There's nothing like Christmas decorations to lighten up the darkness and spread a little cheer, don't you think? One of the positives about lock-down (or simply spending more time at home this year) is that we might just have time for some good old fashioned julpyssla (Christmas crafting)! In our house decorating is a family affair and Per, the girls and I love to go all out - including a trip to the forest to collect fir cones, fir tree saplings as well as some simple crafting accompanied by glögg and julsånger (Christmas songs) - see more here! Now, I'm not going to lie, when it comes to crafting, my family and I are not what I would call gifted - in fact most of our decorations end up looking very homemade. But what we lack in skill we more than make up for in enthusiasm. In case you're also in the mood for a little julpyssla this year, here are 5 beautifully simple DIY Swedish Christmas craft ideas we'll be making this year -and they barely cost a penny!
1. Window painting
This year our windows have become more important than ever. In some homes they've been the only connection people have had with to the outside world, in others they've been used to communicate important messages (like the heart-warming NHS rainbows in the UK), and in others again, they might have been the only way one has been able to connect with at-risk loved ones. So why not brighten up everyone's day - and do some winter window painting like Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner. All you need is a glass pen and a little imagination (there are also some cute stencils available here* and here*) - and you'll create a little cheer inside and out!
2. Christmas decorations from scraps of wallpaper
Got any scraps of wallpaper lying around at home? Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner shows you how to make baubles, paper chains and bunting from wallpaper - and the outcome is so pretty!
3. Snöblomma (snow flower) / Paper stars
These wonderful DIY paper stars (made above by Byn Collective and below by Anna-Maria Blomqvist) started to make waves last Christmas (see my feature!) and mark a welcomed return to Swedish Christmas crafting traditions. What I love most about these snöblomma / paper stars is that they are SO easy to make and look pretty anywhere in the house. Get the know-how here.
4. Blood orange garlands
We've all seen orange garlands - but how about making a 'blood' orange garland for a darker twist on the classic? Drying out your own orange slices couldn't be easier too. Simply set the oven to 70 degrees celsius, spread the orange slices out on baking paper and place the pan in the oven until they have completely dried out and turn a nice golden colour (around 2.5 / 3 hours). Make sure you turn regularly for an even effect. Once dried, there's no end to the possibilities (see more inspiration here!).
5. Bake Lussebulle / Lussekatt
Does baking count as crafting? You're using your hands after all! There's no denying that a little baking in the run up to Christmas not only feels therapeutic, it fills the house with festive aromas and you can enjoy the results for days! This year, why not fill your home (and hearts) with the wonderful scent of Swedish saffron buns (as captured by Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner above and below) - and enjoy them on 'Lucia' (St Lucy's Day) on 13th December. There's a great recipe here.
I can smell the Lussebulle from here, how about you?
Is there anything that stood out to you among these DIY ideas?
You might also like to check out 10 simple DIY ideas made from nature and 5 pretty candle displays you can make in an instant.
Here's to a very crafty run-up to Christmas!
Niki
PS Wishing all American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Picture credits; 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8: Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner. 4. Byn Collective 5. Anna-Maria Blomqvist
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