Paper Parade Co.

 

Discover one-of-a-kind holiday decor on Etsy.

The festive season is here and it's time to bring out the twinkling lights, candles, and decorations that bring you joy during the holiday season - because isn't that what we're all looking for at this time of year? 

If you're looking to freshen up your Yuletide decor think about shopping for handmade or vintage this season. While choosing preloved or handcrafted items can sometimes take a little longer than hitting the standard big box stores you can feel better about hoarding a little more holiday decor by choosing with intention and opting for handmade or vintage. 

“In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, there’s something undeniably magical about the things that stick around,” says Etsy’s resident trends expert Dayna Isom Johnson who coined one of this years holiday trends "the Heirloom Era" and says that timeless treasures and vintage-inspired finds are stealing the spotlight."

It's great to visit local craft fairs, antique markets and shops to source handmade and vintage finds but if you'd like to explore what to find online, try exploring Etsy. It's one of my favourite spots to find unique gifts and decor.  

I've pulled together some of my favourite finds here in this guide. 

Felt natural star tree topper via Paper High Gifts on Etsy

I love this whimsical handcrafted felt tree topper made by Paper High Gifts. It's made from sustainable wool and recycled wire.

Medium Christmas Bow via Annie and Wolf on Etsy.

In case you didn't know, it's officially the year of the bow. They are everywhere and I'm here for it. I adore this oversized fabric bow in red striped linen. 

Antique Staffordshire King Charles Spaniel Mantle dogs via Soaked City Vintage

I've been obsessing over these mantle dogs for a while but I don't have a mantle. Lucky you if you do. I'd tie velvet ribbons in bows (of course) around their necks for the season. 

Christmas Art Print via Melissa Mary Jenkins

You haven't decorated until you've added a little bit of art and I think this petite winter scene painted by the lovely Melissa Mary Jenkins is the perfect piece to add to a holiday vignette. Jenkins also has some smaller ornament sized works perfect for adding to your tree. 

Striped Frill Pillow via Hello Mello Store

I've had my eye on this striped linen pillow for some time. It just happens to be perfectly festive. 

Linen ruffle tablecloth via Jauja Linen

Yes, more ruffles please. This lovely linen tablecloth comes in a variety of colours too.

Antique art deco ceramic candleholder via Brocante Basics

Such a lovely antique hand painted ceramic candle holder for your table. So much joy.

Velvet ribbon via Anastasia Marie Shop

Here you go. So much ribbon to discover in this shop. For making all the velvet bows this season. 

William Morris stocking via WinifredJ

William Morris fabrics fit right into my holiday aesthetic and I adore this stocking in the Brer Rabbit print with a velvet cuff and pom poms. 

Do you have a favourite from this collection? Let me know if you have any favourite Etsy shops that you think I should check out. 

Happy Holidays!

Debra

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Step 1: Gather supplies

   






And it's done!

Make a garland out of dried citrus slices.

Old-fashioned décor such as dried orange slices adds a festive touch and makes your house smell great when you're making them. They are a trendy diy holiday decor project this year and they are so easy to make. These images were part of story I did for about holiday decorating using natural elements for The Toronto Star a year ago, last Christmas.  If you have a food dehyrator you could use that too.

How to do it?

1. Heat oven to low heat 175-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Slice an orange into ¼ inch slices and place on a cookie sheet.
3. Place cookie sheet in a low heat oven for several hours or until dried, turning once.
4. String a natural fibre twine such as hemp or jute through the dried slices to make a garland, use as embellishments on gifts or as part of a table centrepiece. 

Cold January temps mean I'm burning a lot of candles. I always do at this time of year, but even more so now, after reading Meik Wiking's book The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well. I read the book as part of some research for a story I wrote for The Toronto Star, on hygge style entertaining.  So, in the spirit of hygge (candles are essential!) I thought I'd share this easy, soy candle diy that uses recycled jars and cotton wicks, which are a healthier alternative.




