Trash to Terracotta Christmas Ornaments
We have taken inspiration from Genevra from Collective Gen and turned some of our old Christmas ornaments into something more aligned to our minimalist taste by up-cycling them with terracotta effect paint. You can view Collective Gen's paint technique here. We also love how she uses this technique on other home decor items like vases - a great project over the holiday season.
What You'll Need
- Water based paint (interior wall paint, acrylic etc)
- Baking Powder
- Paint brush
- Glass jars for mixing
- Old ornaments - or you can find second hand ones
- A rail, clothesline or something to hang the wet ornaments on to dry
Directions
- Mix up your paint, roughly one cup of paint to 1 teaspoon of baking powder in glass jars. Add more baking powder to increase the fluffy texture or if it’s going on too watery.
- Give your ornaments two coats of paint, allowing them to dry a little between coats.
Minimal Gift Wrapping
Make use of your spare fabric dust bags (we have so many of these floating around our homes) and use these in place of buying wrapping paper. This technique also eliminates the need for sticky tape which is an added bonus to cut down on plastic.
What You'll Need
- Fabric dust bags
- Twine
- Foliage
- Paint (optional)
Directions
- If the dust bag has a branded logo on it we recommend painting over the logo/text with neutral coloured paint in a neat circle.
- Allow the dust bag to dry.
- Place your present in the dust bag and create a neat fold around item.
- Wrap the twine around to secure and tie off with with a bow or double knot.
- Place foliage under twine to create a special focal point.
DIY Wreath
We love how a wreath on your front door instantly makes your home feel festive. This is a simple but effective way to create a minimal wreath with something we never know what to do with, a metal coat hanger.
What You'll Need
- Metal coat hanger (the type you get back from the dry cleaners is perfect)
- Twine
- Scissors
- Foliage - we used two varieties, Pine and a waxy type of flower that will dry slowly.
Directions
- Bend the coat hanger into a circular shape
- Organise the foliage around the hanger
- Cut a few twine pieces so they're roughly 7cm long
- Secure the foliage with the cut twine around the hanger
- Continue to add foliage and tie to the hanger as needed.
Table Setting
We love a minimal table setting with just a right amount of festivity. Adding a small touch of foliage is such an easy way to elevate a simple place setting.
What You'll Need
- Linen napkins
- Twine
- Foliage
Directions
- Lay the napkin flat.
- Pinch the centre of the napkin up to create a messy gather
- Wrap the centre of the napkin with twine and secure with a knot or bow
- Slide small pieces of foliage between the twine and napkin.
