DIY Holiday Decoration

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would share with you a DIY project that is simple, rustic, and beautiful.  I wanted to make something that could be used at your Thanksgiving celebration or your Christmas party or both.  And I love to bring a little bit of the outdoors, inside.  So, I gathered up a few of nature's beautiful things and got to work.   

What you will need:
Cans of different sizes
brown paper lunch bags
scissors
Mod Podge (or craft glue)
spongebrush
raffia
Pine branches

Start by removing labels from the cans.  Then, wash and dry them. 

Next, cut the paper bag vertically on one side, and then around the bottom of the bag so that you are left with a rectangle.

Then, wrap the paper around the can, leaving equal amounts of paper on both the top and bottom.  Tuck the top of the paper inside the can.  With spongebrush, spread a thin layer of glue along the seam of the paper to hold in place.  Turn the can over, and paint glue on bottom of can.

 Gather and press the paper into the glue until it has covered the bottom of the can.  (If working with Mod Podge, you may wish to brush it over entire bottom of paper to make sure it is secured in place.)

Once the glue has dried, turn the cans right side up and tie pieces of raffia in bow around the center of can. 

Place small pine branches behind the bow.

You can fill these cans with different things like pinecones or oranges.  Or you can place candles in them, but please use caution, as you will be placing fire by paper!  I used a tall votive candle holder and a short tealight.  To use extreme precaution, you can use battery operated candles. 

Or you can use these cans as your silverware and napkin holder at your next buffet style holiday dinner.  (For the silverware, I just lined the can with white tissue paper, then stood silverware inside it.)

That's it!  An easy, beautiful DIY project for the holidays!

Sharing with
The DIY Showoff
The Dedicated House
Savvy Southern Style