Hey friends! Let’s be honest—walking into places like Pottery Barn creates major envy, but the price tags on Farmhouse decor are absolutely terrifying. And if you go the cheap route, standard store-bought decor often feels way too shiny and plastic to feel authentic.
That is exactly why I put together this list of Rustic & Vintage Crafts. We are going to master the art of the “Thrift Flip,” using distressed wood techniques, antique wax, and clever upcycling to turn dollar store finds into vintage heirlooms. Whether you love jute and burlap crafts or just want that cozy, imperfect beauty in your home, this list is your savior. Let’s make some memories! 🎄✂️✨
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
20 Upcycled Holiday Decor Ideas You’ll Love
1. Chalk Painted “Aged” Mason Jars ❄️
This project transforms standard clear glass jars into matte, weathered vases using chalk paint and sandpaper. It gives you that high-end Farmhouse Christmas DIY look perfect for holding evergreen sprigs or holly.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Mason Jars (Thrifted)
• White Chalk Paint
• Sandpaper (medium grit)
• Jute Twine | Best For: Farmhouse Decor, Table Centerpieces
Time: 30 mins (Active) / 2 hours (Dry)
Mess Level: Med (Sanding glass requires care) |
💡 Pro-Tip: Sand the raised lettering on the jar specifically; this mimics natural wear and tear where hands would have held the jar over decades.
[Image-1: A trio of white matte jars with the glass showing through on the letters, tied with twine and filled with red berries.]
2. Sheet Music Wrapped Star Ornaments ❄️
These are simple cardboard cutouts wrapped in vintage sheet music (or printed copies) that are lightly stained to look tea-aged. It creates such a nostalgic vibe on the tree.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Cardboard
• Sheet Music
• Mod Podge
• Coffee (for staining)
• Glitter (optional) | Best For: Tree Decor, Gift Toppers
Time: 20 mins (Active) / 1 hour (Dry)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Burn the edges of the paper slightly with a lighter (adults only) or use brown ink pads to darken the edges for a truly antique look.
[Image-2: A close-up of a star hanging on a pine branch, with the music notes visible and the edges looking browned and aged.]
3. DIY “Faux Rust” Jingle Bells ❄️
We are taking shiny, cheap dollar store bells and turning them into rustic “iron” artifacts using a cinnamon and paint mixture. This is the ultimate Upcycled Holiday Decor hack!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Large shiny bells
• Mod Podge
• Cinnamon
• Dark Brown Acrylic Paint | Best For: Wreaths, Door Hangers
Time: 45 mins (Active) / Overnight (Dry)
Mess Level: High |
💡 Pro-Tip: Dab the paint on with a sponge rather than brushing it to create a pitted, textured iron surface.
[Image-3: A cluster of three large, rusty-looking bells hanging from a red velvet ribbon on a white door.]
4. Distressed Wood Scrap “Gifts” ❄️
Turn 4×4 or 2×4 wood scraps into faux wrapped presents using paint, sanding, and wire ribbons. It’s a great way to practice distressed wood techniques.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 4×4 Wood posts
• Chalk Paint
• Dark Wax
• Buffalo Check Ribbon | Best For: Porch Decor, Mantle Display
Time: 1 hour (Active) / 2 hours (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t paint the wood perfectly. Leave some raw wood showing, then seal the whole block with dark wax to make the raw wood look aged.
[Image-4: Three wooden blocks of varying heights sitting on a porch, painted red and white, looking scuffed and weathered.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: FolkArt Home Decor Wax, Antique Wax 🐦
Why I love it: This “Antique” shade is perfectly formulated to settle into cracks and grooves to create instant age—hard to find this tone in hardware stores. #NancyApproved
5. Dried Orange Slice Garland ❄️
A classic Victorian/Colonial farmhouse staple that makes your home smell amazing. These slow-baked orange slices strung on twine are pure primitive holiday decor.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Navel Oranges
• Twine
• Large Needle
• Cinnamon Sticks | Best For: Tree Garland, Mantle Swag
Time: 15 mins (Active) / 3-4 hours (Bake)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Blot the oranges with paper towels thoroughly before baking to prevent them from curling up or molding.
