Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the sparkle and cheer of decorating our homes. But have you ever considered the impact of mass-produced Christmas decorations on the environment? By making your own sustainable decorations, you not only infuse your home with a unique, personal touch but also contribute to a greener planet. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season of giving while honouring our responsibility to care for the Earth.
Why Make Your Own Sustainable Christmas Decorations?
Environmental Impact
Store-bought decorations often contain non-recyclable materials like plastic and are packaged in wasteful, single-use plastics. By opting for DIY decorations made from natural or recycled materials, you reduce your carbon footprint and minimize landfill waste.
Personalized Touch
Handmade decorations carry a charm that no mass-produced item can replicate. They reflect your style and creativity, making your holiday decor truly one of a kind.
Family Bonding
Crafting together is a wonderful way to spend quality time with loved ones. It fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of achievement when you see your creations adorning your home.
Cost-Effective
Any DIY projects use materials you already have at home or can source inexpensively, like fabric scraps, old magazines, or natural elements from your garden.
A Gift to the Future
By teaching children and friends how to craft sustainable decorations, you inspire them to adopt eco-friendly habits, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
How-To: Four Handmade Sustainable Decorations
Ready to get crafting? Here are four easy, eco-conscious decoration ideas that will add charm and sustainability to your Christmas.
1. Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments
Materials Needed:
5 cinnamon sticks per star
Jute twine or natural string
Hot glue or eco-friendly craft glue
Instructions:
Arrange five cinnamon sticks into a star shape, ensuring the ends overlap slightly.
Use hot glue to secure the ends where they meet.
Wrap the jute twine around each joint for added strength and a rustic look.
Tie a loop of string at one of the star's points to hang the ornament.
Why It’s Sustainable:
Cinnamon sticks are biodegradable, and the twine is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic ribbons. Plus, they bring a natural, festive aroma to your tree!
2. Dried Citrus Garland
Materials Needed:
Oranges, lemons, or limes
Baking tray and parchment paper
Jute string or natural twine
Instructions:
Slice the citrus fruits into thin, even rounds.
Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 90°C (200°F) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.
Allow the slices to cool completely.
Thread the slices onto a jute string, tying knots between each slice for spacing.
Why It’s Sustainable:
Dried fruit is biodegradable and can be composted after use. It also adds a natural pop of color and a festive citrus scent to your decorations.
3. Fabric Scrap Christmas Tree Decorations
Materials Needed:
Assorted fabric scraps (recycled or leftover fabric)
Cardboard
Scissors
Needle and thread or eco-friendly glue
Twigs or small branches
Instructions:
Cut out small Christmas tree shapes from the fabric scraps.
Cut a slightly smaller tree shape from cardboard for backing.
Glue or sew the fabric onto the cardboard.
Add a twig or branch piece to the bottom as the tree trunk.
Sew a loop of string to the top for hanging.
Why It’s Sustainable:
This project upcycles fabric scraps that might otherwise go to waste and uses natural or recyclable materials for the rest.
4. Pinecone and Bead Wreath
Materials Needed:
Pinecones (collected from your garden or a local park)
Wooden or natural beads
A wire coat hanger or circular wire frame
Jute string or ribbon
Instructions:
Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle or use a ready-made wire frame.
Attach the pinecones to the frame using jute string or wire, layering them for fullness.
String beads onto sections of jute twine and tie them onto the wreath for added texture and colour.
Finish with a bow made of jute or fabric scraps.
Why It’s Sustainable:
Pinecones and wooden beads are natural materials, and the jute string is a biodegradable alternative to synthetic options.
Tips for a Sustainable Christmas
Shop Local: If you need materials, try sourcing them from local artisans or second-hand stores.
Use What You Have: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed or upcycled into decorations.
Compost After the Holidays: Natural decorations like dried fruit or pinecones can be composted instead of thrown away.
