menu

14 Repurposed Christmas Decorations for After the Holidays

Learn what to do with old Christmas ornaments, cards, wrapping paper, and more.

By: Caley Walsh, Editor, FaveCrafts.com

After the holidays, reuse Christmas ornaments, cards, lightbulbs, and more to make beautiful recycled crafts to decorate year round!

If you're looking for ways to be a little greener, these craft ideas will help you to reuse and recycle materials from your holiday celebrations.

Reduce the amount of trash your household produces and be frugal with your future decorating and gift-giving. Many of these green crafts also make for great activities for kids.

Here are some of our favorite after-Christmas craft ideas.

Green Crafting Gift Wrap Bow

Wondering what to do with leftover wrapping paper? Instead of tossing wrapping paper torn from gifts this Christmas, recycle the paper into something new. While this project recommends magazines, you can also use small amounts of leftover wrapping paper to create colorful gift bows for next year or for other presents during the year.

Get the Tutorial

How to Make Paper

Even small paper scraps and crumpled balls can be used to make homemade paper. Use the homemade paper to send thank you cards for gifts or save for occasions throughout the year.  You can use red wrapping papers to create paper perfect for Valentine’s Day cards. 

Get the Tutorial

Wire Wrapped Paper Beads

Want more wrapping paper crafts? Turn wrapping paper scraps into colorful rolled paper beads sealed with varnish. The thicker wrapping papers work particularly well for this craft, but experiment with different papers.

Get the Tutorial

Spiral Rose Book Page Wreath Tutorial

Did someone give you a book you don't care for for Christmas? Or do you have more wrapping paper than you know what to do with? Take any leftover paper from the holidays and turn them into a beautiful rose wreath.

Get the Tutorial

A Very Merry Twinkle Wreath

You might have a few lightbulbs (or several) that burnt out this year, but don't throw them away! Keep a stash and, when you've accumulated enough, make this darling twinkle wreath! If you can't wait for your bulbs to burn out, feel free to buy a package specifically for this purpose. 

Get the Tutorial

Amazing Lightbulb Wreath

Okay, speaking of using lightbulbs, can we talk about how gorgeous this amazing lightbulb wreath is? If you've had any lightbulbs burn out at all during your holiday festivities, save them to make this stunning project, and decorate your home with this wreath year round!

Get the Tutorial

Unique Tampon Angel Christmas Ornament

I couldn't help including this project. ;) Plan ahead for next year and make this recycled ornament! Grab some ribbon leftover from some gift wrap and some glitter that's probably shedding from your decor already anyway to decorate this cute ornament!

Get the Tutorial

Dollar Store Ornament Wreath

Maybe you have a new color scheme for your Christmas tree and you need to get rid of some ornaments that no longer match. If you're wondering what to do with leftover christmas ornaments, you can make a wreath for any holiday made of ornaments! As a special bonus, this project features a video tutorial.

Get the Tutorial

Festive Dixie Cup String Light Idea

Did you buy too many party cups for your holiday gathering? Use the leftovers to make a lighted garland to use for outdoor parties in summer or even to decorate your child's bedroom.

Get the Tutorial

Faux Zinnias Pine Cone Crafts

Turn pine cones leftover from your real Christmas tree or any other holiday decor and make them into lovely flowers! This gorgeous project is great for taking your winter decor into spring.

Get the Tutorial

Recycled Holiday Cards Boxes

What should you do with all those Christmas cards you received this year? Turn them into darling gift boxes of course! Get a head start for next year by repurposing those Christmas cards now.

Get the Tutorial

Pillows from Felted Sweaters

The phrase "ugly Christmas sweaters" is popular for a reason. If in the tradition of Ron Weasley you have a series of ugly sweaters that were gifted to you Christmas after Christmas, turn them into beautiful pillows instead!

Get the Tutorial

Recycled Plarn Tote Bag

We know you were shopping like crazy leading up to the holiday, so you probably have tons of those plastic bags left over! Use them to make a handy tote bag for groceries or other uses throughout the year.

Get the Tutorial

Cheery Pinecone DIY Firestarters

Another way you can reuse pinecones is to make your own firestarters! These make a great gift all winter and can be used to decorate pretty much October through April if you live in the midwest.

Get the Tutorial

Tell us what Christmas decorations you've repurposed for other occasions!

close

Main Menu

Categories