[Image-5: Backlit photo of the orange slices glowing against Christmas tree lights, strung with cinnamon sticks.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Natural Jute Twine (500 Feet) 🐦
Why I love it: Dollar store twine frays and runs out fast; this bulk roll is higher quality and lasts for literally dozens of projects. #NancyApproved
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. Upcycled Sweater Christmas Stockings ❄️
Repurposing old cable-knit sweaters from the thrift store creates cozy, chunky stockings that look incredibly expensive. This is my favorite method for repurposing thrifted items.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Old Sweaters
• Fabric Scissors
• Thread
• Stocking Template | Best For: Family Stockings, Mantel Decor
Time: 1 hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use the existing hem of the sweater as the top cuff of the stocking to save time and ensure a clean edge.
[Image-6: A row of cream and grey cable knit stockings hanging on a brick fireplace.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: SINGER Heavy Duty Sewing Needles 🐦
Why I love it: Standard needles often break on thick cable-knit sweaters; these heavy-duty needles are an absolute necessity for this project. #NancyApproved
7. “Chippy” Paint Rolling Pin ❄️
Take a thrifted wooden rolling pin, paint it red, and use the “candle wax resist” method to make the paint chip off. It creates that perfect weathered kitchen look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Rolling Pin
• Red Paint
• White Paint
• Candle Stick (for wax resist)
• Sandpaper | Best For: Kitchen Decor
Time: 45 mins (Active) / 1 hour (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Rub a candle heavily on the wood before painting. The paint won’t stick there, allowing you to easily scrape it off later for a chipped look.
[Image-7: A rolling pin resting in a basket of greens, with the red paint looking chipped and revealing the wood underneath.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Red Barn Chalk Paint by Waverly 🐦
Why I love it: Waverly is top-tier for farmhouse colors, and this “Red Barn” shade is the quintessential vintage Christmas red. #NancyApproved
8. Coffee Filter Wreath ❄️
This is an incredibly budget-friendly wreath that looks like high-end ruffles or hydrangeas, stained with tea for a vintage sepia tone. It’s a masterpiece of Rustic & Vintage Crafts.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Coffee Filters
• Styrofoam Wreath Form
• Hot Glue
• Brewed Tea/Coffee | Best For: Interior Doors, Wall Art
Time: 2 hours (Active) / Overnight (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Scrunch the filters while they are damp with tea stain and let them dry scrunched to get that crinkled, antique parchment texture.
[Image-8: A fluffy, beige-toned wreath hanging on a chalkboard background.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 12 Inch Polystyrene Wreath Form (Pack of 2) 🐦
Why I love it: Foam forms at craft stores are often overpriced ($8-$10 each); these Amazon multipacks drop the price significantly per unit. #NancyApproved
9. Vintage Cheese Grater Luminary ❄️
An upcycled metal box grater turned upside down with a battery candle inside creates a rustic light pattern. It is the easiest Farmhouse Christmas DIY on this list!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Box Grater (Thrifted)
• Faux Greenery
• Battery Operated Votive | Best For: Kitchen Island, Centerpiece
Time: 10 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: If the grater is too shiny/new, spray it with a matte clear coat and dust it with cocoa powder while wet to simulate light rust.
[Image-9: A metal grater on a wooden table, glowing from within, with a sprig of pine tied to the handle.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Flameless LED Votive Candles with Remote 🐦
Why I love it: Real candles get too hot under metal graters; these remote-controlled ones let you turn on your decor without lifting the arrangement! #NancyApproved
10. Stamped Clay Ornaments ❄️
Using air-dry clay to cut out shapes and stamping them with lace or letter stamps gives a personalized, primitive look. These make stunning Vintage Style Christmas Ornaments.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Air Dry Clay
• Cookie Cutters
• Lace Doily (for texture)
• Twine | Best For: Kids Activity, Personalized Gifts
Time: 45 mins (Active) / 24-48 hours (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Roll the clay onto a textured lace doily before cutting the shape to embed a beautiful vintage pattern into the surface.
