Festive Holiday Crafts You Can Make With What You Already Have at Home

The holiday season is my absolute favorite time to get creative. There’s something so magical about turning everyday items, leftover craft supplies, and even random pieces of old jewelry into beautiful, meaningful décor. This year, I’m challenging myself to paint and repurpose everything I already have before buying anything new, and honestly… it’s turning into a really fun part of the season.

If you’re looking for cozy, simple, budget-friendly projects to make at home, here are a few of my favorites to start off the holidays.

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1. Glass Jars

(The jar in this photo I created at a hemp fest, during a workshop I did that weekend. I used dried flowers that I foraged and pressed myself in a book for months, Mod Podge and twine)

Don't forget to RECYCLE PLEASE!

Before you toss that empty sauce jar—paint it, or Mod Podge dried flowers on it! If you have been over to my house, you know that ANY kind of glass gets recycled!! They all have a purpose.

You can transform glass jars into glowing lanterns with just a little acrylic paint.

Ideas to try:

Dried flowers added with Mod Podge

Add snowflakes, trees, or mandala patterns

Tie twine or ribbon around the top

Drop in a battery tea light for instant warmth, or the real deal candle

This is one of the easiest ways to decorate without spending anything, and every jar comes out looking completely unique.

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2. Cardboard Holiday Cutouts

Cardboard boxes = FREE craft gold.

These are so fun! Cut out shapes like trees, gingerbread men, snowflakes, or stars and paint them with whatever colors you already have.

Use them for:

Garland

Gift tags (I have a roll of brown paper for banner art when I worked with kids. This works so well to cut out little gift tags)

Wall or shelf décor

It’s eco-friendly, simple, and surprisingly pretty.

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3. Repurposed Canvases & “Second Life” Art

If you have old canvases lying around (or even ones you don’t love anymore), give them a fresh coat of paint and start new holiday art. I just painted 8 pink small canvases and am using scrapbook paper to cut out designs to put on top! I have had all this scrapbook paper for years. Time for some fun crafts.

Some ideas:

Paint mandala snowflakes

Create abstract winter scenes

Make mini canvases for gift-giving

It’s a great way to use what you already have without buying new supplies.

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4. Nature-Inspired Crafts Using What’s Outside Your Door

Take a walk and gather fallen pinecones, sticks, leaves, or acorns.

Add a little paint and suddenly they’re holiday-ready.

Try painting:

Metallic pinecones

Snow-tipped branches

Cute woodland characters on acorns

Nature always gives you free materials if you look for them.

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5. Holiday Bottles From Your Recycling Bin

Wine bottles, olive oil bottles, and small glass containers can become beautiful winter decorations.

Ideas:

Paint them with winter designs

Add fairy lights inside

Wrap with twine, lace, or scrap ribbon

Use them as centerpieces

This is one of my favorite things to upcycle year-round. I started doing this in 2011 and it has been a very fun and unique project for each creation.

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Starting this blog, I wanted my first post to be all about creativity, simplicity, and using what you already have. Making art shouldn’t be expensive or complicated, it should feel fun, relaxing, and accessible during a season that can be stressful.

So before you buy new supplies, take a look around your home. You might be surprised by how many beautiful holiday crafts are hiding in your recycle bin, junk drawer, or old jewelry box. In my stories/reels, I will be sharing the process of these designs!

If you try any of these creations, I’d love to see what you make.

Tag me on Instagram: @JacquisUniqueDesigns

Happy crafting and happy holidays!