A Natural Christmas

It's the day after Thanksgiving; let the frugal decorating begin! Here are a few low cost/no cost nature-inspired decorating projects I created last Christmas. Many of the items can be found in your own backyard, while others can be purchased inexpensively at your favorite craft store.

 
Rustic Tree

The rustic Christmas tree is decorated with twig reindeer, pinecones, and pinecone and nut cluster ornaments, all made from natural elements. A Star of David made from twigs serves as a tree topper, while white lights and red gingham ribbon garland finish the look.

Natural Ornaments

Reindeer ornaments were made from twigs found in the yard. Nuts and small pinecones were hot glued to Styrofoam balls to form cluster ornaments. Larger pinecones were hung with gingham ribbon on the tree as additional ornaments.

Download printable directions for making the ornaments.

Birch Centerpiece

Three birch tealight holders were grouped together in a basket surrounded by fresh pine sprigs and large pinecones. The tealight holders were made from a birch tree that had fallen in the yard during a storm. To make them, the tree trunk was cut into sections. A hole large enough to accommodate a tealight was drilled into the top of each section. Using tealights is a safe alternative to candles, as the hot wax is contained within the tin liner.

Pinecone Wreath 

 

To make this wreath, moss was hot glued onto the Styrofoam wreath form. Next, pinecones were glued to the moss. Berry stems were inserted into the form for some additional color. The wreath was finished with a large red gingham ribbon bow, and some of the gingham ribbon was looped at the top to hang it.

Pine Swag

This pine swag was made with fresh white pine branches and pinecones. It can be used indoors as a table arrangement or on a mantel. It can also be fastened to the outside of a window using suction cups. The base of an LED candle with an automatic sensor was glued to the center of each. Once the candles with batteries are inserted in the base, the candles turn on and then off automatically eight hours later, making them maintenance-free.

I'm linking this post to Cheri's It's So Very Christmasy Home Tour. Be be sure to visit Cheri's blog for more Christmas cheer.

Happy Decorating!