How to Make Holiday Decorations with Your Own Hands: 5 Ideas from Our Heroine

The magical time is approaching when you want to create a festive atmosphere around. Our heroine Alina decided to share the secrets of decorating holiday decor that makes the interior not only beautiful but also truly unique.

In her work, she uses wood and original painting techniques to create one-of-a-kind items. Be inspired by her ideas and make holiday decorations with your own hands!

Alina, a blogger

Candleholders from balusters: comfort and originality in every detail

Materials:

• Balusters from a construction store;
• A miter saw;
• Furniture board for the base;
• Furniture glue (for example, Titebond);
• Spackle for leveling;
• Stain to give wood a tone;
• Carved volumetric decor (wooden or PVC);
• Chalk paint and furniture wax.

Creating Process:

• Preparing the balusters.
  Cut off unnecessary parts, leaving only the part that will serve as a candleholder. Adjust the height according to your needs – you can make both table and floor versions.
• Creating the base.
  Cut square platforms from a furniture board. The base should be wider than the baluster by 3–4 cm for stability and an attractive appearance.
• Assembly.
  Glue the elements together with furniture glue. If needed, use spackle to level the surface and hide defects.

• Decorating.
  Paint the candleholder with stain to add depth to the color. Attach carved decor using appropriate glue: wooden with furniture glue, and PVC with instant adhesive. Before painting the PVC decor, prime it with a special product for paint adhesion.
• Distressing technique.
  Apply wax to the dried surface to create an effect of peeling paint. Use multi-layered painting, adding various shades.
• Final finishing.
  Protect the surface with furniture wax, add gold patina to convex elements of the moldings for festive shine. To reveal lower layers, remove excess with a spatula – this should be done at the very end. Candleholders are ready!

Wooden Christmas Tree: Festive Alternative to Traditional Greenery

Materials:

• Wooden Christmas tree cutout;
• Wax for distressing;
• Chalk paint;
• Templates for patterns;
• Paint for golden accents.

Work Steps:

• Create the base of the Christmas tree from wood or use a ready-made cutout.
• Apply stain, then layers of paint using the distressing technique with wax.

• To add more expressiveness, add painterly drips by mixing paint with water.
• Using a stencil, carefully apply golden patterns with a sponge.
• After drying, finish the work with protective wax. The Christmas tree will become a bright accent in your festive interior.

Distressing Technique: How to Add Vintage Charm to Interior

• Use wax to create an effect of peeling paint. Apply it unevenly, especially on corners and convex elements.
• For multi-layered painting, combine similar shades to give the item a painterly look.

• Scrape off paint with a spatula – this gives a more natural effect than sandpaper.
• Add dark furniture wax to recesses to create the effect of 'century-old' dust and soot.

Simple Decorations: How to Quickly Create a Festive Mood

If you don’t have much time but want to decorate your home:

• Make volumetric paper snowflakes.

• Assemble compositions from branches, pinecones, and Christmas ornaments in vases and planters.

• Use readily available materials – they will add warmth and individuality.

Tip from Alina: Inspiration and Creative Freedom

• Dare to experiment with colors, materials, and techniques.
• Create multi-layered effects by combining painting styles.
• Creativity is an opportunity to express yourself and fill your home with warmth.

New Year is a time of miracles, and handmade decorations will become a source of pride and joy for the whole family. Try creating the perfect holiday decor inspired by our heroine's tips!