Encourage Others: Share your creations and inspire friends and family to embrace sustainable holiday practices.
By creating sustainable decorations, you contribute to the growing movement toward mindful consumerism. You take a stand against wasteful holiday practices and embrace a slower, more intentional way of celebrating the season. These small actions ripple outward, inspiring others to do the same and ultimately making a big difference for the planet.
The Capegypsy Collection
Our decorations are crafted with love and sustainability at their core. Here’s a closer look at the highlights of our festive range:
1. Paper Trees
Elegant and timeless, our paper trees are crafted from recycled paper, folded into intricate designs that mimic the beauty of real Christmas trees. Perfect for table centerpieces or mantel displays, these decorations are a nod to minimalism and eco-friendly living.
Sustainability in Focus: Made from recycled materials, they’re fully biodegradable.
Why You’ll Love Them: Their neutral tones complement any decor, from modern to rustic.
Want to make your own? Try this simple DIY method for creating paper trees:
Materials Needed:
Recycled paper (magazines, old books, or craft paper)
Scissors
Pencil and ruler
Glue or eco-friendly adhesive
Instructions:
Cut several paper squares, gradually decreasing in size to create a tiered effect.
Fold each square accordion-style, then fold it in half and secure the middle with glue.
Layer the folded squares from largest to smallest, securing them with glue as you go.
Attach the tree to a small wooden base or cardboard stand for stability.
2. Protea Ornaments
Celebrate South Africa’s heritage with our protea-inspired decorations. Crafted from natural and repurposed materials, these ornaments capture the beauty of the iconic flower, adding a uniquely South African touch to your Christmas tree.
Sustainability in Focus: Handmade using offcuts and upcycled materials.
Why You’ll Love Them: They’re a blend of bohemian style and national pride.
3. Angels
Bring a touch of grace and serenity to your decor with our handmade angels. Designed from reclaimed wood and natural fibres, these decorations are perfect for hanging on your tree or as thoughtful stocking stuffers.
Sustainability in Focus: Made with reclaimed materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Why You’ll Love Them: Their delicate, handcrafted detail embodies the spirit of the season.
Want to create your own angels? Follow these steps:
Materials Needed:
Small wooden offcuts or popsicle sticks
Natural fibres (twine, raffia, or fabric scraps)
Scissors
Eco-friendly glue
Instructions:
Cut a piece of twine or raffia into strands and tie them together at the middle to create the angel's body.
Shape a smaller loop of twine for the halo and attach it to the top of the body.
Use wooden offcuts or popsicle sticks as the base for the wings and glue them to the back of the body.
Add finishing touches with small beads or decorative trims, keeping them eco-friendly.
4. Boho Christmas Balls
Add a bohemian twist to your holiday with our Boho Christmas Balls. Made with natural fibers, wooden beads, and subtle earth-toned fabrics, these decorations bring a laid-back, earthy vibe to your festive decor.
Sustainability in Focus: Natural and biodegradable elements make them eco-friendly.
Why You’ll Love Them: Their versatile style complements any colour scheme.
Where to Find Us
You can browse and purchase Capegypsy’s handmade sustainable decorations at several festive markets this season:
Tygervalley Christmas Market
Cape Gate Christmas Market
Edgemead Christmas Market
Skeppend Simonsvlei Christmas Market
Celebrate Sustainably
This Christmas, make your home a reflection of your values and style. Capegypsy’s handmade sustainable decorations are not just ornaments; they’re pieces of art crafted with care, love, and respect for our planet.
Making your own sustainable Christmas decorations isn’t just about going green—it’s about crafting memories, expressing creativity, and instilling the joy of the season into every corner of your home. This year, take the time to make your holidays both meaningful and eco-friendly. Gather your loved ones, gather your materials, and let the festive crafting begin!
We’d love to see how you style our decorations in your space! Share your festive creations on social media and tag us—let’s spread the joy of a sustainable holiday together.
Take care,
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