30 Vintage Christmas Crafts to Make & Sell in 2024 • Adirondack Girl @ Heart (2024)

Every year I participate in a local craft show at the Shaker Heritage Society. It runs for ten weeks and sellers don’t have to man their spaces! All sales of my vintage Christmas crafts run through the museum’s gift shop and proceeds are mailed out once the sale ends.

2022 marked my seventh year participating, and despite the fact that I now have a fairly small space, I continue to do very well year after year.

Preparations for the 2023 show were slow due to my sweet mother’s illness and eventual entry into hospice. At first I had decided not to participate but then felt a bit of a diversion from the heaviness of life might be good.

In the end, the total for the 2023 show matched 2022’s, which was a real blessing. You’ll find however that I skipped some of my usual crafts and made less of others.

In general, my focus for the past three years has changed somewhat, due to a rather large huge purchase of costume jewelry that has necessitated some outside-the-box thinking. You’ll understand better what I mean when you see some of my products below (with links to directions for most!).

Note: This post contains affiliate links for [the same or similar] products used to complete the projects mentioned. This is both for your convenience as well as to support my website, since I receive a small compensation whenever you click on a link and make any sort of purchase, for which I thank you 🙂

Table of Contents

1. Gaudy Christmas Wreath
3. Wide-Mouth Vase Lantern
4. Vintage Clip On to Pierced Earring
5. Eye Glass & Mask Lanyard
6. Found Object Key Ring
7. Match Box Car Decorations
8. Mixed Media Bookmarks
9. Clip On Earring Magnets
10. Bottle Brush Tree & Doorknob Decorations
11. Embellished Putz Houses
12. Decorative Mittens
13. Antique Door Knob Plate Decoration
14. Folding Ruler Star Decoration
15. Found Object Bookmark
16. Bingo Card Decoration
17. Baby Shoe Ornament
18. Napkin Ring Wreath
19. Christmas Tree in Vintage Tin
20. ADK Chair Decoration
21. Dutch Shoe Decoration
22. Tussie Mussie
23. Vintage Level Decoration
24. Vintage Christmas Diorama
25. Lantern Candle Holder
26. Milk Can Turned Candle Holder
27. Decorated Candle Holder
28. Junk Angel
29. Bottle Brush Trees in Various Containers
30. Spice Tin Christmas Decoration

1.Gaudy Christmas Wreath

Every year I make what I call “gaudy” Christmas wreaths out of materials that I buy at sales and thrift shops throughout the year: wreaths, glass bulbs, silk flowers (usually poinsettias and red roses), pine cones, bells, ribbon, and anything else that looks good.

I really enjoy making them and they are quick to whip up. In 2021 I sold two at $25 each. Click the link above to see how I make them.

For Christmas 2022, I started making gaudy wreaths using a large assortment of vintage ornaments to cover the pine wreath base. I sell these for $42 each.

In 2023 I sold one of these “loaded” vintage wreaths.

2. Thread Spool & Bottle Brush Tree Decorations

I’ve been selling these little thread spool and bottle brush tree darlings every year since I started doing the show. They are a great seller and this year was no exception.

In 2021, I sold twenty-five sold @$4 each for a $100 total. You can learn how to make them in my thread spool Christmas decoration article.

Even spools in colors not associated with Christmas, like orange, taupe, or gray sell well so don’t let the color of the vintage thread stop you from buying it. I like to pick up spools for a quarter or less for this project.

In 2023 I started with 18 and sold every single one!

3. Wide-Mouth Vases Turned Lanterns

When I first spotted these basket-weave vases at the Dollar Tree, their large size and quality surprised me. I picked up four because I immediately had the idea of turning them into a sort of lantern.

I decorate the rims, attach a wire handle, and insert a battery-operated candle (also from the Dollar Tree) and charge $15 for each.

If your Dollar Tree doesn’t carry them, look for wide-mouthed vases and jars in Christmas colors like red, green, silver, and gold at garage sales and thrift stores.

In 2023 I sold my last large red one, in addition to the medium-sized topaz example above, which sold for $12.

