Finally, it's time to get your jingle on! Marty has been trying to curb my Christmas enthusiasm for months, but now I’m going for it.
Christmas is coming, and there are so many things you can make to decorate your home or to give as gifts. Anything from salvaged things or unwanted items people throw away or donate to charity is prime for a Christmas glow-up.
Handmade Decorations
Make your own wall sign decorations using old scrap wood and maybe some Made by Marley paper.
Or what about simpler projects you could do with your grandchildren, like paper chains or making your own Christmas cards from their handprints? Make tree decorations from toilet rolls or toadstools from tangerines.
How about a festive candle? Melt down all your leftover parts of candles, add some festive essential oils like orange or clove, and then pour the melted wax into a thrifted container with some new wicks. It’s a cheap way to use up the wax and make your home smell awesome. These make beautiful gifts, too.
Make a wreath for your door by wiring twigs together. Add some ivy and ribbon, or go for a Nordic aesthetic and make twig stars to hang from windows and ceilings. Add garden greenery around your house, displayed in vintage jugs that match your decor.
Potato-print a table runner and napkins, or thrift a bright red throw as a tablecloth. Add some glass vases filled with berry branches for a festive touch.
Enjoying the Season
Scatter fairy lights around and enjoy the whole season. I always think that the joy of Christmas is also in the lead-up. Take time to soak up the magic, or if you’re not a Christmas lover, take time to retreat and hibernate until it’s over. But remember self-care! While you’re in hibernation, watch our videos and get inspired to plan or start a new piece of furniture. Or check out our new decoupage paper and treat yourself.
What about a little dopamine decorating? Have you seen the fussy-cut decoupage wall? This set is available on our website.
Handmade Gifts
I love a handmade gift, maybe because I appreciate the time and effort that a friend or loved one has gone to in making it, but also because they’re generally unique. Upcycling is trending more now than ever before. This not only saves our planet but also your purse and gives you some time out to get into your flow of happy creating before you’re cooking turkey for your Auntie Marge.
Art for walls and even lampshades. What about old frames and mirrors? Recycle old fabric and clothing by weaving a simple basket with the scraps. Something I’m doing this year is weaving a simple basket and filling it with small goodies.
Creative Wrapping
For wrapping, why not make your own stamp on brown paper or wrap gifts in fabric and ribbon? Take time out from all the busyness and craft some tags in an afternoon with a cup of tea and a good audiobook. Why not make pompoms from unwanted wool to embellish your gifts, or glue a toilet roll star to a box as a decoration?
Christmas is a time to enjoy, and handmaking gifts gives me the joy of creating and the delight of giving. It’s brilliant.
Wrap-Up
I hope you enjoyed my Christmas ramblings and have been inspired to get crafty this Christmas season. If you’re busy and don’t have all the time to handmake gifts, unapologetically, I have lots of reimagined and recycled goodies in our small Made by Marley Christmas shop.
Lastly, Marty and I want to wish you a very, very Merry Christmas 🌲 and a happy, safe, and healthy New Year
to everyone. And happy Hogmanay when it comes! 🎉
The toilet paper stars were so neat to watch and a neat way to involve some younger children also. I have thrifted a suitcase, just need to figure out which of the many designs to add to it! Your channel is such great inspi
Everything is wonderful, that's how Christmas should be. Merry Christmas, Lel and Martyn
A very happy Christmas Lel, to you, Marty and the kids! You've made my 2024 so much fun and my Christmas present to myself is the making of my first ever arts and crafts room. Couldn't have done it without you!!
Lel, your Christmas ramblings are enjoyable and inspiring! Merry Christmas to you, Martyn, and all of your clan! (Liscinda)