Chic Christmas on a Budget: 5 DIY Decor Ideas Under $15

The holidays are upon us, and the desire to create a festive atmosphere is strong. However, the hustle and bustle of the season, coupled with the need to save money for gifts, can often dampen our decorating spirits. But fear not! This article brings you a collection of five simple and enchanting DIY Christmas decor projects, each costing less than $15, with all materials conveniently available on Amazon Prime. Imagine transforming your home into a winter wonderland without breaking the bank, freeing up funds for that coveted retro gaming console (for your loved one, of course!), and enjoying the cozy comfort of your favorite pajamas for just a little longer. Let’s dive into these delightful and affordable decorating ideas!

I recently embarked on a mission to discover budget-friendly Christmas decor solutions readily available online. I envisioned the decorations I wanted for my own home and as gifts for friends, then turned to Amazon to make it a reality. Why Amazon Prime? The convenience and speed of Prime’s two-day free shipping are invaluable, especially for last-minute holiday projects. While these materials can undoubtedly be sourced elsewhere, the ease and accessibility of Amazon Prime make it a compelling option for many.

The anticipation was palpable as boxes filled with crafting supplies arrived at my doorstep. The best part? I didn’t even have to leave the house! While each project incorporates common household items, I prioritized designs with minimal material requirements, utilizing supplies most people already have on hand.

While some of the supplies can be found cheaper at local stores, the time saved by ordering online outweighed the potential cost difference. I selected a primary material to inspire each project, focusing on versatility and affordability. Here’s a glimpse of the core elements:

• Pre-Made Throw Pillow Cover: A blank canvas for festive creativity.
• Canvas Laundry Basket/Toy Storage: Repurpose for a stylish tree planter.
• Wall Tapestry/Yoga Mat: Transform into a bohemian-inspired tree skirt.
• Ping Pong Balls (Specifically Beer Pong Balls): The foundation for a unique bead garland.
• A Turkish Towel: The perfect material for creating chic, fringed stockings.

Santa Silhouette Pillow

This pillow DIY is incredibly simple, festive, and makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or teachers. It’s a quick and easy way to add a touch of Christmas cheer to any room.

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need to purchase:

You’ll also need:

• Needle, thread, and pins
• Hot glue, Heat-N-Bond, or fabric glue (optional)

Total Cost of Project: $13.79

Step 1: Choose and Print a Santa Silhouette

Find a simple Santa silhouette online. Search for “Santa silhouette” or “reindeer silhouette” to discover free-to-use vectors or printables. Print the image. This Santa silhouette is a great option.

Step 2: Cut Out and Trace the Pattern

Carefully cut out your printed Santa silhouette pattern and trace it onto the felt.

Step 3: Cut Out the Felt Shape

Cut out the felt Santa shape and iron it lightly to smooth any wrinkles.

Step 4: (Optional) Secure the Felt with Hot Glue

This step is optional but helpful. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the center of the pillow cover where you’ll place the felt shape. Avoid the edges to allow for sewing. The glue acts as a temporary adhesive to keep the felt in place.

Step 5: Iron the Felt Silhouette in Place

Carefully iron the felt Santa silhouette onto the pillow cover.

Step 6: Hand Stitch Around the Edges

Hand stitch around the edges of the felt Santa silhouette. This step can be sped up with a sewing machine if you have one. Consistent, even stitches create a professional finish.

Step 7: Insert the Pillow

Insert a pillow form into the finished pillow cover. Reuse everyday throw pillows for a cost-effective and space-saving solution.

Potted Tree Planter

Potted Christmas trees add a touch of rustic charm to any space. This simple and inexpensive DIY planter provides a stylish home for your miniature evergreens.

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need from Amazon Prime:

You’ll also need masking tape or painter’s tape.

Total Cost of Project: $12.98

Step 1: Measure and Mark the Basket

Measure and mark a consistent distance from the bottom of the laundry basket all the way around. This will determine the height of the painted section.

Step 2: Tape the Top of the Laundry Basket

Tape off the top portion of the laundry basket with masking tape or painter’s tape. Keep the top semi-open to allow you to reach inside and smooth out any wrinkles as you spray.

Step 3: Spray Paint the Basket

Spray paint the bottom section of the basket. Apply two to three coats for best coverage.

Step 4: Remove the Tape and Add Your Tree

Allow the paint to dry completely (a couple of hours) before removing the tape. Then, place your potted Christmas tree inside the newly decorated planter.

DIY Bohemian Tree Skirt

Bohemian tree skirts can be expensive, but this DIY version captures the essence of the style for a fraction of the cost. This project transforms a fringed tapestry into a stunning tree skirt.

Materials

Here’s what you need from Amazon Prime:

COR Hippie Mandelas Beach Towel Yoga Mat Wall Tapestry – $12 on Amazon Prime

You also need:

• Scissors
• Iron
• Hot glue gun, sewing machine, or Heat-n-Bond (all optional)

Total Project Cost: $12

DIY Option #1: Super Easy Wrap

For a quick and effortless tree skirt, simply fold the tapestry in half and wrap it around the base of your tree. This option works best for smaller trees. After Christmas, repurpose the tapestry as a wall hanging, tablecloth, or beach blanket.

