15 DIYs for a Vintage Christmas
There's something magical about vintage Christmas decorations – they carry that warm, nostalgic feeling that mass-produced ornaments just can't replicate. Whether you're drawn to the soft glow of tinted glass, the luxe texture of velvet, or the handcrafted charm of embroidered felt, creating your own vintage-inspired decor lets you capture that heirloom quality without the thrift store hunt (or the hefty price tag!).
I've gathered 15 of my favorite vintage Christmas DIY projects for you to step-up your vintage Christmas this year. These projects embrace natural materials, timeless designs, and that cozy, handmade feel that makes Christmas truly special.
Ready to bring some vintage magic to your holiday? Let's dive in!
What I love about this:
”This is such a clever way to upcycle plain glass ornaments into something that looks authentically vintage! The tinted glass technique gives them that gorgeous amber, jewel-toned glow you'd find in antique ornaments, but you can customize the colors to match your own style.”Supplies you'll need
- Clear glass ornaments ((any size))
- Mod Podge
- Food coloring (gel works best for rich colors)
- Metallic wax (to prettify the ornament caps)
- Oven
- Muffin tin (for drying)
- Small cup (for mixing)
Estimated Cost: $8-15 (or nearly free if upcycling old ornaments!)
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.”Supplies you'll need
- Fresh rosemary (from grocery store or garden)
- Floral wire (thin, green or natural color)
- Jute twine
- Ribbon (for hanging)
- 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:
"Real vintage flocked ornaments can be pricey and hard to find, but this DIY gives you that gorgeous velvety texture for a fraction of the cost! The soft, matte finish looks so luxurious and authentic – you'd never guess it's made with household ingredients like flour or baking soda. Create them in any color to match your vintage aesthetic!"Supplies you'll need
- Clear glass ornaments
- Acrylic Paint (in your chosen color)
- Primer spray paint (white or gray)
- Vintage-style ornament caps (hint)
- Flour or baking soda (for flocking texture)
- Fine mesh strainer
- Paintbrush or foam brush
Estimated Cost: $12-18
What I love about this:
"These clay bells have such an authentic hammered metal look – it's hard to believe they're not actual vintage bells! The technique is surprisingly simple: you wrap air-dry clay around a tin can, which means you can easily adjust the size based on what cans you have on hand. The finishing touches with gold paint and walnut stain give them that aged, patina-rich look that makes them feel like treasured antiques."Supplies you'll need
- Air-dry clay (about 2 kg for 7 bells)
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Gold Acrylic Paint (for antiquing)
- Walnut Stain (for aged patina)
- Cleaned tin cans (various sizes)
- Rolling pin
- Hammer and nail (to make hole in can top)
- Small wood scraps or twigs (for clappers)
Estimated Cost: $15-20 (for clay and paints)
What I love about this:
"The soft fabric texture on these ornaments gives them such a cozy, vintage feel! What makes this project so fun is how customizable it is: choose vintage floral prints, classic plaids, or soft linen fabrics to match your tree's style. It's a great way to upcycle thrifted ornaments or give plain ones a completely new personality, and there's no sewing required – just fabric, glue, and a little patience."Supplies you'll need
- Clear glass ornaments (or thrifted ones to upcycle)
- (Christmas) Fabric (vintage prints, florals, plaids, or linen)
- Mod Podge (matte or glossy finish)
- Fabric Scissors (for clean cuts)
- Velvet Ribbon
- Foam brush or paintbrush (for Mod Podge)
- Fabric scraps
- Old ornaments to upcycle
Estimated Cost: $10-15 (or $5-8 if using fabric scraps!)
What I love about this:
"I've already made a batch of these and they're so charming! The little resin frames have such an authentic vintage look with the gold patina finish. What makes them extra special is how versatile they are – fill them with vintage painting prints for a classic ornament, or use photos of you and your friend to create the most thoughtful personalized gift tags."Supplies you'll need
- Resin Kit (epoxy resin)
- Silicone Mold Frames
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Metallic wax (gold or antique gold)
- Vintage art prints (or photos)
- Scissors (to cut images to size)
- Printer (for photos or art prints)
- Mixing cups and stir sticks (for resin)
- Gloves
Estimated Cost: $20-30 (resin kit is main investment, then you can make many!)
