These flat-finish DIY projects are no glitz, all glam.
This Christmas, however, a less-glitzy look is trendingand it’s just as glam.
A delightfully unexpected finisha chic mattedelivers a sophisticated spin onChristmas decorating ideasthat we rarely see.
Credit:Carson Downing
These handmade trimmings, drenched in jubilant jewel tones, set the stage for a timeless holiday scene.
Check out these trendy newDIY Christmas decorations, then see how they look together when grouped on the tree.
Here’s how to make these sophisticated beauties.
A tree filled with matte-finish ornaments offers a delightful twist on the shiny stylings of Christmas.
The star project has a vintage feel that recallshappy Christmas memories.
How to make the topper:Paint the shapes, as you would the ornaments.
Then create a starburst formation and hot-glue where the ornaments touch.
Wrap wire around the center of the topper to secure.
Two wooden craft pieces wrapped in stretch velvet add a hint of shine.
Credit:Carson Downing
Use hot-glue to attach the wood shapes.
Thread florists wire through the back of the star to attach to the tree.
Choosing a mix of shapes and patterns will create a more interesting set.
Credit:Carson Downing
you’ve got the option to buy them in bulk at any crafts store.
While these might flaunt a flat finish, they are anything but dull.
On a protected work surface, mix 1 Tbsp.
Credit:Carson Downing
each of plaster and cold water.
Stir until smooth and mix in 2 oz.
Remove the caps from the ornaments and place each on a skewer.
Credit:Carson Downing
Repeat, allowing the paint to dry between coats.
Replace the ornament caps and string them up!
Attach hangers and they become stylish ornaments for future holidays, a joyful bonus.
How to make them:Trace and cut our free pattern eight times on cardstock.
Fold each shape in half with a bone folder.
Coat one side of a folded shape with glue.
Stack a second folded shape on top so all edges align.
Continue gluing and stacking the remaining shapes.
Cut a six inch piece of cording and fold in half.
Hang Accordion Bell Ornaments
Sturdy accordion ornaments are trending this season.
We cut bell shapes fromassorted cardstock finishesto give them an elegant shimmer.
Crease the cardstock, then secure with hot glue.
Try crafting various sizes or make them all the same, as we did.
These bells are elegant, intricate, and utterly satisfying to make.
How to make them:Use our template to trace 24 bell shapes onto cardstock and cut them out.
Fold each shape in half with a bone folder, then unfold them.
Repeat with the remaining folded shapes.
For ease, secure six shapes together at a time, then secure the four stacks of six together.
Cut an eight-inch piece of cord.
Fold and thread it through a bead about three inches before knotting the tread on top of the bead.
Bring the opposite ends of the stack together and join them with glue to form the accordion bell.
Made from a variety of richly colored velvets, the wreath would look lush hanging on the door.
Finish it with ‘berry’ beads in different sizes.
Some are small and painted, others are larger and wrapped in stretch velvet.
The small berries are made from beads and the larger beads will require 3/4-inch and 1-inch wood dowel caps.
You’ll also need velvet ribbon to make the bow.
Keeping leaves pointed in the same direction, repeat until half the form is covered with leaves.
Repeat on the other half with leaves facing the opposite direction.
To create the berries, cut 4" lengths of florists wire and hot-glue a bead to each end.
Twist around wreath form.
