DIY Christmas Crafts: Handmade Decorations, Gifts & Projects for All Ages
Author: The Art Shed Team Date Posted:30 October 2026
Made and written by Sarsha at Art Shed | Updated 30th October 2026
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Quick answer The quickest Christmas craft here is the folded paper Christmas tree, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes plus drying time. For handmade gifts, the clay trinket tray and the watercolour Christmas card are the standouts. Allow 2 to 3 days for any air-dry clay project to dry fully before you sand and paint it. |
Christmas is getting more expensive by the year, and I don't know about you, but I've got a Pinterest board absolutely bursting with Christmas decor inspiration and a bank account that simply does not support my vision. Do I need a $30 martini glass bauble? Probably not. Do I desperately want one? Absolutely.
But between the presents, the food and the decorations, those little festive purchases add up rather quickly. And while we'd all love a home that looks like it's been plucked straight from a Christmas Pinterest board, we'd also quite like to have some money left for the actual Christmas celebrations.
So, this year, we're getting a little crafty!
We've put together a collection of DIY Christmas decorations and handmade gift ideas inspired by some of the things we're making in our own homes this festive season. Quirky, wonderfully handmade and, most importantly, budget-friendly.
We've also been a bit strategic with our supplies. You'll notice plenty of overlapping materials between projects, and that's very much intentional. Rather than buying a whole new trolley of supplies for every little creation, we've tried to make sure you can grab a few versatile crafty essentials and get a whole sleigh-load of Christmas makes out of them.
And really, half the fun is the making itself. There's something so lovely about throwing on a cheeky Christmas film, getting cosy with your favourite people (or enjoying a little solo festive peace and quiet), pouring yourself a generous eggnog and spending the evening crafting away.
Now, before anyone gets intimidated by the words DIY Christmas crafts, I should mention that I have approximately the crafting abilities of a toddler armed with a glue gun and a pair of pipe-cleaner hands. I'm no professional crafter, but every single one has been made right here at Art Shed, by me, using the same paint, clay, paper and crafty bits you'll find on our shelves.
So you can trust that these aren't just pretty ideas we've plucked from TikTok and crossed our fingers over. I've actually made them, figured out what works, learnt what doesn't, and included all those little tips so you can hopefully avoid my mistakes.
You'll find DIY Christmas ornaments and decorations for your tree and home, alongside homemade Christmas gifts that look a whole lot fancier than their price tag. Some can be whipped up in half an hour, while our air-dry clay projects need around two to three days to dry, so maybe don't start those at 11 pm on Christmas Eve.
Each project comes with a materials list, step-by-step instructions and a few tried-and-tested tips straight from the Shed.
Righto, Christmas playlist on, eggnog poured, let's make some festive magic!
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Our Christmas Craft Ideas at a Glance
| Project | What you'll make | Main materials | Time | Good for |
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| Hand-painted baubles | Plain baubles painted with your own designs | Gouache, gold watercolour, varnish spray | 30 to 60 minutes, plus drying between coats | The tree, personalised gifts |
| Air-dry clay ornaments | Hanging decorations, flat or 3D | Air-dry clay, acrylic paint, Posca | 30 to 60 minutes, plus 2 to 3 days drying | The tree, gifts |
| Folded paper tree | A freestanding 3D paper tree | Coloured paper, craft glue, bulldog clips | 20 to 30 minutes, plus a few hours drying | Mantels, tables, a first project |
| Clay trinket tray | A little Christmas scene on a tray | Air-dry clay, acrylic paint, gold leafing pen | 1 to 2 hours, plus 2 to 3 days drying | Gifts, jewellery and keys |
| Watercolour Christmas card | A hand-painted folded card | Watercolour paper, watercolour, gouache, fineliner | 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your design | Gifts, keepsakes |
Before You Start: Air-Dry Clay Basics
Three of the projects on this page use air-dry clay, so here's everything they have in common in one place.
Roll it even. I rolled the clay to about 1cm thick for both the ornaments and the trinket tray. A clay roller makes this easier, but any smooth rolling pin you don't mind getting messy will do.
Score and smooth every join. Whenever you attach one piece of clay to another, scratch both surfaces with a clay tool, add a little water, press them together, then drag some clay across the seam and smooth it with your finger. Skip this and pieces will pop off as the clay dries. I lost a few good ones in testing before I learned that lesson.
Give it 2 to 3 days. Air-dry clay needs two to three days to dry fully. Leave it somewhere flat where pets, kids and your own elbows can't knock it.