What I love about this:
"These pleated paper ornaments have such a delicate, vintage charm – the accordion-folded texture looks so intricate and time-consuming, but they're actually surprisingly easy to make! What I also love is how customizable they are: choose any shape and color to match your style. The dimensional pleated look gives them that handcrafted heirloom quality that feels special and nostalgic."Supplies you'll need
- Cards stock (hint)
- Craft glue (hint)
- Free printable templates (hint)
- Scissors
- Yarn or twine (for hanging loop)
Estimated Cost: $5-10 (for a whole bunch)
What I love about this:
"This clever upcycling project transforms tomato paste tubes (yes, really!) into a stunning vintage gold garland that looks like precious heirloom ornaments. I love that it gives new life to something that would otherwise be trash, and the metallic gold finish has such an authentic vintage vibe. You can cut any shapes you like – stars, hearts, circles, wreaths – and keep adding to your collection year after year."Supplies you'll need
- Tomato paste tubes (Save from cooking!)
- Jute twine (for stringing)
- Metallic wax (if you want extra shine)
- Scissors (sharp, for cutting metal)
- Smooth-edged kitchen utensil (spoon handle works!)
- Pen or pencil (for tracing shapes)
- Needle or awl (for poking hanging holes)
Estimated Cost: $0-5 (essentially free!)
What I love about this:
”A cozy Christmas feeling isn't just about what you see – scent is such a huge part of creating that nostalgic holiday atmosphere! Making your own candles lets you customize the fragrance to match your perfect Christmas memory. And the handmade candles make beautiful gifts too."Supplies you'll need
- Glass Jars (heat-resistance)
- Soy wax flakes
- Cotton candle wicks
- Essential Oils
- Printable vinyl sticker paper (for custom vintage labels)
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl + pot
- Wooden stir stick or spoon
- Clothespins or pencils (to hold wicks centered)
Estimated Cost: $20-30 (makes 4-6 candles)
Felt Embroidery Letter Ornaments
By: camomille_creations | View TutorialWhat I love about this:
"These embroidered felt letters are absolutely adorable – they have such a sweet, handcrafted charm! I love the idea of having all family members' initials to hang on your tree or string together in a garland. The delicate floral embroidery details give them that vintage, handmade-with-love feel, and they're the kind of ornaments that become treasured keepsakes."Supplies you'll need
- Fell sheets (cream, red, or your choice of colors)
- Embroidery Thread (coordinating colors)
- Embroidery needles
- Fiberfill or batting (for stuffing)
- Letter pattern templates (supports the creator!)
- Embroidery hoop
- Scissors
- Ribbon or twine (for hanging loop)
- Pencil or fabric pen (for tracing)
Estimated Cost: $10-15 (or $18-20 with pattern purchase)
What I love about this:
"This velvet bow garland creates such a big visual impact with minimal effort! The soft, luxurious texture of velvet ribbon gives it that romantic vintage feel – perfect draped across a mantel, along a staircase, or woven through your tree. Choose classic deep reds and greens, or go with softer dusty pinks and creams for a more subtle vintage look."Supplies you'll need
- Velvet Ribbon (1.5-2 inch width)
- Jute twine (for stringing bows)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks (alternative to tying onto twine)
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
Estimated Cost: $15-25 (depending on garland length)
Vintage Christmas Prints for Frames (+ Samsung Frame TV)
By: Amelia Lawrence | View TutorialWhat I love about this:
"This is the easiest way to transform your entire home for Christmas! Simply swap out a few prints in your existing frames with vintage holiday artwork, and suddenly your whole house has that cozy, nostalgic Christmas feeling. Also great if you have a Samsung Frame TV – you can rotate through vintage prints digitally throughout the season!"Supplies you'll need
- Vintage Christmas art prints (free download available!)
