Cozy Scandinavian Christmas DIYs
- 14 Small Projects with Big Impact
Scandinavian Christmas decor is the perfect blend of cozy and minimal – think warm candlelight, natural textures, and a palette of soft whites, creams, and natural wood tones. No overwhelming glitter or loud colors, just pure hygge. If you're drawn to the simple beauty of Nordic style, you're going to love these DIY projects.
Each one captures that effortlessly elegant Scandinavian aesthetic while being totally doable – even if you've never crafted before. From air-dry clay ornaments to minimalist paper stars, these projects use natural materials and simple techniques to create a cozy, Nordic-inspired holiday atmosphere in your home.
Ready to bring some Scandinavian magic to your Christmas? Let's dive in!
What I love about this:
”These paper bag stars prove that the simplest materials can create the most stunning impact. Hang them in a window or on a wall as statement pieces, or tuck a battery-operated string of lights inside for a magical warm glow in the evening.”Perfect for: Beginner | 20 mins each | Wintery window or wall decor
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Paper lunch bags (any color and size you like)
- Glue stick
- Ribbon (for hanging)
Nice to have:
- Battery-operated string lights (with timer for convenience!)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Pencil (for marking cutting lines)
Estimated Cost: $10-15 (or $15-20 with lights)
What I love about this:
”This little tree is so charming – perfect for a mantel, coffee table, or bookshelf. You can easily switch things up: use different bead shapes, sizes, or even swap wood for felt beads for a softer look."Perfect for: Beginner | 30-45 minutes | Table or bookshelf decor
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Natural wooden beads (assorted sizes: 20mm, 25mm, 30mm)
- Craft wire (sturdy enough to hold shape)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Small wooden star (for tree topper)
Probably already at home:
- Wire cutters or sturdy scissors
- Bottle/Pencil (to wrap wire around for spiral shape)
Estimated Cost: $12-18
What I love about this:
”Fresh rosemary wreaths bring such a lovely natural element to Christmas decorating and I love how versatile they are: use them as napkin rings, tie them onto wrapped gifts, or cluster several on a garland.”Perfect for: Beginner | 5 minutes per wreath | Natural Christmas Decor
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Fresh rosemary (from grocery store or garden)
- Floral wire (thin, green or natural color)
Nice to have:
- Jute twine
- Ribbon (for hanging)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors or pruning shears
- Fresh rosemary from your garden (if you have it!)
Estimated Cost: $5-8 (for 10-15 wreaths)
What I love about this:
"These cupcake liner ornaments are such a clever use of everyday items – just a few simple folds and hot glue create delicate pleated baubles that feel handmade yet refined. Choose patterned or colorful liners to match your style, from classic white to festive prints."Perfect for: Beginner | Quick evening project | Christmas Tree ornaments
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Cupcake liners (choose your favorite colors/patterns!)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Jute twine (or pretty ribbon)
Estimated Cost: $8-15
What I love about this:
"I've already made a batch of these adorable gingerbread ornaments (I used air-dry clay and acrylic paint!) and honestly, I want to make more! Just roll, cut, and decorate with that classic icing look. They bring such sweet, nostalgic charm to your tree or garland, and salt dough is incredibly budget-friendly – you likely have everything in your pantry already."Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours (plus drying time) | When your kid wants to decorate cookies but you can't eat another one
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- (White) Paint marker
- Mod Podge (to protect finished ornaments)
- Jute twine (for hanging)
Probably already at home:
- Salt (1 cups), Flour (3 cups), Water (~2 cup)
- Ground Ginger, Cloves and Cinnamon (for the color and scent)
- Cookie cutters, Baking sheet & Parchment paper
Alternative: Use air-dry clay instead of salt dough for a smoother finish!
Estimated Cost: $5-10 (with pantry staples) or $12-18 (with clay alternative)
What I love about this:
"Sometimes the simplest projects make the biggest impact! Just punch out stars and sew them together with your machine (or glue two stars around twine if you don't sew). So charming draped across a mantel, window, or woven through greenery – the perfect mindless project while watching a cozy movie."_Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours | The kind of project you can do with a baby on your lap
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Cards stock (cream, kraft, or your choice of colors)
- Star punch (2-3 inch size works well)
Nice to have:
- Sewing machine (for stitched version)
- Glue stick (for now-sew version)
- Jute twine (if using glue method)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Thread (for stitched version)
- Scrap paper or card stock
Estimated Cost: $8-15
Chunky Yarn Christmas Tree
By: A Well Purposed Woman | View Tutorial Video by: A Well Purposed Woman
What I love about this:
"This chunky yarn tree brings such a cozy texture – I love its puffiness! Just wrap yarn around a stick in a tree shape - perfect for using up yarn scraps. Customize the colors to match your style or glue it onto a wood slice for shelf or mantel display."Perfect for: Beginner | 5-10 minutes (depending on size) | Wintery ornaments or shelf decor
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Chunky yarn
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Nice to have:
- Small wood slice (for base)
- Small wooden star (for topper)
Probably already at home:
- Stick or dowel (6-8 inches)
- Yarn scraps (chunky weight)
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $4-8 (or nearly free with yarn scraps!)