Sand before you paint. Once it's completely dry, a light sand with sandpaper smooths out lumps and fingerprints so your paint goes on clean.
Seal it. After painting, I used a coat of Mont Marte clay sealer followed by Mont Marte Clay Varnish Gloss. If you want the full rundown on sealers and finishes, our guide on how to seal air-dry clay covers it. Treat finished pieces as decorative and keep them away from food and water.
Christmas Decorations to Make
Three ways to decorate the tree and the house with things you made yourself, from a quick paper tree to clay characters with a lot of personality.
Hand-Painted Christmas Baubles
Plain plastic baubles turned into one-off decorations with gouache and a touch of real gold.
Makes: painted baubles, as many as you like | Time: 30 mins plus drying between coats | Good for: the tree, personalised gifts
What You'll Need
Plain plastic baubles
A pencil
Mont Marte Gouache Paint Set 24pc x 12ml
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolour Pan, Yellow Gold
Mont Marte Signature Gouache Brush Set, Mixed Bristle in Wallet 11pc
Krylon Kamar Varnish Spray 311g
How to Make It
Step 1: Sketch and prep. Lightly pencil your design straight onto the bauble. Holly, stripes, lettering, whatever you like. If your bauble is clear, paint a layer of white first. Without it, your colours look thin and see-through once the bauble is on the tree.
Step 2: Paint your design. Build each colour up in 2 to 3 coats, letting each coat dry before the next. Then add the gold: use the Gansai Tambi gold for lettering, trims and little details. It's what gives the FA LA LA bauble its shine.
Final step: Seal it. Finish with Krylon Kamar varnish spray, following the directions on the can and spraying somewhere well ventilated.
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Tip from the Shed Don't skip the varnish. Gouache can be re-wet even after it's dry, so warm hands or a damp storage box can smudge your work. The spray is what lets these come back out next Christmas looking the same. |
Make It Your Own
One thing I've absolutely loved seeing lately is how colourful and wonderfully weird Christmas decorations are getting. Don't get me wrong, there's always a place for a classic red and green Christmas, but the bright, playful, slightly unexpected decorations are so much fun.
I've seen people painting their cats onto baubles, doing rainbow checkerboard patterns, and even creating entire collections inspired by fancy little dinner parties like tiny painted oysters, caviar, wine and cheese, all hanging from the Christmas tree.
And that's the beauty of painting your own baubles. You're not limited to whatever colours or designs are on the shelves.
If you're after something a little more traditional, names, dates and festive lettering are lovely too. Our FA LA LA bauble is a perfect example, and the lilac holly design shows that even a classic Christmas motif can look completely different with a cheeky colour change.
The more personality, the better. It's your tree, after all.
Air-Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments
You know those adorable, slightly wonky clay ornaments all over Christmas Pinterest? The little stars with faces, chunky animals and decorations that look like they'd cost $30 at a boutique Christmas market? Well, we're making our own, thank you very much.
These DIY air-dry clay Christmas ornaments are inexpensive, completely customisable and surprisingly easy to make. No kiln, pottery wheel or professional crafting abilities required. Just some clay, a little imagination and the willingness to embrace the occasional questionable-looking Christmas character.
Makes: several ornaments, depending on size and clay quantity
Time: 30 to 60 minutes shaping, 2 to 3 days drying (sometimes longer), plus painting and sealing
Good for: Christmas trees, handmade gifts and personalised keepsakes
What You'll Need
Mont Marte air-dry clay, or the 2kg block if you're starting a small ornament factory
Aluminium foil for 3D shapes
Mont Marte Signature Acrylic Paint 12pc x 75ml
Mont Marte Taklon Acrylic Paint Brush Set in Wallet 11pc
White Posca Ultra Fine pen (PC-1MR)
Mont Marte Clay Varnish Gloss, optional
String, ribbon or twine for hanging
Small bowl of water, plus cookie cutters if you're making flat shapes
How to Make Your Air-Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments
Step 1: Roll out your clay. Knead until workable, then roll to roughly 5 to 8mm thick for flat ornaments. Keep the thickness even and any unused clay wrapped up so it doesn't dry out.
Step 2: Cut or sculpt your shapes. Use cookie cutters or carve it yourself. For sculpted details, use your clay tools and a little clay slip (clay mixed with water) to help join pieces.
Step 3: Bulk out 3D shapes and make your hanging hole. Making something chunky? Scrunch foil into the rough shape first, then cover it with an even layer of clay. This saves supplies, keeps ornaments lightweight and avoids those incredibly thick centres that take forever to dry. Then use a skewer or pointed clay tool to make a hole while the clay is soft, leaving enough space around the edge to prevent cracking. Don't forget this step!
