1Velvet Trees
Mike Garten 2Flocked Ornaments
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3Vintage Candy Ornaments
Mike Garten 4Braided Wreath
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5Honeycomb Ornaments
Mike Garten 6Pipe Cleaner Trees
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7Woven Knot Wrapping
Mike Garten 8Mystery Baubles
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9Bedazzled Wrapping
Mike Garten 10Ribbon Wreath
Mike GartenUsing gold satin ribbon and a wood wreath form, you can create a glistening wreath for the holidays. Cut 8-inch strips with fabric scissors and tie the ribbon around the wood wreath form with a tight knot until the entire wreath is covered with satin ribbon strips. Once covered, tie one last strip of ribbon around the wreath loosely enough so that it can act as a hanger. Hang the ribbon wreath inside or outside on any doorway!
SHOP GOLD SATIN RIBBON
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11Cupcake Liner Ornaments
Mike GartenGet crafty with cupcake liners! First, flatten 10 cupcake liners and fold them in half, colored side in. Secure the middle with a glue dot so the edges of each side of the liner stick together. Repeat this step with all other cupcake liners. Add glue dots to the top and bottom of the outer layer (the white side) and place the next cupcake liner on top until you use all 10 liners. Connect the top and bottom liners with two more glue dots so they create a beautiful sphere ornament to hang on the tree.
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12Paper Chain Garland
Mike GartenUse wrapping paper, craft paper, or tissue paper to create your own paper chain garland. Cut 3 x 6 inch or 3 x 4.5 inch strips (different size loops will add personality to your garland). Continue cutting strips so that you have enough to complete your desired garland length. Loop the paper and staple the ends together to create a circle. Thread the next strip into the loop you just created and staple the ends together to start the chain. Once completed, hang on the mantel, fireplace, or anywhere you want some extra homemade decor.
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13Orange Clove Pomanders
Mike GartenNot only does this craft look good, it also smells delightful. Gather clean and fresh citrus of your choice—navel oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, or grapefruit will work! Using a skewer, poke shallow holes through the skin of the fruit. Place the stem of a whole clove into each hole. Place the finished pomanders on a platter or in a bowl for a lovely warming scent that will last for about a week.
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14Modern Tinsel Wreath
Mike GartenIf you're looking for a new, simple way to decorate your wreath this year, look no further than tinsel. Using a light touch to prevent the tinsel from tangling or clumping, layer it onto the wreath carefully. Once you're finished decorating, hang your elegant, modern wreath anywhere in the house for extra sparkle.
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15Starburst Tree Topper
Mike GartenWith just a few materials, you can create a midcentury tree topper with vintage flair. Use a styrofoam ball for the centerpiece and toothpicks or skewers dipped in craft glue for the parts that stick out. Once you've added all the toothpicks, spray the surface of the starburst with spray adhesive and sprinkle the starburst with glitter. After it dries, stick a piece of twisted craft wire into the center of the styrofoam and use the twisted end to wrap around the top branch of your tree.
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16Cupcake Liner Poinsettias
Mike GartenCreate cupcake liner poinsettias to add to your gift wrap, garland, or napkin rings. All you have to do is flatten red cupcake liners, fold them into quarters, and cut out a single petal shape. When you unfold the liner, you should have a flower with four petals. Layer the petals so that they overlap and secure them with double-sided tape or glue dots.
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17Embossed Velvet
Mike GartenEasily customize velvet ribbons, stockings, and table linens with simple rubber stamps! Preheat your iron on the wool or silk setting and make sure the steam setting is turned off. Lightly dampen the velvet fabric or ribbon with water and place a rubber stamp (or silicone stamp) on the ironing board, stamp side up. Lay the damp velvet fabric face side down, on top of the stamp. Place the iron on top and apply gentle even pressure for about 30 seconds. Then, carefully peel it off the stamp to reveal the beautiful embossed design.
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18Pipe Cleaner Decor
Mike GartenPipe cleaners can be used to make stunning ornaments, gift wrap, and garland. Simply thread tinsel pipe cleaner through an ornament, designing whatever shapes or patterns you'd like. Or wrap them around your gifts for extra sparkle. You can even create garland by looping pieces of pipe cleaner together and twisting the ends to secure each piece.
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19Wooden Beaded Starburst Ornaments
Mike GartenWith wooden beads and craft dowels, you can create starburst ornaments for the tree. Start with a full length 3mm dowel and string on beads. Glue the second to last and last pieces to hold it all in place and cut off any extra wood off each end. Then, cut four pieces of dowel that are half the size of the piece you just created and string on beads in the same pattern on each, securing with hot glue on the ends. Attach the ends of the four pieces to the center bead on your first dowel to create a starburst shape. Add wire or ribbon and hang on the tree!
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20Foraged Fire Starters
Photo by Mike Garten; Craft Styling: Lis EngelhartNestle a DIY fire starter beneath dry logs in your fireplace or fire pit, then light the wick to enjoy a warming winter aroma. These are easy to recreate once you gather your kindling—think: small pinecones, evergreen twigs, dried citrus peel, cinnamon sticks, and coffee beans.
- Place cupcake liners in a baking tray. Melt wax pellets in a heatproof bowl in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until the wax is melted and completely clear.
- Dip the wick bottoms into the wax and place one in each muffin cup. Fill cups halfway with kindling.
- Pour wax over the kindling until 2/3 of the way full. Allow the wax to set for a few minutes, then add more kindling to the top.
- Allow the wax to fully set for an hour before handling.

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
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