DIY Natural Decor for a Cozy Winter Season

Winter is the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy, welcoming retreat, and there’s no better way to do that than with decor crafted from natural elements. Bringing nature indoors creates a warm and inviting space that mirrors the beauty outside. Plus, making your own decor has benefits beyond the aesthetic: it’s eco-friendly, creative, and deeply satisfying.

In this post, we’ll explore a range of DIY decor projects that you can easily create at home, from wreaths to garlands and sachets. We’re even hosting a Winter Wreath-Decorating Workshop where you can dive into these projects with expert guidance! Let’s explore the world of natural winter decor and discover how to bring a little more nature into your home this season.

In this blog you'll learn:

• Must-Have Natural Elements for Winter Decor

• Hands-On Winter Crafts

• Sustainable Finishing Touches

Do you {bean}stalk us on instagram yet? Give us a follow @wigglewormgardens

Must-Have Natural Elements for Winter Decor

There's a few elements that we consider staples of natural winter decor. They'll pop up several times in the projects we write about below.

Evergreen Branches: Fresh or dried evergreen sprigs add a classic winter look and fill your home with their unmistakable scent. Shop our selection of evergreen garlands, wreath, and centerpieces.

Dried Oranges and Citrus: These cheerful, colorful slices bring a sunny pop of color and a hint of sweetness to your decor.

Pinecones: Perfect for wreaths, garlands, and even firestarters, pinecones add a natural, woodsy touch to any arrangement.

Cinnamon Sticks and Spices: Cinnamon, star anise, and cloves add a rustic look and provide a warm, seasonal aroma.

Dried Herbs: Rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus work beautifully in garlands, sachets, or wreaths, lending texture and scent.

With these materials in hand, you’re ready to create some stunning pieces that celebrate the season!

Hands-On Winter Crafts for Every Corner of the Home

Now that you have your materials, let’s get into some easy projects that will bring a touch of winter magic to your space.

1. Handmade Wreaths

Wreaths are a winter staple, and they’re a wonderful way to showcase nature’s beauty. There are so many ways to personalize them to fit your style. Here are a few ideas:

All-Over Wreath: This style is full and lush, with natural elements evenly spread around the wreath frame for a balanced look.

Repeating or Alternating Groups: Create clusters of similar elements like berries, pinecones, and greenery for visual impact.

Alternating Groups with Ribbon: Add a ribbon that winds around the wreath to replace smaller elements, creating a soft, elegant look.

Off-Center Focal Point: Keep most of the decor on one side, allowing the natural greenery to shine on the other half for a modern look.

Our Winter Wreath-Decorating Workshop will guide you through these techniques, so whether you’re a wreath newbie or a seasoned decorator, you’ll walk away with a beautiful piece for your home!

2. Orange Garland

Orange garlands are a classic for winter decor, bringing brightness and a citrusy scent to your space. Here’s how to make one:

Dry Your Oranges: Slice your oranges thinly and dry them in a dehydrator or oven at a low temperature.

String the Oranges: Use twine to string the dried orange slices, leaving space between each slice. For extra charm, add wooden beads or cinnamon sticks between slices.

Add Embellishments: Feel free to add fragrant herbs like rosemary or lavender, small bells, or fairy lights for a magical touch.

Hang your orange garland on a wall, drape it across a window, or use it to adorn gifts.

3. Pinecone Firestarters

If you have a fireplace, pinecone firestarters are a must-try! They’re beautiful to display and functional too, making it easy to start a cozy fire. Here’s a simple guide:

Dip in Beeswax: Tie a wick to the top of each pinecone, then dip the pinecones in melted beeswax, letting them cool between dips. Repeat to build up the wax layers.

Add a Touch of Color: Sprinkle your pinecones with different salts to create colored flames when they’re burned: regular salt for yellow, Epsom salt for white, and borax for green.

These firestarters make lovely gifts too! Tie a few together with twine and add a sprig of evergreen for a charming bundle.

4. Herbal Sachets

Sachets filled with dried herbs are a versatile addition to your decor. They smell wonderful, can be tucked into drawers, and even make a thoughtful gift. To create herbal sachets:

Fill Muslin Bags: Choose a mix of dried herbs based on the scent you’d like. Lavender and chamomile are relaxing, while cinnamon and cloves give off a holiday aroma.

Customize Your Scents: Try mixing different plants, like rosemary and citrus for sophistication or peppermint and eucalyptus for decongestion.

Once your sachets are ready, use them in drawers, under pillows, or even as a unique touch in a wreath or garland.

5. Cinnamon Bundles

Cinnamon bundles are another multi-purpose craft that adds a spicy fragrance to your space. They’re quick and easy to make:

Create a Bundle: Tie a few cinnamon sticks together with twine, adding in sprigs of rosemary, juniper, or dried flowers for decoration.

Get Creative: Attach the bundles to your wreath, hang them on your tree, or place them in simmer pots for a lovely winter scent.

These bundles look gorgeous as part of gift wrapping too. Simply tuck a bundle under the ribbon for an extra special touch.

Sustainable Finishing Touches

To bring your DIY decor projects to life, consider adding some final touches that enhance the natural beauty of your creations. Here are a few ideas:

Natural Twine and Ribbons: Keep it simple with earthy, neutral tones or classic red for a holiday feel.

Wooden Beads: These add a lovely texture and can be reused year after year.

Fairy Lights: Soft, warm fairy lights instantly add a magical glow, perfect for wreaths or garlands.

These seemingly inconsequential flourishes make a big difference and can be reused, composted, or repurposed, making them a great addition for those aiming for sustainable holiday decor.

Create Your Own Winter Wonderland with DIY Decor

As the days get shorter and the air crisper, there’s something so fulfilling about bringing the outdoors inside. DIY natural decor not only gives your home a cozy winter vibe but also lets you express your creativity and connection with nature. From wreaths and garlands to herbal sachets and firestarters, the possibilities are endless—and with each project, you’re crafting something unique and meaningful.

Ready to make your own natural winter decor? Our Winter Collection has all the materials you’ll need, from garlands and greenery to porch pots and more. And for those who want a little guidance, our Winter Wreath-Decorating Workshop is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience with expert instruction. You’ll leave with a beautiful wreath, new skills, and the joy of having created something yourself.

Embrace the season, let your creativity flow, and celebrate winter’s beauty with decor that’s as sustainable as it is stunning. Happy crafting!