Christmas decorations can be made from materials already found around the home. Wool, fabric, old paper and natural finds provide simple alternatives to buying a completely new collection of decorations each year.

Wool is particularly suitable for tree ornaments. Small knitted or crocheted covers can be worked around lightweight balls to create textured decorations in white, cream or other colours. A simple loop of thread is enough to hang them from the tree.

Textiles can also be used to update existing pieces. A plain cushion becomes seasonal with a simple deer, tree or star motif. The shape can be added with fabric, felt or textile paint, so the cushion itself can continue to be used after winter by changing or removing the cover.

Old paper provides another useful material. Pages from damaged books, newspapers, sheet music or leftover craft paper can be cut into progressively smaller shapes and layered around a central stick to form a miniature Christmas tree.

The paper does not need to be perfectly cut or aligned. Slightly uneven edges give the tree more texture, while alternating different papers introduces subtle variations in colour and print.

Natural materials can be added at the end. Pine cones make useful bases and decorations, small branches can form the central structure and a wooden or cardboard star can finish the top.

These projects can also be adapted to what is already available. Leftover yarn can replace new wool, fabric remnants can become appliqués and paper that would otherwise be discarded can become part of a table or mantel display.

Making a few decorations rather than an entire coordinated collection allows handmade pieces to sit alongside existing ornaments and gradually become part of the family's Christmas collection.

What else can you make part of Christmas each year?
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