[Image-10: White clay hearts and circles with lace textures hanging on a tree, tied with simple jute string.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: DAS Air Hardening Modeling Clay (White) 🐦
Why I love it: DAS clay is superior to “school grade” clays—it dries to a stone-like hardness and doesn’t crack easily, so these last for years. #NancyApproved
11. Bleached Bottle Brush Trees ❄️
Take standard, cheap green bottle brush trees and bleach them to create soft pastel, cream, or ombre vintage-style trees. This technique creates a beautiful weathered forest.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Green Bottle Brush Trees
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Tongs | Best For: Mantle Villages, Table scapes
Time: 30 mins (Active) / Overnight (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Watch the trees closely! They turn from green to brown to orange to cream. Pull them out at the ‘champagne’ color stage for a true vintage look.
[Image-11: A forest of cream, soft pink, and sage green trees arranged on a white mantel.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Sisal Bottle Brush Trees (Bulk Pack) 🐦
Why I love it: Buying a multi-pack of varying sizes on Amazon is much cheaper than buying individual trees at a store, perfect for bulk bleaching. #NancyApproved
12. Spindle Snowmen ❄️
Use old chair legs or stair spindles (architectural salvage), paint them white, and add simple faces and fabric scarves. It’s a brilliant way to use distressed wood techniques.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Wooden Spindles
• White Paint
• Black Paint (eyes/buttons)
• Scraps of Fabric | Best For: Shelf Decor
Time: 1 hour (Active) / 2 hours (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Sand the paint heavily on the sharp edges of the spindle turning to reveal the wood beneath—this emphasizes the shape.
[Image-12: Two tall, slender wooden snowmen with red gingham scarves standing on a bookshelf.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Rub ‘n Buff Wax Metallic Finish (Ebony) 🐦
Why I love it: Instead of black paint, Ebony Rub ‘n Buff creates a much more authentic “aged lead” look for the buttons and eyes. #NancyApproved
13. Framed Vintage Christmas Cards ❄️
Upcycle thrifted ornate frames (painted gold or white) to display actual vintage Christmas cards or free printables. It’s instant nostalgic art.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Picture Frames
• Gold Spray Paint/Rub ‘n Buff
• Vintage Prints | Best For: Wall Gallery, Entryway
Time: 30 mins (Active) / 1 hour (Paint)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Remove the glass for a more rustic, tactile look, or mount the card on burlap inside the frame.
[Image-13: An ornate gold frame holding a retro Santa Claus image, leaning against a wall.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Gold Leaf Rub ‘n Buff 🐦
Why I love it: This product allows you to turn a cheap plastic dollar store frame into something that looks like heavy, antique gilded metal instantly. #NancyApproved
14. Ticking Stripe Fabric Wrapped Balls ❄️
Wrap styrofoam balls or old unwanted ornaments in strips of “ticking stripe” fabric for a farmhouse textile look. These are great simple chalk paint Christmas crafts alternatives if you prefer fabric to paint.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Styrofoam Balls
• Ticking Stripe Fabric (Red/White or Grey/White)
• Hot Glue | Best For: Bowl Fillers, Tree Ornaments
Time: 30 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Rip the fabric strips instead of cutting them with scissors. The frayed edges are essential for the rustic aesthetic.
[Image-14: A wooden dough bowl filled with fabric-wrapped balls and pinecones.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Ticking Stripe Cotton Fabric Yardage 🐦
Why I love it: It can be hard to find ticking stripe at general craft stores; Amazon sells it by the yard in various authentic farmhouse colors. #NancyApproved
15. Twig and Twine Stars ❄️
Collect sticks from the yard and lash them together with twine to create large, primitive 5-point stars. This connects perfectly with jute and burlap crafts.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Straight Twigs/Branches
• Jute Twine
• Hot Glue
• Evergreen sprigs | Best For: Outdoor Decor, Tree Toppers
Time: 20 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a dab of hot glue at the join points to hold the sticks in place before you start lashing with twine to make it less frustrating.