Step 4: Let everything dry, then smooth the edges. Place your ornaments somewhere with good airflow for approximately 2 to 3 days, or longer for thicker pieces. Carefully flip flat ornaments once firm enough, and make sure they're completely dry. Then gently sand any rough patches with fine sandpaper, wipe away the dust with a slightly damp cloth and let dry.
Step 5: Paint and add the little details. Use your Mont Marte acrylic paints to build up colour in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry. Once your paint is dry, use the fine-tip Posca pen for faces, fairy lights, outlines and anything requiring more precision than my shaky little hands can manage with a brush.
Final step: Seal and string them up! Apply your Mont Marte clay sealer according to the instructions. For a glossy, ceramic-inspired look, finish with a coat of Mont Marte Clay Varnish Gloss. These are indoor decorations, as sealing doesn't make air-dry clay waterproof. Once the finish is completely dry, thread through some ribbon or twine, tie a knot and hang your new creation proudly.
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A Little Tip from the Shed Aluminium foil is your best friend for chunky clay ornaments. It makes them lighter, saves clay and helps avoid excessively thick centres. Keep your clay covering even and allow enough time for everything to dry thoroughly. And if you notice a small crack forming as your clay dries, try gently smoothing a little clay slip into it before it's fully dry. Not every little imperfection requires a complete do-over! |
Make It Your Own
This is where my creations got a little out of hand.
My ornament collection includes a black cat wearing a Santa hat with fairy lights wrapped around its tail, a star with a face, a kitschy cat clock and a Christmas tree that's looking a little... suspicious.
The tree was originally supposed to be a cat hiding in a Christmas tree. But halfway through, I realised my cat obsession was becoming painfully obvious in my artwork and decided it was probably time to rein it in a little. So now it's just an oddly shaped tree. We don't need to discuss it further.
That's the fun of handmade Christmas ornaments. Make little versions of your pets, turn your favourite foods into decorations, create personalised gifts or sculpt the most ridiculous Christmas character you can imagine.
And if they turn out a bit wonky? Even better. That's what gives them their charm. Nobody needs another perfectly symmetrical bauble anyway.
DIY Folded Paper Christmas Tree
Who knew a few sheets of paper and a bit of glue could make something this cute? These DIY folded paper Christmas trees have that lovely chunky, vintage Christmas look, and they're ridiculously easy to make. No fancy tools, expensive supplies or impressive crafting credentials required.
They're perfect for decorating your Christmas table, popping on a mantel or making a whole little forest for your festive displays. And at around 30 minutes of actual crafting, this is a great one for a cosy Christmas movie night. You'll probably have a few made before the opening credits are finished.
Makes: one freestanding tabletop tree
Time: 20 to 30 minutes crafting, plus a few hours drying
Good for: Christmas table settings, mantels and beginner-friendly festive crafting
What You'll Need
Canson Mi-Teintes paper in green: I used Viridian, Light Green and Ivy
A paintbrush for applying glue
Scissors, a ruler and a pencil
Scrap paper to protect your table
How to Make Your Folded Paper Christmas Tree
Step 1: Fold your template paper. Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthways.
Step 2: Draw half a tree. Along the folded edge, draw half a Christmas tree with a pointy top, zigzag branches and a little trunk.
Step 3: Cut out your template. Cut along your lines while folded, then open it up. Ta-da, one perfectly symmetrical tree template!
Step 4: Plan your paper pieces. Use your template to work out how many trees you can fit onto each sheet. I made 15 individual trees for a lovely chunky finish, but you can use fewer if you're after something simpler. I'd recommend at least 4 to 5.
Step 5: Cut and fold your paper. Cut your coloured paper into pieces and fold each one in half.
Step 6: Trace and cut your trees. Line up your folded template with the crease, trace around it and cut. Repeat until you've got your little stack of identical Christmas trees. Yes, it's a bit repetitive. That's what the Christmas playlist is for.
Step 7: Stack and clip. Keep each tree folded, stack them together with their creases aligned, and secure the stack with bulldog clips along the branch side.
Step 8: Glue the spine. Use a paintbrush to apply a generous layer of craft glue along the folded edges. This is what holds your entire Christmas creation together, so don't be shy with it!
