5 Low-Waste Holiday Crafts
These crafts can easily be made using items you have at home
Whether you’re looking to cut down on costs, waste, or trips to the store this holiday season, these crafts are perfect for you and easy to try. From garlands to greeting cards to stockings, you can make any of these crafts using items you likely already have around the house. If you try out any of these crafts, tag us in your pics on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!
1. A modern pomander ball
Pomander balls were a classic holiday craft for my family, but I have to admit they’re really not that aesthetically pleasing. Pomander balls are basically just whole oranges stuck with whole cloves, but if you can get same heavenly smell—with a cuter, more modern look—if you slice the oranges and dry them out in the oven, sprinkling the slices with ground cloves on both sides.
Once the oranges are dried you can create a garland, string them into individual ornaments, or put out a decorative bowl full of slices. If properly dried and stored, these oranges can actually last for years, although the color may darken over time.
2. Red-and-white garland
If you have a good movie, popcorn, thread, a needle, and some cranberries, then you have everything you need to make a beautiful red-and-white holiday garland. These garlands can go inside or even outside, as long as you don’t mind some birds, squirrels, and other animals coming to nibble on them.
If you are planning to compost these garlands, just make sure you’ve used 100% cotton thread or a thread you’ve confirmed is biodegradable. You can even use biodegradable dental floss to string this garland if you have some!
3. Handmade cards
You need a few more tools than just paper scraps to make your own recycled paper, but it is a really fun activity if you have the time and is a great way to spend a day at home. I know I’m looking for creative ways to stay in touch with loved ones, and cards made from homemade paper are a great keepsake and one way to show someone you’re thinking of them.
4. Snowless snowflakes
Cutout snowflakes are a classic holiday craft you can easily make at home with just scissors and paper. If you don’t have construction paper or want to get more creative, you can use other paper materials like newspaper, old holiday cards, paper shopping bags, or wrapping paper scraps.
While you can print templates for a specific snowflake shape, I think it’s more fun to just browse templates online and then create your own design. These decorations can be recycled after you’re done or easily saved in an envelope for next year!
5. Upcycled stockings
If you have old holiday sweaters, scarves, sheets, or tablecloths that you cannot use anymore? Try turning them into stockings!
You don’t even need to get a pattern for this; you can just trace an old stocking to use as a pattern for your new, upcycled stocking. While you can use a sewing machine to make your stockings, you can also sew this by hand with a little more time and patience.