DIY Option #2: For a Larger Tree Skirt

Step 1: Cut the Tapestry

Cut the tapestry between the pattern sections, stopping at the inner medallion pattern.

Step 2: Cut the Center Hole

Cut around the inner medallion to create a hole for the tree base.

Step 3: Iron the Edges

Flip the tapestry over and fold the edges along the cuts. Iron the folds in place for a clean finish. Repeat for all cut edges, including the center hole.

Step 4: Secure the Edges

Apply a thin line of hot glue along the folded edges. Alternatively, sew the edges or use Heat-n-Bond. Remember that hot glue won’t withstand washing.

Step 5: Iron the Edges Again

Iron the edges down to secure the glue or Heat-n-Bond. The heat will flatten the glue and create a strong bond. Allow ample drying time.

Step 6: Finish the Center Circle

Glue and iron the curved edge of the center circle to complete the tree skirt.

Step 7: Place Under Your Tree

Place the finished bohemian tree skirt under your Christmas tree and enjoy!

DIY Bead Garland

Bead garlands add a touch of elegance to trees, walls, and mantels. This inexpensive DIY method utilizes ping pong balls to create a charming garland for your Christmas decor.

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need from Amazon Prime:

Total Cost of Project: $14.93

You will also need:

• All 48 ping pong balls
• Four of your favorite embroidery string colors from the packet
• Scissors
• Upholstery needle

Step 1: Separate the Floss

Separate each set of floss into two strands to create two tassels per color. If you purchase embroidery floss separately, you can buy two of each color.

Step 2: Make a Loop

Create a loop with some of the excess string.

Step 3: Feed the String Through the Loop

Feed the string through the loop.

Step 4: Secure the Tassel

Cut off the looped ends and wrap the top of the loop tightly with string (gold works well for this). This creates a secure and decorative top for the tassel.

Step 5: Thread the Tassel

Take the string you’ll use for the garland and thread it through the top loop of the tassel.

Step 6: Tie a Knot

Tie a knot to secure the tassel to the garland string. Now you’re ready to string the ping pong balls.

Step 7: String the Ping Pong Balls

Using the upholstery needle, carefully string each ping pong ball onto the garland.

Step 8: Slide to the First Tassel

Slide each ping pong ball down the string until it reaches the first tassel.

Step 9: Attach the Second Tassel

At the end of the strand, thread the string through the top loop of the second tassel and tie a knot.

Step 10: Finish the Garland

Your garland should now be neatly finished with a tassel on each end.

Turkish Towel Stocking

Fringed stockings add a touch of texture and warmth to your holiday display. This project transforms an inexpensive Turkish towel into a set of stylish and fringed Christmas stockings.

Materials

Here’s what you’ll need from Amazon Prime:

Eshma Mardini Beach Cover Up Towel – $9.95 on Amazon

Other things you will need:

• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

Total Cost of Project: $9.95

Step 1 & 2: Cut Off the Fringe

Cut the fringe off the Turkish towel and save it for later use on the stocking cuff.

Step 3 & 4: Trace an Old Stocking

Trace the outline of an existing stocking onto the Turkish towel.

Step 5: Draw a Second Line

Draw a second line 1/4 inch outside the traced line. Use a ruler to ensure accuracy. This outer line will be your cutting line, while the inner line will be your sewing line.

Step 6: Cut Along the Outside Line

Cut along the outer line to create the stocking shape. Repeat steps 1-6 for the second side of the stocking.

Step 7: Place Sides Together

Place the two sides of the stocking together. Because Turkish towels typically don’t have a distinct “right” and “wrong” side, you don’t need to worry about aligning them in a specific way.

Step 8: Sew Along the Inside Line

Sew along the inside line (the original traced line) to join the two sides of the stocking.

Step 9: Turn the Stocking Right Side Out

Turn the stocking right side out.

Step 10: Prepare the Fringe

Lay the excess fringe behind the stocking.

Step 11: Fold and Cut the Fringe

Fold the excess fringe over and cut it to the desired length, leaving enough room for sewing.

Step 12: Sew the Fringe to the Cuff

Sew the fringed piece together to create the cuff.

Step 13: Place Cuff Inside Stocking

Turn the cuff right side out. Place the cuff inside the stocking with the fringe facing down. The “right side” of the cuff should be touching the “wrong side” of the stocking.

Step 14: Align and Pin

Line up the edges of the cuff and the stocking, matching the seams. Pin the cuff to the stocking to hold it in place.

Step 15: Sew Cuff to Stocking

Sew around the edge of the top of the stocking to attach the cuff.

Step 16: Pull Fringe Out

Pull the fringe out and fold it over the top of the stocking.

Step 17: Create a Loop

Cut a strip from a scrap of fabric. Fold both edges in and iron to create a clean finish. Fold the strip in half again and iron.

Step 18: Sew the Loop

Run the fabric strip through the sewing machine along the folded edge to secure the loop.

Step 19: Attach the Loop

Make a loop out of the sewn strip and attach it to the inside of the stocking. This loop will be used for hanging the stocking.

These projects are a fun and affordable way to prepare your home for the holidays. The possibilities are endless with the different patterns and designs. From a cozy Santa pillow, a decorative tree planter to a full festive decorations. The DIY projects will be a great addition to your home.