This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UWindsor chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of year… and also the most expensive. Christmas can really break the bank, and that’s before decorations! Try these cheap and easy crafts to help spruce up your space for the holiday season.

Snow Candle

Found on Reckless Glamour

When I saw this, I instantly fell in love! It’s also super easy. All you need is a moderate to larger size candle (red or green works best), Mod Podge, Epsom Salt, foam brushes, and a dish or pan large enough to fit the candles.

First, use your foam brush to coat on a layer of Mod Podge all around the candle. Don’t be stingy, and don’t worry as it dries clear. Next, pour a layer of Epsom Salt into your dish and lay your candle on top. Using your hands sprinkle, pat and cover the candle with the Epsom Salt until you’re satisfied. It’s super easy and looks amazing!

3D Snowflake

Found on the Elli Blog

I like to call these “adult snowflakes” since they appear to be so suave and sophisticated. Don’t let these lovely flakes fool you, they’re incredibly easy to make! For this you’ll need paper, tape, scissors, and a stapler. You can find a printable template from elli.com to help you with the cutting, but it’s not required.

First, think of the size of snowflake you would like. A large snowflake uses six pieces of paper, a medium size snowflake uses two, and a small flake only requires one sheet. Using your paper, make sure you have six squares. So for example, when making a large snowflake you grab six pieces of paper and cut each into a square. Next, fold your square in half so it makes a triangle and cut six slits – two long, two medium length, and two short – so that it looks as though you are cutting three triangles within the big triangle. Make sure you DO NOT actually connect these slits as you need the paper to remain connected. Open your square back up and roll the two cut corners of the first middle square together and tape to secure. Flip your square over and bring the next two corners together and tape to secure. Repeat with the final two, making sure that each time you tape a set of corners together it is on the alternate side than the one before. Repeat with your five remaining squares.

Once you’ve cut, connected, and secured all six of your snowflakes “arms”, connect three arms with a stapler at the top making sure that they are facing the same way. Repeat with the remaining three and then put everything together and voila. Grab a ribbon or some twine to put through the top of an arm, get your glitter glue, and go crazy!

Dipped Pinecone Garland

Found on HGTV

For this adorable décor you’ll need small pinecones (real or fake), white craft paint, red yarn, hot glue gun (and glue obviously), scissors and a paper plate.

First, dip your pine cones in paint so that there’s colour on the petal edges. Make sure you rotate as you dip so that all around the exterior there’s paint. Repeat for all of your pinecones and allow them to dry completely. Next, wrap the end of the yarn around a pine cone and secure it with a knot. Wrap the yarn around pine cones by wedging under the scales and using hot glue to secure. Now hang it, place it, or drape it anywhere you’d like.

Santa Wine Bottle

Found on Fashion.Joylax

This craft requires a wine bottle (cheers!), red spray paint, black felt, gold rhinestones, silver buttons, twine, decorative bells, and a hot glue gun.

Soak your bottle in hot water and dish soap and peel of the label. For tricky spots, use some sandpaper. Spray your bottle with about two or three coats of paint. While that’s drying, cut out a thick black belt from your felt and ones the bottle has dried put on the belt with the glue gun. Use your glue gun to glue the silver buttons going down the bottle, and use your rhinestones to make a belt buckle. Wrap the twine around the neck and the bottom of the bottle and secure with glue. Finally, glue the bells to the top of the bottle and you’re wine bottle Santa Claus is complete!

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Found on Crafty Nest

Hooray for another snowflake craft! Once again, this craft is super simple and requires very minimal effort. For this, you’ll need craft sticks, hot glue gun, red or white spray paint, and some string or twine to hang.

Create your desired shape using the craft sticks and hot glue, for snowflake ideas check out craftynest.com. Next, lay your snowflake down on some newspaper and coat with spray paint (I prefer red, but your craft means your colour) and let dry. If you use white spray paint, a great idea is to add silver or gold rhinestones to the end of your sticks. Once it’s dry, tie around your string and hang. Easier than building a snowman!

Christmas Tree Ornament

Found on Downtime Upcycle

This DIY is quite possibly my favourite one that I have found. The finished product is completely gorgeous and there’s virtually no effort used. You’ll need a clear ornament, glue gun, red ribbon, fake berries and greenery, fake snow (confetti or glitter can also be used), block letters, and tweezers.

Glue your desired word together (making sure it’s still small enough to fit in the bulb) and set aside. Next, fill your ornament with the snow, greenery, and berries. Finally, using your tweezers place your word inside of the bulb and finish with a nice red bow using the ribbon. Now you have an adorable ornament for your tree or grandma’s.

I hope these little crafts helped you get creative with your holiday spirit. Have a safe and happy holidays collegiettes!

A Very Merry DIY Christmas: Decor