5 DIY Holiday Crafts to Make with Goodwill Finds
“˜Tis the season for fun holiday crafts! Whether you’re making DIY decorations or homemade gifts, Goodwill has you covered with affordable supplies for just about any project.
If you’re ready to put your crafting skills to the test, roll up your sleeves and try one of these DIY ideas using thrifted finds from Goodwill:
Red sweater from Goodwill
Brown sweater from Goodwill
Sweater pillows
Accent pillows are a stylish way to spruce up couches and chairs, but they’re surprisingly expensive when purchased brand-new! You can get more for your money by repurposing a sweater from Goodwill into a DIY throw pillow cover. Simply head to Goodwill to pick up a sweater or two in your desired colors. Lay the sweater on top of a small pillow (which could also be thrifted) to measure and cut the sweater into two pieces. Then, place the sweater pieces over the pillow and sew it closed on three sides, leaving one side open so you can swap covers if you want. Enjoy your new pillow!
Chocolate-dipped spoons
Chocolate spoons make an easy gift for anyone on your list, from family to teachers to neighbors. After all, who doesn’t love a sweet treat for the holidays? Look for spoons at your local Goodwill store “” the more unique and intricately-designed, the better! Then, slowly melt chocolate on the stove or in the microwave. You can use milk, dark or white chocolate. After you’ve cleaned and dried your spoons, dip them into the melted chocolate one at a time. Before the chocolate cools and hardens on the spoon, add sprinkles, chocolate candies, marshmallows, or crushed candy canes for decoration. When your spoons are finished, they can be used to stir in flavor to coffee, hot cocoa, or any hot drink!
Wooden Tray from Goodwill
Jewelry from Goodwill’s Treasure Island Gift Shop
Jewelry tray
Anyone who wears jewelry will appreciate a new way to display their collection. Give the gift of organization with an upcycled jewelry tray! First, look for a gently-used wooden tray from Goodwill. You could even use a plate, as long as it has raised sides. Then, it’s time to decorate the tray. You could cover it with washi tape or spray paint or line the inside of the tray with decorative paper. For a multi-tiered jewelry display, upcycle a cake stand or stack small plates by gluing them to candlesticks. Beautiful and functional!
Upcycled book wreath
This craft is perfect for book lovers of all ages! First, tear about 75 pages out of a book, preferably one with some discoloration on the pages to give your wreath an antique feel. (If you’re not ready to sacrifice one from your shelf, Goodwill always has tons of books for you to choose from!) Next, roll each page into a cone shape and staple it at the bottom. Glue the pages to a foam core wreath with hot glue, arranging the page cones so they fan out from the center of the wreath. You’ll need to add a few rows of pages to make the wreath look nice and full. For the finishing touch, tie a red or green ribbon through the center and display the wreath in your home or on your front door!
Glass jar from Goodwill
Holiday potpourri
Bring the smell of the holiday season into your home with a custom potpourri jar! These jars are great make-ahead gifts for anyone, but you’ll definitely want to keep one or two just for you!
Start by shopping at Goodwill for your container””we have a wide selection of glass jars in all sizes and shapes! Once you have a jar picked out, add fruit such as dried apples, whole cranberries, or dried orange slices to a jar. To dry fresh fruit, place the slices on a baking sheet in an oven at 120 degrees for three hours””just be sure to turn the slices every hour or so.
Then, add whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, rosemary, sugared ginger cubes, or cardamom pods to a jar. You can’t go wrong with any combination of these aromatic ingredients! Seal the jar closed and add a festive ribbon. When you’re ready to use the potpourri, simply pour it into a small pot of water on the stove and let it simmer uncovered. Soon, your home will be filled with the heavenly scent of the holidays!
Get your craft on with Goodwill!
Are you feeling inspired yet? Grab the supplies to make these crafts and so much more at your local Ohio Valley Goodwill store!
Donate to Goodwill and change a life!
When you shop at Goodwill, you help us continue to provide programs and services for individuals facing barriers to employment. That’s a very good thing! We have a network of stores throughout Greater Cincinnati for all your holiday crafting needs, so find an Ohio Valley Goodwill store near you today.