4. Upcycled Earrings from Vintage Clip Ons

Did you know that you can convert vintage clip on earrings [that have a dangle] into pierced earrings? Because few people wear clip ons any more, you can typically find them pretty cheaply, sometimes for 25¢ a pair.

I wrote an article about upcycling clip on earrings that provides lots of useful info on removing the dangles and adding earring hooks. I sell them for $12 each.

2023 was a good year for these earrings! Thirty-one pair sold.

5. Mask or Eyeglass Lanyards from Vintage Necklaces

With well over 1000 vintage necklaces in my inventory, I was thrilled to come up with the idea of turning them into mask lanyards in 2021. Thirty sold that year for $12 each for a total of $360.

You can make them with two sorts of necklaces:

1. Those that measure 24-28″.
2. Those that are longer than 24″ but have metal links, so you can easily shorten them (like the top example in the photo above).

Once you have a necklace that’s the right length, removed the clasp and secure large lobster claw clasps to each end.

The lobster claws then easily attach to the elastic loops on each side of your mask. I found the larger size to be particularly easy to use.

I’ve been happy with these attachments which turn these into eyeglass lanyards.

I didn’t offer any eye glass or mask lanyards in 2023 as very few sold last year. However, next year I’m considering selling key lanyards. A lot of young people wear them around their necks

6. Key Rings from Vintage Found Objects

In 2021 I added key rings to my inventory and they sold quite well. I made them using large pendants, skeleton keys, modern-type keys, and other thinga-ma-bobs.

At $10 each they continued to sell well in 2022. One of the reasons for their popularity is that they make good stocking stuffers.

Key rings continued to sell well in 2023 with eighteen going home with happy customers.

7. Bottle Brush Trees on Matchbox Cars

This popular project is SO easy to make. Basically you tie small bottle brush trees onto the top of cute or interesting Matchbox-type cars.

I look for red sports cars, pick-up trucks (esp. red & aqua), buses, VW Bugs and vans, antique-style cars, convertibles, and jeeps.Get tips for making them in the article I wrote about decorating with bottle brush trees.

Small versions sell for $6 each and larger-sized ones (like the one above), for $8 each. I like to pick up newer cars for a quarter and larger or antique ones for no more than 50¢.

Larger antique examples (like the one above) sell for $10 each.

I cannot keep these cars in stock! Every single one sold in 2023.

8. Altered Art Bookmarks

I LOVE making sewing pattern bookmarks! Fortunately, they sell well for me every year. Be sure to click the link to get all the details about how to make them.

I also use basically the same process to create bookmarks using old children’s books, music books, atlases and any other attractive paper I can get my hands on.

I sell them for $4 each and sold over 40 in 2021–that’s $160 in bookmarks alone! Not surprisingly, the Santa Claus versions sell particularly well at this show.

Here’s a set of four using dictionary paper and some floral cutouts that sold quickly.

This is how I display them.

For the first time ever, I almost completely sold out of bookmarks in 2023.

9. Upcycled Magnets from Vintage Clip Ons

I added clip on earring magnets to my inventory in 2020 and continued with them in 2021. Over forty sold for $3 each, which is great given that I have over 2000 pair on hand, LOL.

You can quickly make these magnets by removing the clips on the back of the earrings and gluing on a heavy duty magnet; I use Weldbond glue for this. Select earrings whose backs will be relatively flat after the clip is removed.

Above you can see a view of the magnets from the side.

If the back isn’t completely flat, build up around any protruding parts with tiny, torn pieces of cardstock. Don’t cut the cardstock with scissors because the wispy edges of the torn paper will help you achieve a flatter surface.

I wasn’t feeling magnets in 2023, so none were offered.

10. Door Knobs w/Bottle Brush Trees

I pick up antique door knobs whenever I find them out in the wild for a dollar or less. To make these decorations simply turn the knob upside down, fill the metal rod with hot glue, and insert the end of a 4-5″ bottle brush tree [with base removed] into the glue. Hold it there until the glue dries.

Then decorate the trees and try a ribbon or fabric scrap around the “neck” of the doorknob. They sell quickly for $10 each. Try to find the knobs for a dollar or less in order to make a good profit.

Seven of these fun Christmas decorations sold in 2023.