What I love about this:
"These woven heart baskets – 'julehjerte' in Danish – are an authentic Scandinavian tradition, not just a trend. I made these in my Danish language class years ago, and they still bring back the coziest memories! Surprisingly easy to weave from paper, felt, or fabric scraps. Hang them on your tree or tuck small treats inside as gift holders."Perfect for: Beginner | 15-30 minutes per basket | adding original Danish Christmas charm
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Cards stock (for paper version)
- Fell sheets (for felt version)
- Glue stick (for securing the handle)
Nice to have:
- Paper trimmer (for precise cuts)
- Cutting mat (protects your surface)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Pencil & Ruler
- Scrap paper or fabric
Estimated Cost: $2-10 (especially if using scraps!)
What I love about this:
"There's something so satisfying about a project that doesn't require a trip to the craft store – you likely have everything at home already! Start right away when inspiration strikes. Style them as a garland draped across your window, individual tree ornaments, or beautiful gift toppers."Perfect for: Complete Beginner | 15 min each | Christmas & Winter - could double as a snowflake
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Coffee filter
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Probably already at home:
- Twine or cord
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $10-15 (or $15-20 with lights)
What I love about this:
"Dried orange slices are one of my favorite ways to bring natural warmth to Christmas decor – that perfect pop of color plus subtle citrus scent! So cozy and nostalgic strung into a garland or hanging on your tree. Once fully dried, they'll last for years, making this a sustainable decoration you can bring out season after season."Perfect for: Beginner | A few hours (mostly oven time) | EVERYWHERE (ornaments/gift toppers/you name it)
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Oranges (organic) (2-3 for a small garland)
- Jute twine (for stringing)
Nice to have:
- Natural wooden beads (to add between orange slices)
- Cinnamon Sticks (beautiful mixed into garland)
- Food dehydrator (faster and more even drying)
Probably already at home:
- Sharp knife (for slicing)
- Oven & Baking sheet
Estimated Cost: $5-10 or $15-20 (with beads and cinnamon)
What I love about this:
”These delicate macrame wreaths have such a soft, natural texture that fits perfectly with Scandinavian minimalism. They're surprisingly quick to make and are the perfect scrap-buster if you have leftover macrame cord from other projects. The simple knots create beautiful dimension - so charming hanging on a tree or tied onto gifts!”Perfect for: Beginner-Intermediate | 10-15 minutes per wreath | Tree ornaments or gift toppers
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Macrame Cord (5mm braided)
- Wooden rings (2-3” / 6.5cm)
Nice to have:
- Natural wooden beads ((for embellishment))
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Leftover macrame cord scraps, twine
Estimated Cost: $8-10 (or nearly free if using scraps!)
Air-Dry Clay Dala Horse Ornaments
By: Me - Sunday Sofa
What I love about this:
"I fell in love with these beautiful Dala horse ornaments and knew I had to share how you can make your own version. Nothing says Scandinavian Christmas quite like a traditional Dala horse!"- Roll out air-dry clay to about ¼" thickness
- Cut Dala horse shapes (cookie cutter or free-hand with a knife)
- Poke hanging hole before clay dries
- Let dry completely (24–48 hours)
- Paint traditional folk art patterns with acrylic paint
- Seal with 2–3 coats of Mod Podge
Perfect for: Intermediate | Slow weekend project – most time is just drying! | Christmas tree
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Air-dry clay
- Acrylic Paint (red and white for traditional look)
- Mod Podge
Nice to have:
- Horse cookie cutter
- Fine detail paint brushes
Probably already at home:
- Rolling pin & Wax paper
- Straw or toothpick (to poke hanging holes), twine/ribbon
Estimated Cost: $15–25 (depending on clay and paint sizes)
What I love about this:
"These tiny pinecone wreaths add beautiful natural texture to your holiday table – so cozy bringing the outdoors in! Surprisingly easy to make and perfect as place cardholders. Guests can even take them home as keepsake ornaments!"Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours for a full table | Winter/Holiday Dinner Parties
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Small pinecones (1-2 inch sizes)
- Thick (jewelry) wire
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Cards stock (for name cards)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors & Pliers
- Pinecones from your yard (if available!)
- Ribbon scraps
Estimated Cost: $10-15 (or $5-8 if you forage pinecones!)
Tutorial "Window Christmas Painting with Printables" not found
Creating Scandinavian-inspired Christmas decorations is all about embracing simplicity, natural materials, and that cozy hygge feeling. These projects prove you don't need complicated techniques or expensive supplies to achieve that beautiful minimalist aesthetic – just a love for handmade charm and an afternoon to craft.
Which Scandi project are you most excited to try? Save this collection to Pinterest and tag me if you make any – I'd love to see your cozy creations!
All Creators Featured
This collection features amazing work from:
- The Merrythought
- Domesticallyblissful
- Woodlark
- anangelinmyhome
- A Well Purposed Woman
- Bits of Ivory
- I Spy DIY
- Soulful Notions
- Oh So Beautiful Paper
- Jésus Sauvage
Go show them some love!
Shop Most-used Supplies
Essential Craft Supplies:
- Air-dry clay
- Mod Podge
- Cards stock
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Ribbon
- Jute twine
For Special Projects:
- Paper lunch bags
- Coffee filter
- Natural wooden beads
- Acrylic Paint
Tools & Basics:
- Rolling Pin
- Fine detail paint brushes
- Scissors
- Paper trimmer
Note: You likely have many of these supplies at home already! Check your craft stash before purchasing.
Disclaimers
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in! Thank you for supporting Sunday Sofa. 💛
Content Credit: Many projects featured in this collection are created by the talented individuals linked above. I do not claim ownership of their work – I'm simply sharing what inspires me! Please visit the original creators for full tutorials and support their amazing content.
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