Final step: Let it dry, then fan it out! Leave everything clipped together for at least a few hours, or until the glued spine is completely dry. I left mine overnight because patience is a virtue (and I had other Christmas crafts calling my name). Then remove the clips, gently spread your paper layers into a full 3D tree and glue the two outer sides together to close the shape. Let that final join dry, then stand your little tree up and admire your handiwork.
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A Little Tip from the Shed Make sure you draw and cut your template along the folded edge, not the open side! I've already made that mistake, so you don't have to. Otherwise, you'll end up with two separate half-trees instead of one lovely symmetrical shape. And definitely pop some scrap paper underneath when you're gluing. PVA glue and a nice dining table aren't exactly a match made in Christmas heaven. |
Make It Your Own
I alternated two shades of green paper for a little extra depth and that lovely retro Christmas feel, but you can have so much fun with these!
Try red and pink for a kitschy Christmas colour scheme, classic forest green for something more traditional, or make a whole collection in different sizes for a little tabletop Christmas forest.
You could even add a tiny pom-pom star, brush some glitter along the edges or add painted details before assembling.
And because these use such simple supplies, they're a great way to make budget-friendly Christmas decorations without spending your entire festive savings on one very cute, very overpriced ornament.
Handmade Christmas Gifts to Make
There's something extra special about receiving a gift someone has made just for you. Especially when you know they've spent an evening hunched over the dining table, covered in paint, quietly questioning their creative decisions.
These DIY handmade Christmas gifts are thoughtful, budget-friendly and a little more personal than something grabbed off a shelf in a last-minute Christmas shopping panic. Plus, you get all the fun of making them.
DIY Clay Christmas Trinket Tray
You know those adorable little ceramic trinket dishes you see in gift shops? The ones that hold approximately three rings and cost a small fortune? Well, we're making our own!
This DIY air-dry clay trinket tray is one of those crafts that looks far more complicated than it actually is. I went full Christmas with a miniature tree, tiny presents, baubles and a gold rim, because apparently I have no concept of restraint when it comes to festive decorations.
It's perfect for keeping rings, jewellery, keys, ect.
Makes: one decorative trinket tray
Time: 1 to 2 hours crafting, plus 2 to 3 days drying (or longer for thicker pieces), painting and sealing
Good for: handmade Christmas gifts, jewellery, keys and little keepsakes
What You'll Need
Mont Marte Air Hardening Modelling Clay, White 2kg
A cup or round object for cutting the base
Water and paper towel for smoothing
Mont Marte Signature Acrylic Paint Set 48 x 36ml
Mont Marte Gallery Series Acrylic Brush Set 6pc
Mont Marte Clay Varnish Gloss, optional for a glossy finish
How to Make Your Clay Christmas Trinket Tray
Step 1: Roll out and cut your base. Knead your air-dry clay until workable, then roll it into an even slab around 1cm thick. Use a cup or round object to cut out your tray base.
Step 2: Smooth the base and build the rim. Smooth the edges with a little water and your fingers. Roll a thicker snake of clay, wrap it around the outside edge of your base and trim it to fit. Score and moisten the joining surfaces, then smooth the clay together along the inside and outside until the rim feels like part of the tray.
Step 3: Sculpt your Christmas tree. Roll a little cone of clay and position it on the tray. Score (lightly scratch) both surfaces where they'll meet, add a little water or clay slip and press them together. Gently blend some clay from the tree into the base to create a stronger join.
Step 4: Add the festive details. Roll a thin snake of clay for your tree garland and spiral it around the cone. Add tiny clay balls for baubles, then sculpt a few miniature presents to sit around the bottom. Score and secure each piece as you go. Yes, even the teeny tiny baubles!
Step 5: Dry, sand and paint. Leave your creation somewhere safe for approximately 2 to 3 days, or longer if needed. Make sure it's completely dry before painting, particularly around the thicker tree and rim sections. This is probably not the craft to start on Christmas Eve. Once dry, gently sand away any rough edges, wipe off the dust with a slightly damp cloth and let the surface dry. Then start with a white acrylic base coat and bring your little Christmas scene to life. I went with a green tree, red and gold baubles and colourful presents in my best ugly-Christmas-jumper palette. Let each coat dry before adding the next.
Step 6: Add a little Christmas sparkle. Use the Krylon Gold Leafing Pen to highlight the rim and any little details you'd like to give the fancy treatment. Something about a gold edge makes even my slightly wonky creations look rather expensive.
Final step: Seal and finish. Once the paint and gold details have dried completely, apply the Mont Marte clay sealer according to its instructions. For a glazed, ceramic-inspired finish, add a coat of Mont Marte Clay Varnish Gloss, checking drying times first.
