Let’s talk holiday crafts. It’s officially the season, and I’ve had my eye on a handful of projects that feel just right for this time of year. Some are cosy, some are sentimental, and a couple are just plain fun.
I’m trying all five myself, because they’re all workshops at this year’s Workshop Holi-DAY event, a full day of holiday crafting classes. Here’s the list.
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
If you haven’t signed up for Workshop Holi-DAY 2026 yet, you can do so at workshopweek.co!
#1: Cross Stitched Holiday Photos
Cross stitch always looked a bit intimidating to me, and I’m not a very experienced stitcher. But Gia’s version uses a template that sits right over the picture, and you poke holes through it. It’s a lot like tracing. The patterns are simple, and you can do the whole thing in front of the TV, which is always a bonus.
It would make a lovely gift for a newlywed couple with a black and white wedding photo, or for a new parent with a baby in Christmas pajamas. If you print family photos for holiday cards, add a little snowflake to each one for a handmade touch.
#2: Watercolour Family Portrait
I didn’t get family holiday photos together this year, so I’m going to try a watercolour portrait with Shayda instead. She breaks the process into very manageable steps. Picture opening an envelope and finding a hand-painted portrait of your family inside.
I don’t fully trust my painting skills, but I do trust the instructions.
#3: Gingerbread House Ornaments
This one is my own workshop, so I’m a bit biased. You take a photo of your house, shrink it down, and turn it into a gingerbread house on an ornament.
I made one for a friend who just bought a new home. It’s a gingerbread version of the house she left behind, with the address written on it. You could make one for your current home, a childhood home you miss, or any place that’s special to you.
#4: Heirloom Treasure Boxes
You probably have a pile of good boxes you couldn’t bear to throw out. I do too, and my husband has opinions about it.
This year I’m turning one into a holiday treasure box with Vanitha’s instructions. I always stand admiring the pretty keepsake boxes at the homeware store and never make one. This is my excuse. Use it for holiday cards or your most special ornaments. It’s upcycling that becomes an heirloom.
#5: Felt Stocking Tags
Felt is having a moment, and Jen is a wizard with it. She shows how to turn felt into adorable stocking tags, which work just as well as gift tags. They’re perfect for the gifts that come from “you know who.” A handmade tag adds a lot of nostalgia and whimsy when you unpack the decorations each year.
That’s a Wrap!
These crafts are about slowing down and making something with your hands during a busy season. Whether you’re stitching a photo, painting a family portrait, or finally using that box, let’s get you in the crafty holiday spirit!
Hope to see you at Workshop Holi-DAY!
And finally, your dad joke…
Why do birds fly south for the winter?
Because it’s too far to walk.
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