11.Upcycled Vintage Putz Houses

Upgraded Putz houses like this one were a new product for me this year. I turned unattractive, poor condition houses into charming decorations and sold two out of the three I offered late in the sale for $20 each.

Look for Putz house in poor shape that wouldn’t sell well “as is” and for fun embellishments, like bottle brush trees, deer, tiny Santas and snowmen.

Unfortunately, this decoration has not sold well for me from my craft booth, however, they are selling from my antique booth at the Gristmill Antique Center.

12. Vintage Mittens w/Greenery

Whenever I can, I pick up vintage woolen mittens, especially children’s sizes, to make homespun-looking ornaments.

Tuck bits of greenery and red berry stems inside for a festive decoration. Glue a loop of ribbon to the cuff for hanging and throw in some fishing weights to add a little weight.

They usually sell well for me, $12 for an adult size and $8 the toddler size.

I’ve been known to buy artificial trees and wreaths (or take them from free boxes), simply to take them apart and use them for projects like this.

Unfortunately, small vintage mittens are not plentiful out in the wild. As a result, I only had one to offer in 2023 and it sold immediately.

13. Door Knob Plate Decoration

Customers really like these antique doorknob plate decorations. Unfortunately, I don’t often run across many plates for sale at a good price ($1 or less), but when I do, I snatch them up.

I attach one of my mini-wreaths, a bell at the bottom, and wire for hanging and Bob’s your uncle, you’re done! They sell for $10 each.

I came across no reasonably-priced doorknob plates in 2023 and thus none of these very popular decorations were offered.

14. Folding Ruler Star Decoration

Shape a folding ruler into a star, attach one of my mini wreaths, and you’ve got a delightful farmhouse style star decoration.

I was a bit lazy this year and only made two, both of which sold for $12 each.Try to pick up the rulers (preferrably yellow) for 50¢ or a dollar at garage and estate sales.

These stars were another project I wasn’t feeling in 2023 so none were made, though I’m sure they would have sold since they are sought after every year.

15. Found Object Bookmarks

Here’s another “found object” project where I attach charms, single earrings, pendants, and other dohickies to metal feather-shaped bookmarks.

I display them by cutting a slit into an oblong piece of cardstock (as shown above) and place a price tag with my website address on the back. They sell for $10 each.

Here’s a sampling of some of the bits and pieces I come across at sales. I try to spend .50 or less on them to ensure a good profit. The feathers cost about .50 each on Amazon.

I added a new type of bookmark this year that I decorated with vintage clip on earrings. All of them sold, along with several other metal versions like those above.

16. Antique Bingo Card Decoration

This project featuring white buttons glued to an antique Bingo card and embellished with a mini-wreath sold quickly for $12 in 2022–the first year I offered it for sale. Get project details here.

In 2023, I made several in different colors, including red, green, blue, and pink. Interestingly, none of the white button versions sold, however all except blue sold well.

17. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

I introduced this vintage baby shoe ornament at the 2022 show and buyers fell in love with them. They sold for $10 each and you can find directions for making them in this article: Baby’s First Christmas Ornament.

What do you think about the black version of these decorations? I thought they were adorable and so did buyers–they flew of the shelf @ $12 each.

18. Napkin Ring Christmas Wreaths

Another new project in 2022: turn decorative napkin rings, like these made to look like berries, into mini wreaths to hang on the tree or on a cabinet knob.

I picked mine up at a garage sale–six for just $2. I made bows with antique cotton seam binding and added “Noel” and “Peace” banners.

I made mine with stamps I had on hand and a thin vellum-like paper. I use my fingernail on the back to curve it forward and then my fingernail on the front to curve the ends forward.

2023 did not bring me anymore cute napkin rings, thus, no similar ornaments to sell.

Shortly after finding the berry napkin holders, I came across these grapevine type and turned them into mini-wreaths too. They sold for $4 each.

When you subscribe to my newsletter, you can download a free printable sheet of “merry christmas” banners from the Member Library.

These grapevine ornaments weren’t speaking to me in 2023 so none were made.

