Store-Bought to Handcrafted: Christmas Edition

This post has been freshly updated for 2020

I’m going to let you in on one of my favorite tricks for coming up with new DIY and crafty project ideas… browsing my favorite retail stores online for products that I think I could potentially make myself.

I like to do this for a few reasons:

• I know most times I can do it cheaper
• I like the pride in making something with my own hands
• I see it as a fun challenge
• I find inspiration to put my own spin on it

I have been pinning more project ideas than I can tackle, so I decided I would share my favorite finds with all of you! Similar to my “I Actually Want to Make This” series, I’m calling this the “Store-Bought to Handcrafted” series.

Without further ado, here are my favorite finds for the upcoming holiday season.

Although some of these products are now sold out since I originally wrote this post, I linked a similar product if you prefer to buy vs DIY.

Bottled Snowy Tree Micro LED Battery Operated String Lights (World Market $14.99)

You’ll need: battery-operated fairy lights, mini bottle brush trees, mini glass jars, white micro fine glitter

These are sold out online and I think you can see why. They are SO DARN CUTE and unlike anything I’ve seen. I might even find some time to sneak this project in to make for myself.

A-Frame Copper Ornament Trees (Crate and Barrel $34.95-$59.95)

You’ll need: Ornaments, copper spray paint, white spray paint (unless your ornaments are all white), balsa wood, wood glue, wood dowels, split rings

My version would look slightly different, but still have the same effect (and cost a lot less!). I would probably make the frame out of balsa wood and spray paint it to look like copper.

Merry Christmas Felt Garland (West Elm $29)

You’ll need: felt, embroidery thread in matching colors, string, poly-fil

I like the potential this cute project has, you could customize it to any holiday!

Lit Bronze Word Stocking Holder (Pottery Barn $199)

You’ll need: paper mache letters, bronze spray paint, white mini globe lights, stocking holder bases

This one is a bit more challenging. To make things easier, I would probably make these using a single strand of lights (rather than having multiple battery packs to turn on). You could also mount the holders onto a piece of wood (or just use a piece of wood and mount hooks to it) and hide the strand of lights on the back of the wood piece.

Textured Glass Tree (Anthropologie $48-$58)

You’ll need: thrifted glass tree, metallic spray paint

The original version lit up, but I prefer the look as it is. I know I’ve seen trees like these at thrift stores many times, it just takes keeping your eye out and snatching them up when you can!

Do you have any favorite stores to browse for decor ideas and DIY inspiration? Let me know in the comments below!