This is part of an occasional series on zero waste initiatives.
At this time of year, it’s easy to get taken in by the sparkle of decorations in store windows. But decorating with natural elements and finding new uses for found objects lessens our ecological footprint, saves money and looks beautiful.
Besides, the current trend for winter styling is using natural materials such as fresh greenery, and it’s easy to gather up natural elements with a walk in the woods, the yard or the grocery store. A trip to a thrift shop, antique market or salvage shop can also present you with lots of found objects to get creative.
Here are five easy projects that will simplify holiday decorating by using what you have, repurposing every day or found objects and adding natural elements.
A natural wreath that makes scents
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Enjoy the aromas of fresh greenery. Make a natural wreath or swag to hang on your front door or inside on a wall, on a mirror or over a bed. Gather up natural elements such as fallen branches, twigs, berries, pinecones or greenery found in your yard or on a winter walk. Remember, the rule of foraging is to only take what is on the ground.
You’ll need: a heavier branch free of leaves; a variety of fresh greenery, twigs, and berries; garden snips; floral tape and wire, ribbon for hanging.
Step 1: Gather all the natural elements.
Step 2: Bundle a variety of greenery together and wrap with floral tape. Repeat making more small bundles with other materials.
Step 3: Secure the bundles to the bare branch using floral wire or tape.
Step 4: Tie ribbon to each end of the branch. Hang and enjoy.
A napkin ring for the bird
Decorate the table for the holiday season with these cheerful cranberry napkin rings that string together using fresh cranberries to create a colourful wreath. They are easy to make and when the party is over un-string the berries and leave them for backyard critters.
You’ll need: a bag of fresh cranberries; thin gage wire; a set of wire snips; scrap paper and scissors; and a sprig of fresh greenery.
Step 1: Cut a piece of wire to fit around a napkin.
Step 2: Make a tiny loop on one end of the wire.
Step 3: String the cranberries onto the wire leaving a small space at the end to tie the ends together.
Step 4: Twist the wire together to secure.
Step 5: Add a name tag made out of scrap paper such as newspaper or an old book and embellish with a sprig of fresh greenery.
Turn over a new ornament leaf
Make pretty ornaments by repurposing paper such as newspaper and old books. Then, hang them from found branches displayed in a large jar or vase. It’s easy to handcraft these old-school ornaments. All you need is a pair of scissors and some paper. Gather together some crafty friends or the kids and put your scissor skills to work.
You’ll need: paper from old books or newspapers; scissors; a stapler; a mini hole punch; a pencil or pen; something to hang the ornaments such as ornament hooks, wire or twine; a large jar or vase; branches.
Step 1: Cut paper into 5 inch squares.
Step 2: Bundle approximately 10 squares of paper together for each ornament.
Step 3: Draw the shape of a tree on to one side of the paper.
Step 4: Staple the bundle of paper together in the centre of the sketched tree.
Step 5: Use scissors to cut out the tree shapes and use a hole punch to make a hole to thread the hook.
Step 6: Gently separate the sheets of paper to fluff the tree and thread the hook through the hole. Hang and enjoy.
Can’t hold a candle to this display
Cast a warm glow on chilly evenings with a beautiful candle display grouped together on a pretty tray. Pair glass jars that were once destined for the recycling bin with fresh greenery for a trendy, organic look.
You’ll need: clean jars; candles; sprigs of fresh greenery; and twine.
Step 1: Cut small pieces of greenery.
Step 2: Measure a length of twine long enough to wrap around the jar a few times.
Step 3: Tuck greenery behind the twine.
Step 4: Group together on a tray, light candles and enjoy.
Step 5: Upcycle a wooden drawer into a magical forest diorama. It’s simple, rustic and totally charming.
Thinking inside the old box
Wooden drawers can be found at antique markets and building supply and salvage stores such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. If you don’t have an old drawer, use a small gift or shadow box, or small wooden crate or tin.
You’ll need: a drawer or box; battery operated mini lights; cotton balls; bottle brush trees or use twigs or small branches and greenery; toy deer; tape; and a glue gun.
Step 1: Position battery operated lights inside the box and secure with tape. We used small pieces of electrical tape.
Step 2: Heat up the glue gun and place the trees in position.
Step 3: Gently pull apart the cotton balls to make snowy landscape. Just tuck the cotton on the bottom of the box.
Step 4: Find a spot for your toy deer to rest inside the box.
Step 5: Turn on the lights and enjoy a starry winter night.
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