There is something wonderfully calming about making things with your hands in the run-up to Christmas. Whether you are hoping to decorate your home, create thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoy a cosy afternoon with a cup of tea and a stack of supplies, this list of 100 Christmas crafts is here to spark ideas.
You absolutely do not need to be artistic to enjoy these projects. Many of them are simple, low-pressure, and use everyday materials you probably already have at home. Others are slightly more involved evening projects if you fancy sinking into something more detailed. Dip in, pick a few that match your time, budget, and mood, and let us make this Christmas feel handmade and special.
1. Paper and Card Crafts
Paper and card are affordable, easy to find, and wonderfully forgiving, making them perfect for Christmas crafting. From simple folded stars to handmade cards and paper villages, these projects are ideal whether you are brand new to crafting or already love your glue stick.
1. Simple Scandinavian Style Paper Stars
These clean, minimal paper stars look beautiful hung in windows or strung across a mantelpiece. Cut strips of plain or lightly patterned paper, then follow a simple folding tutorial to weave them into three-dimensional stars. Use a bone folder or the back of a teaspoon to really crease the folds, which helps the stars sit flatter and look more finished. Once you have made one or two, batch-making them becomes surprisingly quick, so cut a pile of strips in advance to keep the momentum going.
[Photo idea: a cluster of neutral paper stars hanging in a frosty window]
2. Hand-Stamped Christmas Cards
Design your own Christmas cards with a homemade stamp and some blank card blanks. You can carve a simple tree or star into an eraser using a craft knife, then use it with an ink pad or acrylic paint to stamp a clean, graphic design. Keep your first stamp very simple, because fewer lines means less chance of tearing and a crisper impression on the card. Lay your cards out on old newspaper and stamp them all in one go, so you only have to clean the stamp once at the end.
3. Cut Out Paper Snowflakes for Windows
Paper snowflakes are an old favourite for a reason: they are quick, satisfying, and instantly festive. Fold plain white paper into triangles, snip random shapes along the folded sides, then unfold to reveal delicate snowflake patterns. For sharper lines and easier cutting, make sure your scissors are properly sharpened and keep your folded paper no more than four layers thick. Use tiny bits of Blu-Tack or removable tape at the corners to fix them to windows without leaving marks afterwards.
[Photo idea: a window covered in various-sized snowflakes with a blurred tree in the background]
4. Mini Paper Christmas Village
Create a tiny paper village to sit along a shelf or windowsill, using card, a craft knife, and battery tea lights. Draw simple house silhouettes with cut-out windows, then score the fold lines lightly with a blunt knife so the card bends cleanly. Use a thicker card for the base of each house, as it will stand more securely and will not buckle with the heat of the tea light underneath. If you are worried about cutting neat windows, start with simple square shapes and a metal ruler as a guide.
5. Layered Paper Forest Art
Create a framed piece of winter art by layering paper trees in a shadowbox frame. Cut simple triangular tree shapes from different shades of green and white, then layer them using foam pads or rolled up tape for depth. Arrange the tallest trees at the back and keep the smallest towards the front so the whole scene feels three-dimensional. Measure the inside of your frame first, then lightly mark a horizon line in pencil to keep all your trees at a consistent ground level.
[Photo idea: close up of layers of green and white paper trees in a white frame]
6. Origami Star Garland
Fold a series of little origami stars or lucky stars and string them together into a garland. Use thin, crisp paper cut into strips; scrap wrapping paper works brilliantly and gives a lovely mix of patterns. Start with larger strips as you learn the folds, then move down to narrower strips once you are confident, because small stars can be fiddly. When threading, use a fine needle and strong sewing thread, pushing through the thickest part of the star to avoid crushing it.
7. Brown Paper Kraft Gift Envelopes
Turn plain brown paper or old paper bags into rustic gift envelopes for vouchers, cash, or small flat gifts. Cut a rectangle, fold it like a simple envelope, and glue the sides with a glue stick or double-sided tape. For a neat finish, use a ruler to fold straight edges and trim any uneven corners after it is glued. Stamp or hand-letter the front and tie with red and white baker’s twine for a charming, low-waste touch.
[Photo idea: hands tying twine around a brown paper envelope on a wooden table]
8. Watercolour Wash Gift Tags
If you have a basic watercolour set, you can turn plain card into dreamy, painterly gift tags. Cut or punch tag shapes from watercolour paper or thick card, then brush on loose washes of colour in soft reds, greens and blues. Tape the edges of the paper to your surface with masking tape before painting to keep it flat and prevent curling as it dries. Once dry, stamp or write names in black pen, and punch a hole for ribbon or string.