- Frames (use what you have or get these)
- Watercolor paper (gives authentic painted look)
- Mat board (for a more finished, gallery look)
- Printer (or use local print shop)
- Existing frames
- Scissors or paper cutter
Estimated Cost: $0–15 (free if printing at home with frames you own!)
What I love about this:
”Dried orange slices bring such a beautiful natural, vintage element to your Christmas tree – they have that nostalgic, old-world charm that feels timeless. They're simple to make (just slice and dry!), smell wonderful, and add that perfect pop of warm color against evergreen branches."Supplies you'll need
- Oranges (organic) (3-4 for a dozen ornaments)
- Velvet Ribbon (for hanging)
- Cinnamon Sticks (beautiful mixed into garland)
- Food dehydrator (faster and more even drying)
- Sharp knife (for slicing)
- Oven & Parchment paper
Estimated Cost: $5-8
What I love about this:
"These delicate doily snowflakes look incredibly intricate, but take only minutes to fold and glue! The lacy texture adds such beautiful dimension to your decor – try clustering some of different sizes together. Leave them up all winter long for those cozy, snowy-day vibes. They catch the light so beautifully in a window!"Supplies you'll need
- Paper doilies (variety pack with different sizes)
- Craft glue
- Yarn or fishing line (for hanging)
Estimated Cost: $5-8
What I love about this:
"Paper chains are pure nostalgic magic – they instantly bring back those cozy childhood memories of making decorations together! It's the ultimate mindless craft to do while watching a Christmas movie, and there's something so satisfying about watching the chain grow longer and longer."Supplies you'll need
- Scrapbook paper (vintage prints, solids, or festive patterns)
- Craft glue
- Paper trimmer (for perfectly even strips)
- Scissors and Ruler
- Pencil (for marking strips)
Estimated Cost: $8-15
Gift Ideas Using These Projects
These vintage DIY projects make thoughtful handmade gifts:
- Tinted glass ornaments – Package 3-4 in a vintage box for a cohesive set
- Resin frame ornaments – Add a photo for personalized gift tags
- Scented candles – Pair with a book of matches in a gift bag
- Felt letter ornaments – Spell out recipient's name or initials
- Velvet bow garland – Perfect for a housewarming gift
- Paper chain garland – Make with kids, gift to grandparents
Presentation tip: Wrap in kraft paper with a sprig of greenery and a handwritten tag explaining the handmade touch!
Tips for Creating Vintage Christmas Decor
- Stick to muted, aged or jewel tones: dusty rose, dark green, cream, amber, gold - Avoid bright, neon colors!
- Embrace imperfections – vintage is about character, not perfection
- Look for textures: pleated, flocked, embroidered, natural elements
Creating vintage Christmas decorations is about more than just saving money or having something to do on a cozy evening – it's about crafting a holiday atmosphere that feels warm, nostalgic, and authentically yours. Each ornament you make carries a little piece of your creativity and care, and that's what makes handmade vintage decor so special.
These 15 projects prove you don't need to scour antique shops or spend a fortune to achieve that coveted vintage aesthetic. With simple materials, a little time, and these wonderful tutorials from talented creators, you can transform your entire Christmas into a celebration of timeless, handcrafted beauty.
Which vintage DIY are you most excited to try? Save this collection on Pinterest so you can come back when you're ready to start crafting, and tag me if you make any of these – I'd love to see your vintage creations come to life!
All Creators Featured
- The Rural Legend
- CameronSadie
- Tina Le
- Lonefox
- bymichellelei
- Finca Home
- Tina's Cucina
- Camomille Creations
- Amelia Lawrence
- The Modern Day Cottage
- Emily Welch Style
- The Kwendyhome
- Floral Flair Studio
- Woodlark
Please visit their sites for full tutorials and support their amazing work!
Shop Most-used Supplies
- Air-dry clay
- Mod Podge
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Ribbon
- Fell sheets
- Embroidery Thread
- Resin Kit
- Metallic wax
- Cupcake liners
- Essential Oils
- Food coloring
- Paper trimmer
- Fabric Scissors
- Rolling Pin
- Fine detail paint brushes
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.