19. Christmas Trees in Vintage Tins

A couple of years ago I began using vintage and antique coffee (and other) tins to hold Christmas trees. I just love the farmhouse look! Buyers do too, paying $18-25 for them depending upon the size.

Get details on how to create these trees in tins here. Two more sold in 2023 but I neglected to take photos(!).

Last year I used a couple of smaller tins for the bases and sold them for $12 each. I wrapped the trees in berry vine that you can pick up right before Christmas at the Dollar Tree. One more sold in 2023.

20. Adirondack Chair Christmas Decorations

I wasn’t sure of the interest level in a decoration like this one–Adirondack chairs embellished with mini-wreaths, but buyers loved them. They sell for $10 each. One more sold in 2023.

21. Dutch Shoe Christmas Decorations

Because of the Dutch history and ancestry of my area (Albany, NY), anything Dutch-related tends to sell well. That’s what influenced the idea to create a Christmas decoration using mini-wooden shoes.

To make them, glue a bottle brush tree inside the shoe, stuff some Spanish moss around it, and add a mini-wreath to finish it off. These sell for $8-10 depending upon their size. Three sold in 2023.

22. Christmas Tussie Mussie

Several years ago I wrote an article about how to create Valentine tussie mussies. In 2022 I decided to make Christmas-themed examples and the pair I made sold for $10 each. One sold in 2023.

23. Vintage Red Level Christmas Decoration

This quirky Christmas decoration made with a vintage red level and some tart tins has great farmhouse style. They sell for $18. Learn how to make your own here.

Red levels have been hard to find lately, but when I do, I’ll definintely be making more of these decorations.

24. Vintage Christmas Diorama

There’s no better way to use up some of the crafty Christmas thingies (that I know you have lying around) than by making some adorable dioramas. They sell for $15-25 depending on their size and complexity.

See five that I made several years ago here.

Three dioramas sold in 2023, including the one above. Next year I plan to raise the price to $18.

25. Antique Lantern Candle Holders

This project–a fan favorite–is SO easy to put together. In the article I wrote on the topic, I share my simple surprise tip for turning lanterns into a candle holders. They sell for $25 each and I sell out year after year.

Vintage and antique lanterns are difficult to locate for reasonable prices, but these candle holders sell extremely well when I do have them available.

26. Milk Can Turned Candle Holder

I picked up this old-fashioned milk can at a garage sale for a buck. It had an ornery label attached to it that took a lot of effort to remove, but it was worth it.

To create the candle holder, I simply turned the lid upside down and hot glued it to the mouth of the can. I hot glued the candle to the lid, wrapped some berry garland around its shoulders and then hung a rusty star and paper “merry christmas.”

It sold for $28.

27. Decorated Candle Holder

This vintage candle holder got a simple upgrade with pine garland, topped with berry garland, and a mini-pine cone garnish. It sold for $25.

28. Junk Angel

Last year I upgraded a cute angel that I had thrifted and this year I did the same. I added a halo, mini basket with bottle brush trees and switched out her wings to make her more farmhouse-y. She sold for $28.

I’ve also made them from scratch using a long, round-bottomed basket turned upside down for the body. I’m planning a how-to article about them in the new year.

29. Bottle Brush Trees in Various Vintage Containers

The innovative part of this popular product is adding some Spanish moss around the top edge of the container and embellishing in at least one other way: berry garland, miniature bulbs, and/or word tags. They sell for $10 each.

30. Spice Tin Decorations

This project is one of my absolute favorites of 2023! I picked up a number of vintage spice tins throughout the year and decided to decorate them for Christmas. They sold at the show for $12 each. I’ll write a full how-to in the new year.

Meanwhile, hunt for the following in order to make your own:

• Figural Christmas picks like the elf (above left)
• Cupcake picks like the Santa (above right)
• Small mercury glass picks like the ones I used above
• Garland (new or old) for edging
• Bottle brush trees
• Small cars
• Baker’s twine

Conclusion

You may have noticed that ALL of my crafts are fairly quick, easy, and inexpensive to make. That’s kind of my “secret sauce” for craft show selling.

So long as buyers actually like (and buy!) your items, you’ll maximize your profits by following this guideline. And ultimately that’s what it’s all about, right?

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