9. Paper Chain Advent Countdown
Upgrade the classic paper chain into an advent countdown by writing a small activity or kind thought inside each strip. Use festive coloured paper and cut enough strips for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Stapling the loops instead of gluing makes the whole process faster and stops impatient fingers from pulling them apart too easily. Hang the chain somewhere visible and commit to actually doing the activity written on each link when you remove it.
2. Ornaments and Tree Decorations
Tree decorations are some of the most satisfying things to make, because you will see and reuse them year after year. This section includes quick wins you can make in an evening and a few more detailed pieces you might treasure for decades.
10. Cinnamon Stick and Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
Combine cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices and ribbon to create beautifully scented ornaments for your tree. Thread a length of ribbon through an orange slice, then tie it around a small bundle of cinnamon sticks and secure with a knot or bow. To dry your orange slices, cut them evenly and bake on a low heat, turning occasionally, so they dry out fully without browning too much. Make a batch in one go and store any extras in an airtight container so you can refresh your decorations next year.
[Photo idea: close up of hands threading ribbon through an orange slice and cinnamon bundle]
11. Salt Dough Keepsake Baubles
Salt dough ornaments are low-cost and surprisingly durable if you dry and store them properly. Mix plain flour, table salt, and water into a firm dough, roll it out, cut shapes with biscuit cutters, add a hole for hanging, then bake on a low heat. Keep your dough quite dry and avoid over-kneading, as too much handling can lead to air bubbles and cracks in the oven. Once baked and fully cooled, paint them with acrylics and seal with a clear varnish so they last for years.
12. Beaded Snowflake Decorations
Create delicate, sparkling snowflakes by threading beads onto thin craft wire in a star shape. Use a few larger beads in the centre and smaller ones towards the ends to give each arm a tapered look. Work on a tray or shallow box lid so runaway beads do not roll all over the floor while you are threading. When you have finished each snowflake, twist the wire ends tightly with pliers and tuck them in so there are no sharp bits to snag on branches.
[Photo idea: a handful of glass beaded snowflakes catching the light on a dark background]
13. Felt Gingerbread People
Cut simple gingerbread person shapes from brown felt and decorate them with embroidery thread, buttons, and tiny pom poms. You can leave them flat or sew two layers together and lightly stuff them to make plump little ornaments. Use a chalk pencil or a washable fabric pen to lightly sketch the face and features before you start stitching, so you avoid having to unpick mistakes on the visible felt. A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors makes cutting neat curves and corners much easier and helps stop the felt from fraying.
14. Clear Baubles Filled with Greenery
Fill clear plastic or glass baubles with tiny sprigs of pine, dried flowers, glitter or rolled up snippets of old sheet music for a personalised touch. Take the top off the bauble and use tweezers or chopsticks to gently arrange your contents so they face outward. If you are using real greenery, make sure it is completely dry to avoid condensation and mould forming inside the bauble over time. Keep the fillings light so they do not put strain on the bauble’s neck or cause it to hang lopsided.
15. Embroidered Hoop Ornaments
Small embroidery hoops make lovely, framed fabric ornaments that can be as simple or intricate as you like. Stretch a piece of linen or cotton in the hoop, then stitch a tiny wreath, star, or festive word in contrasting thread, trimming off any excess fabric at the back. If you are new to embroidery, stick to one or two easy stitches, such as backstitch and French knots, and lightly draw your design in pencil first. To neaten the back, run a line of glue along the inside rim, press a felt circle over it, then add a ribbon loop for hanging.
[Photo idea: a trio of mini hoops with simple stitched designs hanging from a branch]
From this point, ideas 16 to 100 are outlined as shorter prompts so you can decide which ones to expand into full tutorials:
Cosy Home Decor (Wreaths, Garlands, Centrepieces and More)
- Fresh greenery door wreath, wire a circular base with fir, holly, and eucalyptus, securing small bunches with floral wire for a lush, classic wreath.
- Dried hydrangea and ribbon wreath: Use a foam ring and dried hydrangea heads for a soft, vintage look, tied with velvet ribbon.
- Simple foraged twig star, bind straight twigs into a star shape with twine and hang over the fireplace for rustic charm.
- Eucalyptus and fairy light mantle garland, layer eucalyptus along your mantle and weave in battery fairy lights for an easy, fragrant display.
- Mason jar candle centrepieces, fill jars with Epsom salt snow, tuck in a sprig of greenery, and add a tealight for a simple table setting.
- Wooden slice table place settings, write guests’ names on small wooden slices with a paint pen for reusable rustic place markers.
