DIY Holiday Wall Art: Create Festive Christmas Decorations on a Budget

Brittni Mehlhoff

Looking for a fun and affordable way to spruce up your home for the holidays? This DIY project is perfect! Create custom graphic copper cutouts for a festive touch that won’t break the bank. The best part? It’s super easy to remove without damaging your walls when the holiday season is over. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make your own unique holiday wall art!

Brittni Mehlhoff

Materials You’ll Need for Your DIY Holiday Wall Art

Before you get started, gather these essential materials. This project requires minimal supplies, making it a budget-friendly option for your holiday decorating.

Scissors: For cutting out your shapes and letters with precision.
Copper Contact Paper/Shelf Liner: This is the key ingredient! Look for it online or at your local home goods store. It provides the metallic look and adhesive backing needed for this project.
Cookie Cutters or Printed Silhouettes: Use cookie cutters for classic holiday shapes or print out silhouettes for more intricate designs.
Marker or Pencil: For tracing your shapes and letters onto the contact paper.
Printed Holiday Message: Choose your favorite holiday phrase or greeting in a typeface you love. Print it out to use as a template.
Low-Tack Masking Tape, Painter’s Tape, or Washi Tape (Optional): This is helpful for creating a guide on your wall to ensure your design is straight and even.

Brittni Mehlhoff

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Removable Holiday Wall Art

Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning holiday wall art. This project is easy enough for beginners, and the results are truly impressive. Get ready to transform your space with festive cheer!

Prepare the Contact Paper: Lay out a roll of copper contact paper flat, with the wrong side (the side with the backing) facing up. This is where you’ll be tracing your designs.
Trace the Cookie Cutter Shapes: Using your cookie cutters, trace holiday shapes onto the contact paper with a marker or pencil. Get creative with your shapes – stars, snowflakes, trees, and reindeer are all great options.
Cut Out the Letters: Carefully cut out the letters from your printed holiday message. Make sure to cut neatly along the edges for a polished look.
Trace the Letters: Once the letters are cut out, flip them over so they are backwards. This is important because you’ll be tracing them onto the back of the contact paper. Trace the letters onto the contact paper.
Cut Out All the Shapes and Letters: Now comes the fun part! Carefully cut out all the letters and shapes you’ve traced. Take your time and be precise for the best results.
Create a Guide on the Wall (Optional): Use washi tape or masking tape to create a Christmas tree shape (or any other shape you desire) on the wall where you want your finished wall art to be. This step is completely optional, but it acts as a guide for laying out the shapes and letters on the wall. Once the piece is finished, you can remove the tape, and everything will be perfectly in line and contained. This is especially helpful if you’re aiming for a symmetrical or specific design.
Apply the Shapes to the Wall: Remove the paper backing from your cut-out shapes and letters, one at a time. Start sticking them to the wall within your taped-off area (if you used tape). I recommend starting in the bottom corner and working your way out from there, filling in holes and small blank spots at the end. Continue this process until the entire tree shape (or your chosen design) has been filled.
Reveal Your Finished Masterpiece: Once you’re satisfied with the placement of your shapes and letters, carefully remove the washi tape border (if you used it) to reveal the finished Christmas tree shape. Step back and admire your handiwork!

Brittni Mehlhoff

Easy Removal After the Holidays

The best part about this DIY project is how easy it is to remove the decorations after the holidays are over. Simply peel off the stickers quickly and easily.

Important Note: While I had no trouble removing the contact paper from my wall after completing this project, it’s always wise to test out a small section of your wall first before applying sticky contact paper to a large area, just to be safe. This will help you ensure that the contact paper doesn’t damage your paint or wallpaper.

Here’s the finished piece…

Brittni Mehlhoff

Customize Your Holiday Wall Art

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this project! You can easily adapt it to suit your personal style and preferences.

Consider using a different silhouette shape, like a giant snowflake, sleigh, or other holiday-themed design. You can also experiment with different cookie cutters or print out clip art to create unique interior shapes within your design. The only limit is your imagination!

This project could also be a fun addition to your front door if you’re unsure what room would be best suited for it. Just make sure the surface is smooth and clean for optimal adhesion.

Beyond the Holidays: Year-Round Decorating

Don’t limit this technique to just the holidays! You can easily create custom decals or typographic phrases for any time of year. Think inspirational quotes, geometric patterns, or even personalized monograms. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor without making a permanent commitment.

Happy Holidays!

Looking for more seasonal DIY projects and ideas?