[Image-15: A large rustic twig star hanging on the front door with a cluster of bells in the center.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Gorilla Hot Glue Sticks (Full Size) 🐦
Why I love it: When working with uneven nature items like sticks, you need extra-strength glue. Gorilla glue sticks hold significantly better than generic ones. #NancyApproved
16. Upcycled Book Page Table Runner ❄️
Glue pages from an old damaged book together in a long disorderly row to create a paper table runner. It brings a literary, vintage feel to your dinner.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Old Book (Thrifted)
• Glue Runner/Stick
• Clear Tape | Best For: Holiday Dinner Table
Time: 30 mins (Active) / 30 mins (Dry)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Create a ‘messy’ look by overlapping the pages at different angles; don’t try to make straight lines.
[Image-16: A dining table set with white plates, the paper runner down the middle, and candles on top.]
17. “Snowy” Pinecone Mason Jars ❄️
Mason jars coated in Epsom salts or faux snow look frosted, with a candle inside that makes the “snow” sparkle. A cozy Farmhouse Christmas DIY.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Mason Jars
• Mod Podge
• Epsom Salts
• Glitter | Best For: Winter Centerpieces
Time: 20 mins (Active) / 2 hours (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: Mix fine glitter with the Epsom salts. The salts provide the chunky snow texture, but the glitter provides the sparkle when the candle is lit.
[Image-17: A glowing blue-lit jar that looks like it is covered in fresh frost.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Epsom Salt (Plain, Bulk Bag) 🐦
Why I love it: Buying a bulk bag of plain Epsom salt is cheaper on Amazon than small pharmacy bags, and ensures you have enough for multiple jars. #NancyApproved
18. Reclaimed Wood Christmas Tree Sign ❄️
Using pallet wood or scrap slats to form a triangle tree shape, whitewashed and mounted on a board. This relies heavily on distressed wood techniques.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Pallet Wood/Slats
• Wood Glue
• White Paint
• Nails | Best For: Porch Sign, Fireplace
Time: 1.5 hours (Active) / 1 hour (Dry)
Mess Level: Med |
💡 Pro-Tip: The ‘Dry Brush’ technique is key here—dip your brush in white paint, wipe almost all of it off on a paper towel, then lightly drag it over the wood.
[Image-18: A rustic wooden sign with a faint white tree painted on it, leaning next to a fireplace.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Set of Chip Brushes (2 Inch) 🐦
Why I love it: For rustic dry-brushing, you actually want cheap bristly brushes, not expensive smooth ones. This bulk pack is perfect for rough wood. #NancyApproved
19. Vintage Cookie Cutter Ornaments ❄️
Back vintage metal aluminum cookie cutters with festive patterned paper or family photos. These make incredible Vintage Style Christmas Ornaments.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Metal Cookie Cutters
• Scrapbook Paper
• Glue
• Red Ribbon | Best For: Sentimental Gifts, Tree Decor
Time: 20 mins (Active) / 30 mins (Dry)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Trace the outside of the cutter onto the paper, then cut slightly inside the line for a perfect fit for the backing.
[Image-19: A star-shaped metal cutter with a plaid paper backing hanging on the tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Christmas Scrapbook Paper Pad (Vintage Theme) 🐦
Why I love it: Finding truly “vintage” patterned paper (Victorian Santas, muted plaids) is hard in stores; Amazon has specific vintage aesthetic pads. #NancyApproved
20. Oversized Wood Bead Garland ❄️
A simple but trendy boho-farmhouse garland made of large raw wooden beads and jute tassels.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Large Wooden Beads (20mm+)
• Jute Twine
• Cardboard (for making tassels) | Best For: Tree Garland, Coffee Table Decor
Time: 30 mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Soak the wooden beads in coffee for 10 minutes before stringing if you want a darker, more antique wood tone without using stain.
[Image-20: A close up of chunky wood beads draped over the branches of a Christmas tree.]
Let’s Get Crafting!
I hope these ideas inspire you to look at “trash” a little differently this season! You really don’t need a huge budget to create a warm, inviting home. If you’ve been wondering how to make new wood look old and rustic or simply wanted to try something new, these projects are the perfect start.
Don’t forget to pin your favorites to Pinterest and tag me if you make them! Happy crafting! 🎄❤️
