The holiday season is a magical time filled with glitter, lights, and cozy decor. What better way to spread some festive cheer than by creating your own woodland-themed holiday decorations? With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can make beautiful glittery crafts that will add a whimsical touch to your home.
In this article, we will share three easy DIY woodland craft ideas that you can make in under an hour. These projects use simple supplies like pinecones, faux fur, ribbon, and of course, plenty of glitter! Follow our step-by-step instructions to create these rustic yet sparkly decorations that are perfect for displaying on your mantel, console table, or anywhere else in your home.
Glittery Pinecone Trees
Pinecones make Such a great base for holiday crafts. Their woody texture and natural shape lend themselves perfectly to woodland themes. With some glitter and ribbon, you can transform simple pinecones into magical miniature Christmas trees!
What You’ll Need:
- Pinecones in various sizes
- Craft glue or hot glue gun
- Glitter in Christmas colors (red, green, gold, silver, etc.)
- Ribbon in various widths and textures
- Mini Christmas baubles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Gather pinecones in small, medium, and large sizes. Make sure they are dry and open.
- Apply a layer of craft glue or hot glue to the first pinecone, starting at the bottom and working your way up between the petals. Coat the entire outer surface with glue.
- Sprinkle glitter generously over the glue while it is still wet. Rotate the pinecone to coat all sides.
- Once the glitter is adhered, tie a ribbon around the base of the pinecone. Make a bow or let the ends hang loose.
- For added decoration, glue mini baubles, beads, or bells onto the tips of the pinecone petals.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for the remaining pinecones, varying the ribbon colors and sizes.
- Arrange your glittery pinecones on a tray or platter to create a mini pine forest scene!
Get creative with different color combinations, textures, and sizes of pinecones. The possibilities are endless! Display a few of these sparkly trees together on a mantel or coffee table for a magical woodland feel.
Faux Fur Woodland Creature Ornaments
These sweet little critters are so simple to make but add loads of whimsical charm to your holiday decor. Using fluffy faux fur and googly eyes, you can create cute woodland animal ornaments perfect for displaying on your Christmas tree.
What You’ll Need:
- Faux fur fabric in brown, gray, white (at least 12×12 inches of each color)
- Googly eyes
- Strong craft glue
- Ribbon, string, or ornament hooks
- Scissors
- Pom poms, felt, and other embellishments (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut out two equal sized ovals from the brown faux fur, about 5-6 inches long.
- Stack the ovals and glue them together, leaving the furry sides facing out.
- Pinch one end to form a teardrop shape for the head. Glue in place.
- Glue on two googly eyes just below the gathered top. Add a pom pom or felt nose if desired.
- Cut small teardrop ears from the gray faux fur and glue onto the sides of the head.
- For the tail, cut a narrow oval from the white faux fur, about 3 inches long. Glue onto the back of the furry body.
- Tie a ribbon around the creature’s neck to form a loop for hanging.
- Make more woodland animals using the same method with different fur colors! Deer, foxes, owls, rabbits, and raccoons are all possibilities.
Hang your faux fur forest friends on the Christmas tree or display them on a mantle or tablescape. They add a playful touch of nature to your holiday decor!
Glitter Mason Jar Snow Globes
Snow globes are such a nostalgic part of Christmas decor. With some glitter and DIY creativity, you can make beautiful snow globes using simple mason jars and figurines! Display them on your mantle or tabletop to add a magical wintry feel.
What You’ll Need:
- Wide-mouth mason jars
- Distilled water
- Glitter in assorted colors and sizes
- Glycerin
- Cyanoacrylate glue
- Miniature woodland figurines (deer, trees, houses, animals, etc.)
- Strong craft glue
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Clean and dry the mason jars thoroughly. Fill each jar about 2/3 full with distilled water.
- Add a spoonful of glycerin to each jar – this helps the glitter float slowly.
- Sprinkle in liberal amounts of glitter in Christmas colors. Mix gold, silver, red, green, blue, and white for a beautiful effect.
- Seal the jar lids tightly and shake vigorously to mix up the glitter. Allow the glitter to settle overnight.
- Apply a thin layer of cyanoacrylate glue around the inside rim of the jar lid. Let dry completely.
- Arrange your miniatures on the lid and glue in place. Figurines should be small enough to fit through the jar opening.
- Once the figurines are secure, place a small drop of glue on the base of each figure.
- Fill the jar with more distilled water almost to the brim, leaving just a bit of space at the top.
- Quickly screw on the lid tightly. Flip the jar over a few times to allow the figures to float in the glittery “snow”.
- If desired, tie a ribbon around the rim for hanging, or place the jar on a tray.
Admire your magical winter wonderland whenever you shake up the snow inside these glittery globes! They add a festive sparkle to holiday decorating.
FAQ
What types of pinecones work best for the glittery trees?
Lodgepole pinecones are ideal since they have a nice tapered shape that resembles a mini tree. Look for ones around 2-4 inches long. Any open dried pinecones can work though!
What’s the best way to apply the glitter?
Use a thin layer of craft glue or hot glue to adhere the glitter. Apply glitter liberally while the glue is still wet. Gently shake off excess. Spray adhesive can also work but is messier.
How do I get the tails and ears to stick up on the furry woodland creatures?
Cut smaller teardrop shapes from stiffer faux fur and just glue a little of the pointed tip. The stiffness helps them stand upright. You can also insert a small gauge wire into the fur before gluing.
Should I use any special figurines for the snow globe?
Look for lightweight resin or plastic figurines that are small enough to fit through the jar opening. Avoid any metal pieces as they will sink. Adhere them securely to the lid before filling with glitter water.
How much glycerin should I add per jar?
Just a teaspoon or less is plenty! Too much glycerin can make the glitter sink. Add just a small spoonful per jar, stir to combine, and you’re all set.
Can I hang the snow globes or will they leak?
They can definitely be hung safely if you seal them tightly. Just ensure the figurines are completely glued down and allow plenty of drying time before filling with water. Hang them gently.
What’s the best way to display these woodland crafts?
Group them together for an eye-catching nature display! Show off the pinecone trees on a wood slice or platter. Hang the furry creatures from a mini tree branch. Arrange the snow globes on a tray with pine sprigs.
Can kids help make these crafts?
Absolutely! With some supervision, these projects are fun for kids and adults. Just watch small children around hot glue. Pour the glitter water for them. Crafting together makes memorable holiday moments!
Conclusion
With some simple supplies and a dash of woodland whimsy, you can create showstopping holiday decorations like these glittery pinecone trees, furry forest creatures, and snow globe scenes. These nature-inspired projects add rustic charm and sparkle to your Christmas displays.
Making your own handmade crafts is so rewarding. Get the whole family involved for meaningful holiday memories! Set up a craft station with festive music, treats, and these easy tutorials. Before you know it, you’ll have a unique winter wonderland to showcase throughout the season.
Sprinkle a little magic and glitter into your home this Christmas! These woodland DIYs make perfect holiday gifts too. Spread some seasonal cheer with these handcrafted decorations that look beautiful but don’t take too much time or effort.
Let us know if you try any of these sparkly projects! We’d love to see your stunning creations. Feel free to share pictures and let us know which one was your favorite. Have a crafty holiday season!