- Cosy Christmas cushion covers, sew envelope-style cushion covers from festive fabric or old jumpers to refresh your sofa.
- Fabric scrap bunting: Turn leftover fabric into triangles and stitch onto bias binding for cheerful, reusable bunting.
- Pinecone and ribbon stair garland, tie pinecones to lengths of ribbon and fasten them down your banister for a simple stair decoration.
- Window ledge mini forest: Arrange bottlebrush trees, candles, and tiny houses along a window ledge for a wintry scene.
- Lanterns from old jam jars, wrap jars with lace or paper doilies, and pop in tealights for soft, patterned light.
- Framed Christmas sheet music, pop vintage carol sheets into frames to lean on shelves or hang on a gallery wall.
- Oversized yarn pom pom garland, make big pom poms from chunky yarn and string them into a cosy garland for doors or mantles.
- Dried orange and bay leaf garland, thread dried orange slices and bay leaves onto twine for a fragrant, natural garland.
- Chalkboard welcome sign, paint a board with chalkboard paint and hand-letter a festive greeting for your hallway.
Gifts and Packaging (Tags, Wraps and Handmade Gifts)
- Hand-stamped wrapping paper, stamp plain brown paper with simple designs using potatoes or rubber stamps for a unique wrap.
- Personalised clay name tags, cut air-dry clay into shapes, stamp in names, and tie them onto gifts as tags that double as ornaments.
- No-sew fleece scarf, cut and fringe a length of fleece fabric to make a cosy, custom scarf for quick gifting.
- Sugar body scrub jars: mix sugar, oil, and a little essential oil, then decant into jars and label for pampering presents.
- Hot chocolate cones: Layer cocoa, sugar, and marshmallows in piping bags or cones for cute hot chocolate gifts.
- Simple framed family print, arrange favourite family photos or a printed quote in a frame for an easy, heartfelt gift.
- Hand-poured soy candles, melt soy wax, add fragrance, and pour into jars or teacups for custom candles.
- Knitted or crocheted mug cosies, make simple rectangles with a button fastening to wrap around mugs.
- Herbal bath tea bags: Fill muslin bags with dried herbs and salts for easy tea baths.
- Photo gift tags: print tiny photos of your recipients and stick them onto plain tags instead of writing names.
- Fabric drawstring gift bags, sew simple drawstring bags from fabric scraps as reusable gift wrap.
- Personalised bookmarks, use a card, photos, or pressed flowers to create laminated bookmarks for book lovers.
- Mini spa-in-a-jar kits: fill a jar with nail files, face masks, and small treats for a relaxing gift.
- Homemade Christmas crackers: Use cardboard tubes, tissue paper, and little treats to make your own crackers.
- Embellished gift boxes: decorate plain boxes with washi tape, ribbon, and cut-out paper shapes for unique packaging.
Kitchen and Foodie Crafts (Edible Decorations, Simple Bakes, and Jar Gifts)
- Decorated gingerbread biscuits, bake simple gingerbread shapes,s and decorate with royal icing for gifting or hanging.
- Stained glass window biscuits, make biscuits with boiled sweets melted in cut-out centres for jewel-like decorations.
- Spiced nuts in jars, roast nuts with spices and honey, then jar and label for snacking gifts.
- Peppermint bark slabs, swirl dark and white chocolate together, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and break into shards.
- Mulled wine kit in a bag, with whole spices, dried orange, and instructions for making homemade mulled wine.
- Festive granola jars, bake a batch of spiced granola with cranberries and nuts, and decant into jars with labels.
- Decorated Christmas cake pops, crumble leftover cake, mix with frosting, and dip in chocolate to make fun cake pops.
- Edible tree garlands, thread popcorn and cranberries to string on the tree or along the mantle.
- Chocolate-dipped spoons: Dip metal or wooden spoons in melted chocolate, sprinkle with toppings, and wrap for hot chocolate stirrers.
- Mini loaf cakes wrapped in parchment, bake small loaves, wrap in parchment and string, and tuck in a sprig of rosemary.
- Homemade jams or chutneys, cook seasonal fruit or vegetables into preserves, and label them for gifting.
- Sugar cookie decorating afternoon, bake plain sugar biscuits and set out icing and toppings for a decorating session.
- DIY flavoured salts, mix sea salt with herbs, citrus zest, or chilli and bottle in small jars.
- Festive ice cubes, freeze cranberries and rosemary in ice cubes for Christmas drinks.
- Gingerbread house kit in a box, bake house panels, and pack them with sweets and icing so someone can assemble their own.
