7 Easy DIY Christmas Decor Thrift Flips

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What’s your favorite thing about the holidays? Is it the gift shopping and wrapping? The decorating? The baking?

Or maybe it’s planning all those get-togethers with friends and family?

For me, it’s a tie between baking and decorating. There’s something about pulling out the old boxes, turning on Christmas music, and finding new ways to make our home shine that makes me happy.

Creating that holiday magic in your home though doesn’t have to break the bank! Upcycling thrifted finds or old items you already have around can be a great way to create unique and and affordable holiday decor.

So today, I’m sharing seven easy DIY Christmas decor projects, all made from thrifted finds.

These are quick, inexpensive ideas that you can recreate with pieces you already have or can easily pick up secondhand.

Let’s get decorating!

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Video DIY Christmas Projects Tutorial

If you’re a video fan, you can see all the projects here! Or keep reading for a breakdown of each project and links to supplies.

 

Project #1 A Vintage Mirror with Holiday Sparkle

Thrift stores are filled with inexpensive mirrors, grab one the next one you find! I found one for $1.99 and gave it a little glow-up.

• First, I painted the frame gold with Fusion Mineral Paint Vintage Gold (gold spray paint will work too)

• Then I softened the brightness with Fusion Mineral Paint’s Espresso Wax. It gave the gold a warmer, more antique tone.

• For the final touch, I added a Redesign with Prima transfer from the “Sparkle & Joy” collection — it’s delicate and festive without feeling over-the-top.

Tip: Clean your mirror first and apply transfers slowly to avoid bubbles.

Now it’s a beautiful accent for an entryway or mantel.

Project #2 A Two-Sided Holiday Sign

Flip over an old thrifted sign, and you’ve got a blank canvas! I found this cute spring-themed one at a thrift store for just a few dollars, and the back side was just plan galvanized metal.

After cleaning it with Fusion’s TSP, I painted the back in Fusion’s Raw Silk and used another piece from that same Sparkle & Joy transfer to decorate the center.

To finish, I brushed a little pink paint (Fusion’s Rose Water) around the edges for a little added color.

Now I have a two-in-one sign — one side for Christmas, and the other I can flip back around come spring!

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Project #3 Painted Trivet Turned Candle Riser

A plain wooden trivet from the thrift store (mine was 50¢) became a cute little riser for candles or mini trees.

I painted it with two coats of Fusion Mineral Paint Highlander, a perfect, slightly muted red. That little touch gave it just enough Christmas cheer.

Simple, quick, and festive!

Project #4 Vintage Postcard Art

If you need easy framed holiday decor, this one’s for you! 

I printed a free vintage Santa postcard from The Graphics Fairy, cut it to fit a mat I had on hand, and popped it in a black thrifted frame.

It’s the kind of little detail that fills out shelves, sideboards, and gallery walls for just a few dollars.

Cost: About $2–$3 total. What a steal!

Project #5 Glass Cake Stand Christmas Village

This project was such a hit when I shared it on Facebook — it’s my most-liked post ever!

I found a heavy glass cake stand for $8 and turned it into a mini Christmas village using supplies from the Dollar Tree:

• A few bottle brush trees and church ornaments (purchased at Dollar Tree)

• A bit of leftover fake spiderweb (yes, from Halloween!) as the snowy base

• A ramekin to create a “hill” for height

• A sprinkle of faux snow for sparkle

It’s whimsical, quick, and you can pack it away easily when the season ends. And you can reuse the cake stand the rest of the year!

 

Project #6 Bottle Brush Trees in Vintage Cream & Sugar

This one might be the easiest, and cutest, of all.

I tucked little bottle brush trees into a mismatched cream and sugar set from a thrift haul. A few pieces of cardboard in the bottom added height, then I covered them with faux snow so the trees looked perfectly nestled in.

You can hot-glue everything down if you want it to be permanent. I didn’t, because I plan to turn the glass cream and sugar into candles later!

Project #7 “Christmas in a Box”

This one has my heart.

Every year, when this box comes out, my kids know it means it’s officially Christmas time.

I started with a vintage green and red wooden box from a flea market. If you don’t have something exactly like this, an old basket, small sewing drawer, or any vintage container will work.

Inside, I layered:

• Crumpled paper for filler

• A thrifted vase or ramekin for height

• A few old greenery picks from the dollar store

• My grandmother’s vintage glass ornaments (they still shine beautifully!)

Then I added a little two-sided Santa cutout so the box looks good from all directions — perfect as a table centerpiece.

For the finishing touch, I always tuck a small vintage vase inside and fill it with holiday Hershey’s Kisses. My kids know that when those kisses appear, they can sneak one anytime, no permission needed.

It’s a simple tradition that’s become one of our favorites. Please copy my idea and make it your own!

I hope these easy thrift-flip ideas inspire you to have fun and play around with your own holiday decorating.

That’s what we’re all about here, creativity, charm, and making your home a reflection of what (and who) you love.

Wishing you the happiest holiday season, full of glitter, cookies, and cozy corners.

Happy decorating, friends!

You may enjoy these related posts!

The 10 Best DIY Christmas Wood Decoration Ideas

8 Fun and Festive DIY Christmas Signs for the Holiday Season

How to Hang Christmas Tree Lights for Maximum TWINKLE!