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A Little Tip from the Shed Score, moisten and smooth every single attachment, even the tiny ones! It's tempting to just press your little decorations onto the clay and call it a day, but pieces that look perfectly secure when wet can pop right off as they dry. And don't rush the drying. Thicker sculpted pieces can hold moisture long after the surface feels dry, so give your little Christmas creation plenty of time before painting and sealing. |
Make It Your Own (and Gift It!)
I went for a full Christmas scene, complete with a tree, presents and enough tiny baubles to test my patience. But if you're making one as a gift, you absolutely don't have to stick to the festive theme!
Make a little flower garden, sculpt their favourite animal, add some colourful mushrooms or go for a simple scalloped edge with a gold rim. You could even paint their initials or a cute little message in the centre.
A personalised clay trinket tray is a lovely handmade gift that can be used all year round, so think about the person you're making it for and what they'd actually love sitting on their bedside table.
For gifting, you could wrap a few individually packaged chocolates separately and tuck them into the parcel alongside your finished tray. A little handmade present and a snack? Christmas sorted.
Just remember that air-dry clay isn't waterproof or food-safe, even when sealed. These trays are best used for jewellery, keys and other dry little treasures, rather than serving food or holding anything wet.
Watercolour and Gouache Christmas Card
A hand-painted card that mixes watercolour and gouache. Mine is a goose on skis, dressed for the weather.
Makes: one folded card from half an A4 sheet | Time: 60 mins | Good for: someone who keeps cards on the fridge all year
What You'll Need
Mont Marte Watercolour Pad German Paper A4 300gsm
Mont Marte Premium Watercolour Pencils in Tin 36pc
Mont Marte Watercolour Half Pan Set 73pc in Tin
Mont Marte Gouache Paint Set 24pc x 12ml
White Posca Ultra Fine pen (PC-1MR)
Scissors and a ruler
How to Make It
Step 1: Make your card blank and sketch. Cut an A4 sheet of watercolour paper in half, then fold one half in half. Lightly sketch your design with a watercolour pencil. Watercolour pencil softens into the paint when it gets wet, so your lines won't sit hard on top.
Step 2: Add your washes and shadows. Lay a light watercolour wash over your main shapes, then build your shadows with a second, deeper layer.
Step 3: Paint the background and fine details in gouache. Gouache gives you flat, solid colour, which is how the pink background stays bold behind the goose.
Final step: Highlight and outline. Add dots, sparkles and little bright edges with the white Posca, then outline with a fineliner to finish.
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Tip from the Shed Save the fineliner for last. If you outline first and paint over the top, your lines can run. |
Make It Your Own
Now, I'm not entirely sure what possessed me to paint a goose on skis, dressed head to toe in his finest winter attire, but I stand by my creative decisions.
That's the beauty of handmade Christmas cards. They don't have to feature the traditional Christmas trees, Santa hats and holly leaves (although we love those too). Sometimes Christmas calls for a goose hitting the slopes, a cat tangled in fairy lights or a slightly disgruntled frog wearing a Christmas jumper.
Have a bit of fun with it! Paint someone's pet, recreate an inside joke or give your favourite animal a very questionable festive outfit. You could even create a whole collection of ridiculous Christmas characters, each with their own little personality.
And remember, these aren't meant to look like something you'd pick up from the greeting card aisle. A slightly wonky illustration, a handwritten message and a little bit of your own personality are exactly what make them special.
Besides, I'd argue a skiing goose has considerably more charm than another generic Season's Greetings card.
Make a Day of It: Christmas Creative Kits
Love the idea of a handmade Christmas, but not particularly interested in tracking down seventeen different supplies before you can even get started? Fair enough! Sometimes you just want to open a box, pop on a Christmas movie and get straight to the fun part.
That's where our Christmas creative kits come in. They're a lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon over the holidays, whether you're crafting with the kids, having a little festive date night or enjoying some much-deserved peace and quiet after the Christmas chaos.
They're also one of my favourite gift ideas for creative people. Rather than adding another thing to someone's collection, you're giving them a whole afternoon of making, switching off and creating something with their own two hands. Throw in a block of chocolate, a cheeky beverage and a good Christmas film, and you've practically organised their Boxing Day plans for them.
And because we all know the Christmas budget is already working overtime, selected creative kits are up to 70% off in our Christmas sale! A rather good excuse to grab one for yourself while you're sorting out everyone else's presents.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Jasart DIY 3D Plaster Painting & Stand
A little painting project with a 3D twist! This kit lets you paint your own textured plaster artwork (21 x 16cm) and comes with a stand to display your creation once it's finished.