 You'll need:

• jars (I used yogurt jars, but you can also use jam jars or even old bowls or tea cups)
• lead-free cotton wicks
• soy wax
• a clothes peg
• essential oil
• glue dots
• something to stir with - I used a chopstick
• a pot
• an old metal or glass (heat safe!) bowl for melting the wax

Step 1.



Get your jars (clean, obvs) prepped by gluing the cotton wick inside the bottom of the jar. I used glue dots to hold the wick in place. Ensure the wicks are straight and centered.

Step 2.



You're going to use a double-boiler method to melt the wax. To determine how much wax to melt, I found that if I filled the container I was using with wax and then doubled that amount, it was pretty accurate. One pound of wax filled four yogurt jars.

Bring a pot of water (approximately 1/4 full) to a simmer. Put the wax flakes in an old bowl. Make sure it's heat safe! When the pot of water is simmering, place the bowl of wax in the pot.


Step 3.





Melt the wax. Stirring occasionally with wooden stick. Make sure you can an eye on the wax so it doesn't burn. You want to slowly melt the wax over a simmer. 

Step 4.




Carefully pour the wax into the prepared jars. Using a clothes peg to hold the wick in place. Let the wax cool slightly.

Once the wax has cooled slightly, add the essential oil. You don't want to add the essential oil while the wax is hot because I'm told it can alter the fragrance, but don't wait too long or the wax will set. The amount of essential oil that you add at this point is really up to you. I used about 10 drops per jar.  Gently stir the oil into the wax and let it set. It will take approximately 24 hours for the wax to set completely.





Step 4.


After the wax has set, remove the clothes pegs and trim the wicks to approximately one inch and enjoy!

DIY Soy Candles in recycled yogurt jars

*Some of these images were originally part of a story I did for The Toronto Star.

Hosting a New Year's Eve party? Ring in the New Year with sparkly gold party decorations you can make yourself. Try using what you may have around your house to create some festive decor to ring in the new year. Here are four sparkly ideas that you can personalize to suit your style.





Cocktail Stir Sticks




When you need something last minute, pretty stir sticks embellished with glitter tape are an easy DIY you can whip up in just a few minutes. Start by cutting a 3-inch piece of tape. Place the skewer in the middle of the tape and fold together. Use scissors to cut the end of the tape to create a flag. If you don't have glitter tape, washi tape makes a pretty alternative.









You'll need:

• bamboo skewers
• glitter tape
• scissors

Paper Lanterns





Decorate your space with a cluster of paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling. Perhaps you have some left over from a summer patio party that can be re-imagined as sparkly New Year's eve decor with a lick of gold paint. In a well ventilated area, spray the bottom half of a paper lantern with gold spray paint. Let dry. Here's another idea: If you don't have spray paint, but want to fancy up some lanterns, try tying glittery ribbons and garlands to the top of the lanterns, letting them cascade over the lanterns. I've also used diluted acrylic paint to paint paper lanterns. It's just takes a little more time.

You'll need:

• paper lanterns
• spray paint
• fishing wire - to hang the lanterns

Party Horns









Make some noise when you ring in the New Year with party horns made festive. All you need is left over wrapping paper, double sided tape and some party horns. This is one way to re-use that holiday gift wrap that you saved.


You'll need:

• party horns (from the dollar store)
• double-sided tape
• 8" x 10" sheets of paper (we used holiday wrap)

Step 1: Using scissors, remove the plastic mouthpiece.





Step 2: Cut a piece of paper, 8' x 10" and place a piece of double-sided tape on the short and long end of the paper.





Step 3: Place the plastic mouthpiece on the edge of the short side of the paper.

Step 4: Loosely roll the paper to form a cone shape. It will stick as it rolls along the tape.




Step 5: Trim the ends of the cone to create a straight edge.










Gold candle holder





Customize a simple glass vase purchased from a thrift store with gold spray paint. Then pop a candle inside. Be sure to apply paint in a well-ventilated area. *Tip: Spray paint is best applied in light back and forth strokes to achieve even coverage and prevent drips.

You'll need:

• glass vases
• gold spray paint
• candles

Happy New Year, friends!