Somerset Place

Crafting and the holiday season go hand in hand, but it’s also a hectic time of year when it’s easy to become overwhelmed. As you start planning your holiday projects, make things easier on yourself by focusing on common, inexpensive supplies that can be used in a number of creative ways. We explore this simple approach every year in our magazine  A Somerset Holiday, where we use the department “10 Ways” to demonstrate just how multifaceted some supplies can be. Below are some fun examples from past installments of “10 Ways” featuring five versatile supplies, some of which you may already have in your home!

1. Dressing Up Burlap for Holiday Decor

Sometimes the more plain and understated a material, the better it is for becoming DIY holiday decor. Burlap is a great example of one these materials, as its neutral and natural color lends itself well to any style or embellishment. It can be shaped according to your needs, and it’s easy to fray by simply removing threads for an entirely new look. See all 10 creative burlap ideas in  Volume 15 of A Somerset Holiday.

Atop the Tree

For a rustic yet elegant touch on top of your tree, make a burlap poinsettia gilded with touches of gold paint. Cut out the petals, attach them with hot glue, and then embellish as desired.

Rustic Gift-Giving

A DIY burlap gift bag doesn’t require special sewing skills, just a bit of hot glue! You can remove some threads from the top edge for a fun fringed effect. Then, make your gift tags as pretty as the wrapping by building them upon scraps of burlap.

2. Quick & Easy Ideas for Glass Jars

The humble glass jar, which can be found at the grocery store, craft store, or even in your recycling bin, can be easily dressed up with craft supplies to become a lovely piece of holiday decor, or it can be filled with something fun and given as a gift. See all 10 creative glass jar ideas in  Volume 16 of A Somerset Holiday.

Festival of Lights Lantern

By using a template and acrylic paint, you can create a lovely lantern to add even more candlelight to your Hanukkah celebrations. A bit of glitter and iridescent ribbon will sparkle in the lantern’s warm glow.

Winter Spice Simmer Pot

Give someone a moment of soothing aromatherapy during the busy holiday season with a prepared simmer pot. Fill a jar with aromatic ingredients that evoke a winter or holiday feeling, top it off with water, and add a tag with instructions.

3. A Holiday Spin on Wood Slices

Natural materials are perfect for holiday decor, as their neutral colors and interesting textures complement so many different styles. One natural material that can be easily transformed for the holidays in a number of fun ways is the modest wood slice. See all 10 creative wood slice ideas in  Volume 17 of A Somerset Holiday.

Mini Trees for the Table

Wood slices can become a tree once more by stacking them by size in descending order. Space out the slices or stack them against one another, and add tiny touches of greenery for pops of color.

Hanging Up Holiday Wishes

A garland is a great way to make a statement with your decor, especially when it features a holiday message. Paint letters upon the wood slices, drill small holes for stringing, and hang up the garland for all to see.

4. Decorating With Wine Corks

Wine corks are a common item that many people have in their homes. Using them in your craft projects can pay homage to your love of wine, but it is also a great way to bring some natural color and texture to your creations. See all 10 creative wine cork ideas in  Volume 14 of A Somerset Holiday .

Falling Snowflake Ornament

Wine corks can be easily sliced with a craft knife, and with a bit of white paint and hot glue, you can transform those slices into a frosty snowflake. Hang it from the tree or attach it anywhere that needs a touch of winter.

A Pretty Place Setting

Place card holders are an easy way to add interest to a tablescape. Elevate simple corks by attaching costume jewelry to the ends, and guests will be impressed when they arrive at the table. And holiday parties wouldn’t be the same without festive drinks! Give guests different stamped wine cork charms for their glasses so they can keep tabs on their tasty beverages.

5. Dressing-Up Paper Bags for Gift-Giving

Store-bought wrapping paper and gift bags can be so impersonal and expensive. To impress your friends and family with some handmade charm, making your own gift wrap is the way to go. Luckily, you can create a never-ending array of gift bags using the humble brown paper lunch bag. See all 10 creative paper bag ideas in  Volume 14 of A Somerset Holiday.

Gold & Folded

Dry-brush metallic paint onto a bag for some festive shimmer, and fold down the top edge to customize the bag’s height. Use a bit of hot glue to attach ribbon handles, and you’ve got a gift bag that really shines.

Gingerbread Bags

The brown color of paper bags is the perfect stand-in for gingerbread during the holidays. A white paint pen is all you need to create your own gingerbread house, and it’s so much tidier than icing … although not nearly as delicious!

Explore more fun and easy ideas for handmade gifts and decorations in  A Somerset Holiday.

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