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Slice oranges and bake at a low temp until dried
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String with twine and add bay leaves or cinnamon sticks
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Space pieces evenly for a polished look
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Use a large needle for easier threading
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Store in a cool, dry place to reuse next year
DIY Holiday Snow Globes
Snow globes bring out nostalgic joy and make perfect mantle pieces or gifts. Creating your own lets you design tiny winter scenes in a jar. From trees to miniature houses, it’s fun to bring the holiday magic to life inside glass. Just shake and smile.
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Use mason jars or baby food jars as the base
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Add miniatures from craft stores or recycle small toys
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Use waterproof glue to secure items inside
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Fill with distilled water, glycerin, and glitter
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Seal tightly and decorate the lid with ribbon
Felt Christmas Trees
Felt trees are an easy yet festive craft that works well as tabletop décor. They’re soft, cheerful, and can be customized to match your style. Whether you’re using neutral tones or bold reds and greens, felt trees add a cozy handmade touch to your space.
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Use felt sheets in various shades of green
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Cut triangles or circles and stack in layers
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Add sequins, beads, or pom-poms for ornaments
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Secure with hot glue on a dowel or foam cone
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Create clusters in different sizes for variety
Hand-Stamped Gift Wrap
Elevate your gift-giving with custom hand-stamped wrapping paper. It adds a thoughtful touch and turns every package into something special. With just kraft paper and stamps, you can create charming designs that feel both rustic and chic.
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Use potato stamps or rubber stamps with holiday motifs
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Choose kraft or white butcher paper for a clean canvas
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Stick to a simple color palette for elegance
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Add ribbon, jute twine, or fresh greenery sprigs
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Let each layer of ink dry before stacking gifts
DIY Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders
Bring a warm, spiced scent into your home with cinnamon stick candle holders. These rustic crafts look beautiful on holiday tables or windowsills. They’re quick to make but look professionally done and smell like Christmas all season long.
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Use pillar candles for the base
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Wrap cinnamon sticks vertically using hot glue
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Tie with jute twine, ribbon, or a holiday charm
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Place on a plate or tray to catch wax
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Avoid using near flammable decorations
Macramé Christmas Ornaments
Macramé adds boho charm to your Christmas tree or gifts. These ornaments are trendy, easy to learn, and relaxing to make. From stars to snowflakes, they make lovely additions to a natural-themed holiday setup.
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Use cotton cord or twine for a soft look
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Start with simple knots like square or lark’s head
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Add wooden beads or mini bells
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Use a ring or stick as a base for structure
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Finish ends with fringe or tiny tassels
Mason Jar Cookie Mix Gifts
Cookie mix jars are a thoughtful and tasty holiday gift. Layered with dry ingredients, they look beautiful and are easy to make in batches. Just add a tag with instructions and you’re done! These make sweet stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts.
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Use wide-mouth mason jars for easy layering
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Alternate flour, sugar, chips, and spices for a neat look
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Include a recipe tag with baking instructions
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Decorate lids with fabric, ribbon, or string
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Keep in a cool place for freshness
Wine Cork Christmas Trees
Upcycle your used corks into adorable tabletop trees. It’s a creative way to reduce waste and add rustic charm to your home. These mini trees look great on mantels, desks, or as part of a centerpiece.
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Hot glue corks into a triangular tree shape
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Paint ends green or red for festive flair
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Add a cork or wood slice as a base
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Decorate with tiny bows or rhinestones
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Spray with glitter for a shimmering finish
Clay Gift Tags and Ornaments
Air-dry clay projects are elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re crafting gift tags or minimalist tree ornaments, clay adds a modern handmade touch. Customize with stamps or paint to fit your holiday theme.
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Roll out clay and cut with cookie cutters
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Use a skewer to punch a hole for string
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Stamp with holiday sayings or names
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Let dry fully before painting or hanging
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Seal with matte or glossy varnish
DIY Holiday Mug Designs
Customize mugs for holiday sipping or gifting using paint pens or decals. From snowflakes to sassy holiday quotes, your designs can be as simple or bold as you like. These are perfect for cocoa nights or homemade gift baskets.
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Use oil-based paint pens for lasting results
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Sketch design in pencil before committing
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Bake mugs in the oven to set the paint
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Avoid decorating near the rim for safety
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Handwash only to preserve the design
Beaded Snowflake Decorations
Beaded snowflakes add sparkle and elegance to your holiday décor. They look delicate but are quite sturdy, making them ideal for hanging on trees or windows. Choose a color scheme to match your holiday palette.
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Use thin wire and crystal or pearl beads
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Follow snowflake templates or freestyle
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Twist wire tightly to hold the shape
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Add a loop of ribbon or fishing line to hang
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Store flat to avoid bending
Fabric Scrap Christmas Trees
Turn leftover fabric into whimsical tree decorations. These scrappy trees are charming and eco-friendly, making them perfect for a rustic or vintage Christmas look. You can use them as ornaments, table accents, or even gift toppers.
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Cut fabric scraps into strips of various sizes
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Tie or glue strips onto a stick or skewer
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Layer the fabric to form a tree shape
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Add a button or star at the top
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Display in a small vase or hang with ribbon
Tips for Crafting Success
Crafting during the holidays should be joyful, not stressful—and that starts with smart planning and thoughtful choices. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just picking up the glue gun for fun, these tips will help you stay on budget, find the right materials, and keep your projects stylish and display-worthy. With a little prep, your handmade creations will shine all season long.
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Budgeting for Materials
Decide how much you’re willing to spend before starting. Make a list of must-have items vs. optional add-ons. Buy in bulk for group projects or shared supplies. Reuse materials like ribbons, buttons, and old jars. Keep receipts to track spending and return extras if needed. -
Where to Buy Supplies (Local, Online, Thrifted)
Local craft stores often offer seasonal deals and coupons. Online platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or craft retailers provide variety and convenience. Thrift stores are treasure troves for fabric, containers, or vintage decorations. Don’t forget dollar stores for budget-friendly basics. -
Keeping Crafts Adult-Chic vs. Kiddie-Style
Choose a consistent color palette (like neutrals, golds, or jewel tones) for a more refined look. Avoid using too many cartoonish or overly bright elements. Incorporate natural materials like wood, linen, and metallics for a polished finish. Look for inspiration from home décor magazines or minimalist Pinterest boards. -
Displaying Your Crafts Beautifully at Home
Group similar crafts together for impact—like a cluster of handmade candles or a garland across the mantel. Use trays, stands, or clear jars to elevate small items. Mix your DIY pieces with store-bought decor to balance the look. Add soft lighting to highlight textures and details.
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas Crafts for Adults to start with?
Start with simple projects like painted wooden ornaments, handmade gift tags, or mason jar snow globes. These require minimal materials, basic skills, and still look beautiful when finished.
Can I make Christmas Crafts for Adults that are also great as gifts?
Absolutely you make Christmas Crafts for Adults! DIY candles, cookie mix jars, personalized mugs, and felt ornaments all make thoughtful, handmade gifts that friends and family will love.
Where can I find affordable craft supplies for holiday projects?
You can shop at local craft stores with seasonal discounts, browse online platforms like Amazon or Etsy, or check out thrift stores and dollar shops for budget-friendly finds. Don’t forget to reuse old materials from past holidays!
How do I make my crafts look more adult and stylish?
Stick to a cohesive color palette, use natural or metallic elements, and avoid overly cartoonish designs. Look for inspiration from modern holiday décor and focus on clean, minimal styles with elegant touches.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.