10 Fun DIY Christmas Projects to Make with Scrap Wood

Not so fast! Before you throw out that scrap wood pile, Emerge2 encourages you to look at these unique decorations you can make for the holidays.

One of the best things about the holiday season is the fun we can have in the weeks leading up to the celebrations with family and friends. Why not make some special memories this year by creating original decorations that will become a new holiday tradition?

Now is the perfect time to make your own festive decorations and thoughtful gifts. Give new life to scrap wood and other items you have around the house with these DIY projects that are easy on the environment and your budget.

We’ve discovered some imaginative holiday decorations made by talented DIYers for you and the whole family to make together.

Work safely! Be sure to wear protective equipment such as safety goggles and ear plugs, and follow all directions for the safe use of tools to prevent injury.

Images from: A Crafty Mix, Always The Holidays, Saws on Skates & HGTV

#1. DIY Wooden Reindeer

Christmas wouldn’t happen without Santa’s trusty reindeer. Make your own reindeer with any leftover wood scraps that are at least two inches thick. Leave the wood as it is for a weathered look or have fun decorating and painting them in festive colors. Instructions include a template so you can trace the reindeer shape onto the wood. These cute reindeer will look beautiful displayed on your mantelpiece, window sill or table.

Materials:

Pallet wood scraps
Rusty nails (4 per reindeer)
Leather or fabric scraps
Sandpaper (100 grit)
Wood glue
Jewelry wire or a branch
Reindeer family template
Tools
Jigsaw
Drill

See it here on A Craft Mix.

#2. DIY Santa Wall Hanging

Make the most of leftover wood with this jolly old Santa wall hanging to welcome visitors all season. Hang him on your front door or lean him against the wall on your porch. This DIY Santa is so fun to make and you don’t need to spend much. Your kids will love him!

Materials:

Wood
1/2″ plywood, approximately 2 feet
Nails
Acrylic craft paint in white, red, brown, yellow and green
6 – 1/2″ gold jingle bells
1 – 3/4″ red jingle bell
Gold glitter glue
Yellow plastic rope – 1 yard
Plastic holly and berries
Black felt – 12″ x 2″
Tools
Skill saw
Saw
Hammer
Glue gun and hot glue sticks
Paintbrushes

Read more about how to make a Santa Wall Hanging on Always The Holidays.

#3. DIY Christmas Card Holder

Display your holiday cards or surprise someone on your list with this special one-of-a-kind gift. You can make this enchanting church card holder with leftover wood and basic woodworking tools. The step-by-step instructions, photos and template make it an easy and impressive DIY project.

Materials:

Wood
Wood glue
Painter’s tape
1” Brad nails
Paint
Tools
Tape measure
Drill
Kreg multi-mark or another brand
Scroll saw or jigsaw
Table saw or circular saw
Miter saw
Portable spindle sander (optional)
Brad nailer or hammer
Paintbrush

See more pictures and the full tutorial on Saws on Skates.

#4. Holiday Houses from Wood Scraps

You’d be surprised at what you can make with a few pieces of leftover wood. Have fun making these cute rustic houses, perfect for your holiday décor on a table or as gifts from your heart. All you need is scrap wood, sandpaper, glue, paint, and your imagination! What could be simpler and more fun? Not to mention budget friendly!

Materials:

Scrap wood – small pieces
220-grit sanding paper
150-grit sanding paper
Chalk paint (white, black and red)
Wood glue
Tools
Circular saw
Pull saw
Paint brushes

Watch the how-to video on HGTV.

#5. Christmas Cloche Using Mini Wooden Houses

Building on the wooden house project above, you can create a whimsical cloche to brighten your holiday table. This DIY project makes use of many items you already have – wood scraps, leftover fabric and ribbon. Follow these helpful instructions to make an original Christmas decoration.

Materials:

Scrap wood or premade wooden houses
200-grit sandpaper
Acrylic paint
Artificial snow
Twinkle lights
Glass cloche for display
Scroll saw or band saw
Paintbrush

How to make Mini Wooden Houses with Scrap Wood – A Christmas Cloche Idea on First Day of Home.

Images from: Michelle James Designs, Saw on Skates, Ruffles And Rain Boots & Ugly Duckling House

#6. Rustic Wooden Star

A rustic wooden star is just right for a country Christmas theme, both indoors and out. You can make it as large or as small as you like, depending on the length of the scrap wood you have. Keep it simple with an evergreen sprig and pine cone, or wrap tiny fairy lights around it for extra sparkle. This easy DIY project will give you a Christmas star you’ll be excited to display each year.

Materials:

Five pieces of wood (lath)
Wood stain
Wood glue
Evergreen sprig
Ribbon
Tools
Staple gun
Small paint brush

See how to make it on Michelle James Designs.

#7. DIY Mitten Christmas Ornaments

These charming mittens will look beautiful on your Christmas tree! Get the whole family involved with this fun and easy DIY project. First, cut the mitten shape from leftover wood, then let your kids do the decorating with paint, ribbon, wool or glitter. There’s a handy mitten template in the instructions to help you cut this traditional shape. They make a unique gift, or gift tag.

Materials:

Scrap wood
Wood glue
Chalk paint
Craft paints
Twine
Scotch tape
Painter’s tape
Sandpaper if needed
Tools
Scroll saw
Drill
1/8 drill bit
Paintbrush

Learn how to make your own DIY Mitten Christmas Ornaments and get the free printed plans on Saw on Skates.

#8. Wooden Nesting Gnomes

Gnomes have been popping up on doorsteps during the holidays for a few years. Bring the gnome theme inside your home with these smaller stackable versions made from scraps of wood, a bit of fluff, and paint! Cute as gifts or to decorate all around your home! Use up scrap wood that’s already cut into triangles and rectangles or cut your own shapes from leftover wood to make these adorable nesting gnomes. The trick is to make sure their noses don’t stick out too far or you won’t be able to stack the gnomes inside each other!

Materials:

Scrap wood
Craft paint
Gray wood stain
Wipe-on polyurethane to seal (optional)
Craft fur or felt
Polymer clay or wooden bead
Printable pattern or cut file
Sand paper
Pencil
Cutting machine, miter saw or scroll saw
Paintbrush
Exacto knife or scissors
Hot glue gun

See the tutorial and make your own on Ruffles And Rain Boots.

#9. DIY Rustic Carved Wood Ornaments

These original wooden ornaments are so much fun to make and a good way to practice your angle-grinding and scroll-sawing skills. Even if you’re new to power tools, you’ll soon get the hang of it! Check out the video to see how it’s done.

You can create interesting textures and patterns on the wood with an angle grinder, then cut the intricate shapes with a scroll saw. Drill a hole for the ribbon and voila! Your ornament is ready to hang on your tree!

Materials:

Scrap wood
Wood stain
Pencil
Online ornament shapes
Twine or thread
Tools
Angle grinder

See the video and learn more about this project on Ugly Duckling House.

Image from: Anika's DIY Life

#10. Wood Block Snowman

What can you do with leftover 4x4 wood? Build a snowman, of course! This is another fun and easy craft for kids. Adults can cut, paint and glue the wood together, then let the kids paint and decorate the blocks to create a festive snowman family.

Materials:

4 x 4 board
Black paint or stain
White craft or latex paint
Buttons
Plaid ribbon
Doll hat
Tools
Hot glue gun
Miter saw
Sander
Finish sander
Coarse grit flap disk – 60 grit
Scroll saw
Drill bit & drill

Learn how to make yours on Anika's DIY Life.

If you have any questions or need more information, visit Emerge2. Our team is always available to help in any way we can.