DIY Holiday Painting Projects

Regardless of what religion you are, the holidays are a special time of year for everyone. The air cools down and families gather. Decorating for your respective holiday doesn’t have to include costly trips to the store. There are many projects you can accomplish yourself with a little bit of paint.

Spruce up Your Fireplace

The holiday season is likely the most active time of the year for your fireplace. As the family gathers around it for warmth, give them something to look at. 

First things first: clean your fireplace. This will require a stiff bristle brush and a lot of elbow grease. If you are able to detach your mantle, you can do so now to keep it out of the way. 

Once completely clean, you’ll need to choose paint and primer that are suitable for the indoors and heat resistant. If you’re unsure about which brand to choose, ask an attendant to guide you. If you’re looking to modernize your home, an elegant off-white is a great choice for color. When you’re looking to make a statement, pick a bright tone that’s expressive to you.

Keep in mind to thoroughly protect the areas around your fireplace. Painting can be a messy business, and you don’t want to get any paint on your floor. 

Paint on your primer and give it a day or two to dry. Then, you can begin painting your fireplace. It may take several coats to fill all of the nooks and crannies of the brick. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying another. 

Create Your Own Ornaments

Store bought ornaments are cute, but they don’t hold any sentiment. A fun way to create and preserve holiday memories is to paint your own ornaments. This project is kid-friendly and affordable. 

You can find plain glass or plastic ornaments in any store around this time of year. While you’re purchasing those, pick up some fun paint colors including clear spray paint and a few brushes. You’ll also need cardboard or foam board and a dozen skewers.

When you’re ready to customize your ornament, remove the hanger from the top. For metal hangers, you can usually just bend the prongs to release the body of the ornament. 

Now, you can let each person in the family paint their own ornament. Pets cannot be trusted with art supplies, so you’ll have to paint their ornaments for them. 

Once each ornament is complete, place the ornament on a skewer with the skewer’s flat tip inside the opening of the ornament. Then, stick the sharp end of the skewer into your cardboard or foam board. 

Allow the ornaments to dry overnight. Once completely dry, you’ll need to seal in the memories. Take your ornaments outdoors in a well-ventilated area. While still on the skewers, lightly douse each ornament in a layer of clear spray paint. Allow the spray paint to dry and then apply another coat of paint. 

Now you have custom ornaments that you can enjoy for many years to come.