18 Repurposed Rustic Christmas DIY Ideas

It’s that time of year again!  Time to get out the old Christmas ornaments and start transforming your home into a winter wonderland.  But, instead of using just your exsisting decorations, or buying new ones, how about repurposing some household items you probably already have?  Try these Rustic Christmas Decorating Ideas in your home this holiday season.

#1 Wooden Box

If you have any old wooden boxes laying around how about painting it a Christmas color? Add some hooks on the front and stuff it with holdiay greens and pine cones. 

Use it on your mantle to hold stockings, on a shelf in an entry, or how about in a bathroom with some scented soaps?

#2 Furniture Spindle Tree

Country Design Style took some old furniture spindles and strung them on a wooden dowel to make this adorable Christmas tree.  I love this idea.

You will need spindles of different styles, colors, and lengths to get this look. Take a dowel or rod and drill holes in the center of the spindles the width of the rod. Add some kind of base to the rod so it can stand up. Then starting with the longest spindle, start stacking them onto the rod. Finish with some kind of topper like the bow on this one or a star, ornament, or something else Christmas related.

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#3 Repurposed Skis

Confessions from a serial DIYer came up with an easy way to not only make a cute Christmas ski decoration, but also a great way to do something with those skis that have been collecting dust in your garage!  😉

Don’t have any old skis? Look for some at your local thrift store. Paint them a Christmas color. Screw them together in the center. Then finish them off with a collection of greens and berries. So cute.

#4 Old Christmas bulbs

This is the cutest Rustic Christmas decorating idea. Don’t throw away any of your old burned out Christmas bulbs.  Just tie some twine or ribbon around the base, make a loop and hang them from your tree. 

You could also make a garland out of them and hang them from your fireplace mantle or a chandelier.

#5 Hardware Decoration

PettiCoatJUNKtion used some misc handles and hinges to make this adorable Christmas tree decoration.  Hobby Lobby has some adorable ones. So simple and so rustic.  LOVE IT!

#6 Rake Tree

If your like some people I know who don’t throw anything away, you know who you are :), then this Christmas tree make out of rakes and faucet handles could be just the project for you.

I NEED to make one of these for my Dad! I bet he has everything I need to make one right in his shed!

#7 Wrapped Books

Jones Design Company shows a great way to use old books for Christmas.

They wrapped them in canvas, but you could use paper bags, Christmas wrapping paper, white bags, or fabric.  The list is endless.  I wrap some books in Christmas gift wrap and display them on a shelf.

Add some text with stamps, vinyl letters, or even a marker. Then top it off with some coordinating ribbon. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to add Christmas to your home decor.

#8 Grater Decoration

What an adorable kitchen decoration made from an old grater.  Just add some greens and a ribbon and it would be so cute on your counter or shelf in the kitchen.

#9 Sled Wall Shelf

Funky Junk repurposed this old sled into a very useful Repurposed Rustic Christmas decorating idea. Make a wall shelf by just adding a couple boards and some rope.  The greens on top add just the right touch.

#10 Sweater Trees

Use some old sweaters to make these festive Christmas tree decorations.  Don’t have any sweaters to cut up? Visit your local thrift store.

Get the step by step directions with the link below.

#11 Wood Stocking Decoration

Cut out a stocking shape from an old peice of wood and add tattered ribbon and berries for this rustic country wall decoration.

#12 Cabinet Door Sign

Chapter 37 used an old cabinet door and added 3 wooden letters to make this cute wall or mantle decoration. 

All you need to do is glue some wood letters, paint over the whole thing, and distress it with sandpaper. 

I have some old doors with glass panes from my Dad’s built-in cuboards and they would be so cute with some holiday touches.

#13 DIY Advent Calendar

Here is a great way to make an advent calendar.  Just use an inexpensive wall or shoe organizer and sew it to a peice of fabric.  Use some stencils, stickers, or hand paint the numbers and fill with goodies.

#14 Corner Shelf Tree

I remember these from when I was little. Look how they took an old corner shelf and made this adorable Repurposed Rustic Christmas tree decoration. 

Just paint it then attach it to a log and a base and there you have it.  Love the star tin at the top!  You can find these shelves in thrift stores everywhere.

#15 Shutter Snowman

How about using an old shutter for this adorable snowman decoration?  Just paint half black, half white and add some finishing touches with paint and found objects.

#16 Repurposed Chair Decoration

Take an old chair and turn it into this great porch decoration.  Looks like she cut a hole in the seat to hold a pot, then filled it with artificial pointsettias and greens. 

Love the burlap wrapped around the base of the seat!

#17 License Plate Tree

My husband owns an automotive junk yard and I am definitly doing this for the office.  This would also be great in a mancave or garage!

#18 Gumball Machine Snow Globe

And last but not least go to your local thrift store or dollar store and turn a plastic gumball machine into this nostalgic snow glob decoration. 

All you need to do is paint the red parts gold (or leave it red), insert your Christmas scene and add a ribbon.

I hope I inspired you with these rustic christmas decorating ideas.  Please share your upcycled DIY holiday decorations with me in the comments below.  I’d love to see them!

Related Posts…

Stay tuned for more great holiday decorating ideas to come.  But until then check out these posts for the holidays.