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The Winter Solstice marks the turning point of the year, when the light begins to return and nature reminds us to slow down.
Making small crafts during this time can help you feel connected, calm, and creative.
These easy projects use natural materials you can find outdoors or around your home. Each one can easily be gifted to a loved one or kept as a symbol of renewal for the season ahead.
Pinecone Wish Ornaments
Pinecones are abundant in winter and perfect for handmade ornaments. You can tuck small written wishes between their scales or decorate them simply with paint and twine.
What You’ll Need:
- Pinecones, cleaned and dried
- Small strips of paper for wishes
- Natural jute twine or ribbon for hanging
- Optional: paint or metallic marker
Write down a few short intentions or blessings and roll them into tiny scrolls. Gently tuck each one between the scales. Add a loop of twine or ribbon at the top and decorate the edges with a touch of paint or sparkle if you’d like.
These make sweet gifts that carry meaning without much effort.
You may also enjoy these witchy pinecone ornament ideas for winter solstice.
Evergreen and Herb Bundles
A small bundle of herbs, evergreens or dried flowers brings the scent of winter forests indoors. They also make thoughtful, natural gifts that dry beautifully over time.
What You’ll Need:
- Sprigs of cedar, pine, or rosemary
- Twine or thin cotton string
- Scissors
Gather a few sprigs of each plant and trim them to an even length. Tie the ends together tightly with twine and hang them upside down to dry for a few days.
Once dry, wrap them with ribbon or add a small note explaining their use for calming energy or seasonal refreshment.
Dried Citrus and Spice Pomanders
Pomanders are easy, inexpensive, and smell incredible. They add warmth to your home and can be gifted in bowls or tied as ornaments.
What You’ll Need:
- Oranges or clementines
- Whole cloves
- Ribbon or twine
Press the cloves into the rind of the fruit in spiral or dotted patterns. Tie a piece of ribbon around the top for hanging, or set them in a basket to dry for a few days. As they age, the scent becomes stronger and spicier—a perfect handmade touch for the holidays.
Here’s an easy to follow tutorial from Wholeherted Eats.
Salt Dough Sun and Moon Ornaments
Celebrate the return of light by crafting salt dough ornaments shaped like suns, moons, or stars. They’re simple to make and bake, then decorate however you like.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup water
- Cookie cutters, paint, and string
Mix the flour, salt, and water into a dough and roll it out to about a quarter inch thick.
Cut shapes, press herbs or small leaves into the surface if desired, and bake at 200°F for two hours.
Once cool, paint them lightly and thread a loop of string. These ornaments are durable, natural, and charming on any tree or wrapped gift.
Read the full tutorial for making salt dough ornaments for winter solstice here.
Pressed Flower Lanterns
These lanterns create a soft glow that feels cozy during long winter nights. You can use pressed flowers or leaves to decorate glass jars or parchment paper.
What You’ll Need:
- Glass mason jars or recycled candle holders
- Pressed flowers or dried leaves
- Mod Podge and a small brush
- LED tealights or candles
Brush a thin layer of mod podge onto the jar and gently press the flowers in place. Add another light coat of glue to seal them. Once dry, place a tealight inside. The light shining through the petals gives the lanterns a natural stained-glass look—simple and beautiful for gifting.
Here’s a full video tutorial for making pressed flower lanterns out of glass jars:
Moss-Trimmed Picture Frames
Turn a plain picture frame into a forest-inspired gift using moss and twigs.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden or recycled frame
- Dried moss, twigs, or lichen
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
Glue the moss and twigs around the frame edges in a balanced pattern. Once dry, slip in a small photo or handwritten quote. This is an easy project that feels personal and earthy, perfect for anyone who appreciates natural textures.
Clay Trinket Dishes with Leaf Imprints
These handmade trinket dishes are simple to make and look like artisan pottery. Each one carries the pattern of a real fern or leaf pressed into the clay, giving it an earthy, one-of-a-kind texture. The scalloped edges and subtle gold accents make them perfect for holding jewelry, crystals, or small keepsakes.
What You’ll Need:
- Air dry clay
- Fern leaves or other delicate foliage
- Rolling pin and small bowl mold
- Soft brush and metallic acrylic paint
Roll out the clay until it’s about a quarter inch thick. Lay a fern on top and gently roll over it to press the pattern into the surface.
Cut around the leaf shape or use a circular cutter for a smooth edge. Drape the clay over an upside-down bowl to form a shallow dish and let it dry completely.
Once hardened, carefully remove the leaf and paint the edges or leaf veins with a fine brush and gold paint.
The result is a natural design with organic texture, elegant enough to gift yet easy to make in an afternoon.
Here is a video tutorial for imprinting and painting your jewelry trays:
Twig Stars
Twig stars symbolize guidance and light through the darker months. They’re simple to build and add a rustic touch to your decor.
What You’ll Need:
- Five small twigs per star
- Twine or thin wire
- Scissors
Arrange the twigs into a five-pointed star and tie the intersections securely with twine.
You can add small bits of greenery or berries for color. Hang them in windows or wrap them with tiny fairy lights for a cozy glow.
Learn how to make a simple twig star in this tutorial from Lovely Greens.
Find more inspiring twig crafts to make gifts or home decor here.
Wildflower Seed Bombs
Seed bombs are little packets of potential, perfect for celebrating renewal and spring’s return.
What You’ll Need:
- Clay powder or air dry clay
- Compost or soil
- Wildflower seeds
- Small bowl and spoon
Mix the ingredients with enough water to form a dough-like consistency.
Roll into small balls and let them dry completely. Place a few in a paper bag or recycled box with a thoughtful note for the recipient.
They make simple, meaningful gifts for friends who love gardening or nature.
Find a full tutorial from Woodlark here.
Pinecone Bird Feeders
This classic winter craft supports local birds while bringing charm to your yard or balcony.
What You’ll Need:
- Pinecones
- Natural nut butter or seed butter
- Birdseed
- String or ribbon
Spread nut butter over each pinecone and roll it in birdseed.
Tie a string to the top for hanging and refrigerate them for a bit to help the coating set.
These feeders attract chickadees and sparrows, offering a sweet connection to wildlife during the colder months.
Crystal and Driftwood Sun Catchers
Sun catchers brighten winter spaces and can be made from found branches, crystals, or small glass beads.
What You’ll Need:
- Small branch or piece of driftwood
- String or fishing line
- Small crystals, beads, or feathers
- Drill or nail for small holes
Drill or poke small holes through the wood and thread crystals or beads at different lengths.
Hang near a window where sunlight filters in.
When the light returns after solstice, these pieces scatter gentle color across the room and remind you that brightness always comes back.
Find the full tutorial for making these crystal suncatchers here.
Gifting and Presentation Tips
How you wrap your handmade items adds care and charm. Use recycled kraft paper, muslin cloth, or scraps of fabric instead of store-bought wrapping.
Tie everything with twine and tuck in a small sprig of greenery or a cinnamon stick.
If you’re giving these crafts to friends, add a small tag that explains what the gift represents: light returning, renewal, calm, or gratitude. This helps every item feel intentional and special.
Final Reflection
Winter crafting doesn’t need to be complicated or perfect. A few quiet hours, some gathered materials, and your hands are enough. Each creation becomes a reminder that creativity and warmth are available even in the coldest months.
Let these projects be your way of marking the solstice, a celebration of light, care, and the beauty of what’s already around you.