It's a fun one for kids and grown-ups alike, especially if you fancy a family craft afternoon that doesn't involve everyone staring at their phones. And you get a cute little piece of decor out of it. Lovely!
Reeves Artist Acrylic Paint by Numbers: Red Scooter
For anyone who wants to paint something lovely but would prefer not to spend the first hour wondering what on earth to paint.
Follow the numbered sections, build up your colours and watch a proper acrylic painting come together. It's suitable for beginner to intermediate painters and perfect for those slow, lazy days between Christmas and New Year's when nobody really knows what day it is anyway.
Cozy Craft Crochet Kit: Potted Cactus
A tiny crocheted cactus? Yes please.
This adorable little kit is a lovely introduction to crochet, with yarn and a hook for creating your own prickly-looking (but thankfully not actually prickly) desk companion.
It's a sweet little stocking filler, especially for someone who loves plants but has a questionable track record of keeping them alive. This one's pretty hard to kill.
Shop Christmas Creative Kits →
Shopping for some smaller creative humans? We've also put together a guide to the best Christmas craft kits and sensory gifts for kids, with ideas for different ages and interests. Because keeping the little ones entertained during the Christmas holidays is practically a gift in itself.
Christmas Craft Questions, Answered
What are some easy Christmas crafts for adults?
The folded paper Christmas tree is the easiest place to start: it takes about 20 to 30 minutes, uses paper, glue and clips, and needs only a few hours to dry. If you're comfortable with a paintbrush, the painted baubles and the watercolour card are the next step up. The clay projects aren't difficult, but they do need 2 to 3 days of drying, so plan ahead.
Which Christmas crafts make good handmade gifts?
The clay trinket tray and the watercolour Christmas card make the best handmade gifts on this page, because they're useful or keepable long after Christmas. Painted baubles and clay ornaments become gifts the moment you add a name or the year.
Can kids help with these Christmas crafts?
Kids can help with the hands-on parts: shaping and cutting clay, painting, and tracing and folding the paper tree. Leave the varnish spray and the sealing to an adult. If you're shopping for something made for kids, our guide to Christmas craft kits for kids has ready-to-go options.
How long does air-dry clay take to dry?
Air-dry clay takes 2 to 3 days to dry fully at the thickness used in these projects. Wait until it's completely dry before you sand, paint or seal it.
Your Christmas Craft Supplies (Without the Christmas Price Tag)
By now, I hope you've got a few ideas brewing, You really don't need to buy out the entire craft aisle to get started. We've deliberately used plenty of the same supplies across these projects, so a few paints, some clay and a handful of crafty essentials can go a long way. That's more money left over for Christmas cocktails, questionable Secret Santa presents and the seventeen different cheeses that somehow end up in the trolley every December.
You'll find everything I used linked in each tutorial, but if you're ready to stock up on a few festive essentials, here's where I'd start:
For the clay creations: Have a peek at our modelling clay range, or make life easy with our beginner air-dry clay sculpting kit.
For painting and decorating: Our gouache paints are lovely for bold, festive colours, while a suitable varnish can give compatible projects that finishing touch.
For the handmade cards and gifts: Explore our card-making supplies for all the little extras that make a homemade gift feel special.
For the beginner crafters (and little Christmas elves): Our art kits and kids' craft kits are a great place to start if you'd rather have the supplies picked out for you.
A Very Merry, Slightly Messy Christmas from the Shed
If there's one thing I've learnt from making all of these, it's that Christmas crafting is approximately 30% making something cute, 20% waiting for things to dry and 50% wondering how on earth you've managed to get paint on your elbow.
But that's kind of the magic of it.
The little traditions, the Christmas films playing in the background, the people you make things with and the slightly wonky decorations that end up being your favourites. Those are the bits you remember, long after the wrapping paper has been binned and the Christmas leftovers have finally disappeared from the fridge.
So whether you make every project in this guide or just give one little clay ornament a crack, I hope we've inspired you to have a crafty Christmas this year. And perhaps saved you from spending $30 on that martini bauble. Although, between you and me, I'm still thinking about it.
Here's to handmade Christmases, questionable artistic decisions and a whole lot of festive fun.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Art Shed!
P.S. If you do make something inspired by this guide, we'd absolutely love to see it! Tag us in your festive creations on social media. The wonkier the better, obviously.
