Lately I’ve rediscovered the simple satisfaction of sitting down in the evening to sew (my blanket stitch is improving, but barely) or string a strand of cranberries—a nice change from watching Netflix until I nod off. It’s a comforting way to pass the time in 2020, and the finished results add a homespun, old-fashioned sense of festivity around the house—or, wrapped, make charming gifts, too.
Behold, five old-world, make-it-yourself holiday decorations for decking the halls—or packaging up to send to friends and family.
1. Hand-dipped taper candles
![i recently tried my hand at dipping beeswax tapers on my small scale stovetop i 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/black beeswax candles DIY, finished, by Justine Hand for Remodelista-733x1100.jpg)
Our resident DIYer Justine offers two takes on the classic golden beeswax, with pale green bayberry tapers and the noirish black tapers shown here, festive for a dark winter’s night.
2. Spicy-scented pomander
![one of our favorite all time diy ornaments is also one of the simplest: a tradi 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/last-minute-gifts-erin-boyle-gardenista-42-733x544.jpg)
N.B.: A friend who is moving—and doesn’t want to acquire any more decor—liked the idea of hanging up a few pomanders, since there’s no storing or packing away involved once the season’s over.
3. Threaded garlands (of cranberry, popcorn, dried fruit, or foraged finds)
![stringing your own garland is a calming way to pass the time (while watching a 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fields/DIY gilded ornaments from nature, golden beach nut garland.jpg)
4. Cinnamon and salt dough ornaments
![old school dough ornaments look like gingerbread or tiny cookies—but las 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/christmas-scented-salt-dough-ornaments-rocky-hedgy-farms-733x1100.jpg)
5. Homemade advent calendar
![the original advent calendars started in \2\20;the mid \19th centur 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fields/advent-calendar-diy-tree-branch-gardenista.jpg)
This year I made my own advent calendar with the small cotton muslin bags used in cooking, stitched-on numbers, and a length of twine—a satisfying project to work away on and, now, a small bit of enjoyment for every day. Do the same with tiny bags like these—or find a branch and hang up small wrapped gifts, like Greenhouse Juice did in DIY Holiday: An Advent Calendar Branch from the Garden.
In pursuit of more gifts and decorations to make yourself this year? See:
- Last-Minute Gifts: 7 Favorite Holiday DIYs
- The European Holiday: 14 Ways to Decorate the House, from France, Sweden, and More
- 10 Favorites: No-Cost Holiday Decor Ideas
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