14 Easy-to-Make Scandinavian-Inspired Christmas Decorations
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Holiday season means it’s easy to get caught up in the glitter and glimmer of sparkling decorations. If you’re not into the total festive living vibe though, and instead want a more peaceful feel for your Christmas decor this year, then the Scandinavian approach could be just what you’re after. Scandinavian inspired decorations are known for their combination of minimalism and warmth, and are just the thing to bring a little hygge, the Danish term for cozy comfort, into your home.
Not only are these decorations beautiful but they are practical and easy to make. Use natural materials, neutral colours, and simple craft and you’ll be able to reset your space without breaking the bank and hours spent crafting. So, let’s see some DIY Scandinavian inspired Christmas decorations that are both stylish and easy to make.
Paper Star Lanterns
There are few better symbols of Nordic Christmas than delicate paper star lanterns. These heavy-duty paper oversized stars can be hung in windows to create a soft glowing ambiance. You will need sturdy white or kraft paper, scissors, and some glue to make your own. This project is a beginner friendly because we have templates online. If all goes well, you then simply assemble, add a battery operated light so your star doesn’t have to be plugged into the wall.
Evergreen Wreaths
Scandinavian wreaths generally keep it very minimal, made up of evergreen sprigs tied together with twine. To make one, collect some fresh pine or fir branches and shape them into a circle of a wire frame. Place the twine or floral wire branches together and secure, but leave portions of the frame open to give that slight understated Nordic touch. You can hang it on your front door or make it a centerpiece at your dining table with a candle in the middle.
Wooden Bead Garlands
This is a wooden bead garland that is a great item for Christmas trees, mantels, or with your table decor. Buy some unfinished wooden beads at a craft store and attach them to a length of jute or twine. To give a more personal feel, you could paint some of the beads white or a little gold. This garland is an instant classic because of its simplicity and natural texture.
Tree Slice Candleholders
Candlelight is what Nordic winters are all about, and it’s hard to think of a better way to show off your candles than on rustic tree slices. All you do is cut small, flat discs from a tree branch (or buy pre-cut ones online) and drill shallow holes in the middle to hold tea lights. Warm lighting can reduce stress, make you feel relaxed, according to Psychvarsity, the psychological effects of candlelight found, is ideal for holiday gatherings.
Felt Ornaments
Soft textures in holiday decor are easy to come by in the form of felt ornaments. Using contrasting thread, you can sew the edges of wool-felt cut-out shapes such as stars, hearts or trees. Put a little stuffing in them to give them dimension and don’t forget a loop of ribbon for hanging. Homemade felt ornaments are also the perfect gift, and if you combine it with a handwritten note, even better!
Minimalist Advent Calendar
Swap out the candy-filled store bought advent calendar for a DIY version that also acts as decor. Tie 24 small muslin bags or envelopes to a wooden dowel or piece of driftwood with jute twine. Fill each bag with small treasures: handwritten notes, small trinkets, and then number each one.
Dried Orange Garland
Dried orange slices are a classic Scandinavian holiday decoration. Thinly slice fresh oranges and dry them off well, then bake in a low temperature (about 200°F) oven for about 3 to 4 hours. Dry the slices and then add string to them on twine, with cinnamon sticks or wooden beads for variation. Use the garland to hang on your tree, across a mantel or around a window for a pop of natural color.
Paper Snowflakes
Nostalgic and timeless, paper snowflakes are one of those baking hall of famers. For a modern twist, use plain white paper or mix in plain kraft paper. Cut and fold your designs as finely as you can. Fishing line can hang them from the ceiling for a frosty look, or you can strap them to windows. They can also be a fun craft project to do with kids when there’s a snowy day.
Simple Tabletop Trees
Use twigs, wooden dowels, etc, to make tiny Christmas trees. Then hot glue with small sprigs of greenery in a conical shape to the base. Display these trees in ceramic pots or wooden stands on mantels, shelves, or your holiday table. Those sweet little flowers have a joie de vivre that will rival any store-bought centerpiece.
Clay Gift Tags
Why not make your gift wrapping look more handmade with clay tags? Make shapes out of dry clay and cookie cutters such as stars or trees. Punch a hole at the top before the clay dries and you can string them. You can stamp names or festive messages into soft clay. These tags are dried and then double as ornaments making your gifts extra special.
Star Garland
Stars are a recurring theme in Scandinavian decor, and a few simple shapes strung-up makes that celestial magic more accessible to your home. Make cut stars from thick paper or lightweight wood, paint in neutral base coats or metallics. Tie the pots together with jute or ribbon and hang the garland along your mantel or staircase.
Twig Candleholders
Make use of small twigs for some rustic candleholders. Get some twigs of the same kind, of same length, and glue them around the outside of a glass jar or tin can. For a little decoration, tie a piece of twine around the middle. As the candle lit inside, the light of it flickers through the cracks and gives you a warm, cozy glow in your space.
Burlap Stockings
Burlap stockings are a rustic elegance look that can be adapted to a Scandinavian inspired look. Sew simple stocking shapes out of burlap fabric, and decorate with lace, a ribbon, or wooden buttons. For a homely handmade vibe hang them by the fireplace or on a decorative ladder.
Pinecone Decorations
During the winter, there’s certainly no shortage of pinecones and they are so versatile! If you’d like to see snow kiss your whites, dip them in white paint and glue them onto a wreath base. You can also attach small loops of twine to make simple ornaments. Pinecones are a great example of this philosophy.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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