Upcycled and Sustainable Crafts
- Jumper to cushion upcycle, turn an old cosy jumper into a cushion cover by stitching up three sides and adding a zip or buttons.
- Tin can lanterns, punch patterns into clean tins, then pop in tealights for dotted light on steps or tables.
- Bottle cork tree ornament, glue corks into a tree shape, paint the front, and add a ribbon loop.
- Scrap fabric wreath, tie strips of leftover fabric around a wire frame for a soft, full wreath.
- Cardboard star tree toppers, layer and paint cardboard stars, then glue onto a cone base for a lightweight topper.
- Magazine paper beads, roll strips of old magazines into beads and string them into garlands or ornaments.
- T-shirt yarn macrame hanger, cut old t-shirts into strips and knot them into simple plant hangers for festive greenery.
- Glass bottle candle holders, remove labels from bottles, and use them as candle holders with greenery around the base.
- Upcycled Christmas jumper baubles: Cover old baubles with scraps of knitwear for a soft, tactile ornament.
- Pallet wood Christmas tree, cut and stack pallet planks into a rough tree shape to lean against a wall.
- Cereal box gift boxes: turn empty cereal boxes inside out, cut them down, and decorate them as gift boxes.
- Denim pocket gift card holders, cut back pockets from old jeans to use as quirky gift card sleeves.
- Jar lid photo ornaments, glue small photos into jar lids, and add ribbon to hang on the tree.
- Tea tin mini planters, plant mini Christmas cacti or herbs in old tea tins as gifts or table decor.
- Sock snowmen, fill odd socks with rice, tie off sections to create a body and head, and decorate with buttons.
More Paper and Card Crafts (to complete the 100 ideas)
- Concertina paper Christmas trees, fold card into a fan and cut into tree shapes to stand along shelves.
- Pop up Christmas cards, create simple pop up trees or presents inside homemade cards for a surprise element.
- Paper lantern bags, cut star and tree shapes into small paper bags and place battery tea lights inside.
- Washi tape Christmas scenes, use coloured tape on plain cards or tags to draw trees, presents or stars.
- 3D paper bauble wall art, layer folded paper circles into bauble shapes and stick them onto a backing board for wall decor.
- Collage Christmas tree picture, glue torn scraps of green paper into a tree shape on card and decorate with cut out baubles.
- Paper poinsettia flowers, cut and layer red and green paper petals to make flat poinsettias for place cards or garlands.
- Snowy paper village in a jar, place tiny cut out houses and trees into a large jar with fake snow.
- Star shaped paper gift boxes, fold pre printed templates into star boxes for small treats.
- Mini matchbox nativity scene, decorate a matchbox and add tiny paper figures inside for a pocket nativity.
- Paper advent calendar envelopes, hang 24 tiny numbered envelopes on string and tuck notes or treats inside.
- Hand lettered Christmas quote prints, use brush pens to write festive quotes on card and frame them.
- Paper quilled snowflakes, roll thin strips of paper into coils and shapes, then glue into intricate snowflake designs.
- Paper doily tree cones, roll doilies into cones and display them as a delicate forest on a mantle.
- Layered card star tree topper, stack and glue card stars with a dowel on the back to perch on top of the tree.
Extra Ornaments, Decor and Gift Ideas (to reach 100)
- Pom pom and bell tree ornaments, tie small bells onto yarn pom poms, and hang for a soft jingle.
- Mini sweater ornaments, knit or sew tiny jumper shapes to hang on the tree.
- Rustic twig and twine mini trees, bind twigs into tiny tree shapes, and stand them in cork bases.
- Photo frame tree ornaments, reduce favourite photos and place them in tiny frames with ribbon loops.
- Star-shaped stuffed fabric ornaments, sew two star shapes together, stuff lightly, and decorate with buttons.
- Scented wardrobe sachets, sew or glue small fabric pouches and fill with dried lavender and spices.
- Simple flannel hand warmers: stitch squares of flannel, fill with rice, and heat briefly in the microwave for pocket warmers.
- Knitted or crocheted dishcloth sets, make small cloths in festive colours and tie them into bundles for practical gifts.
- Painted stone nativity or winter scene, paint smooth pebbles with simple characters or houses for a tactile display.
- New Year’s gratitude jar: Decorate a jar and cut a stack of paper slips so you can start the new year collecting happy moments.
Closing thought
Pick two or three projects that feel doable this week, gather a few supplies, and give yourself permission to play. Handmade does not need to be perfect; the slightly wonky stars and over-iced biscuits are often the ones everyone remembers most.
