7 DIY Craft Projects to Help Cure Those Winter Blues

A cozy fire brings warmth and comfort on chilly evenings. However, transitioning to cold-weather entertaining can be a hassle. As such, creating decorative pinecone fire starters means you'll always be ready to light up your fireplace in style. To begin, combine pinecones, melted wax and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Subsequently, as the fire starters harden, the pinecones will absorb the lovely scent. Bundle up a few for your own use or gift them to friends. Their aromatic ambiance makes them a thoughtful host or hostess present as well.

Sipping from your favorite, customized mug delivers an instant mood boost. With this in mind, try decorating plain mugs with meaningful winter quotes. Alternatively, unleash your creative side by using ceramic markers, smart cutting machines, heat presses or paint to embellish mugs with cheery designs. Add the finishing touch by topping mugs off with melted chocolate, marshmallows or a dash of cinnamon for a customized hot winter beverage. Every time you have a drink, your bright and uplifting mug will give your mood a lift.

There's nothing quite like cozying up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa in the winter. However, water rings left from sweating glasses or hot mugs can damage your surfaces. As a solution, make custom coasters from fun materials like cotton/sewing thread, felt pad, tiles, stones, wood rounds or melted bottle caps. Apply non-slip felt pads to the bottom, then let your imagination run wild with embellishments using paint, decoupage, photos and found objects. Your creative coasters will protect surfaces while providing a fun winter project.

These classic cut-paper creations always conjure up winter nostalgia. Snowflakes require only scissors, paper and creativity. Turn simple white paper into delicate icy crystals that dance in the slightest breeze. Use varying paper weights to achieve different effects. Hang snowflakes in doorways, from curtain rods or cluster them into dazzling window displays. Let your intricate snowflakes spark winter magic through your home.

Dreary winter days can dampen everyone's outlook. However, capturing and reflecting light can help keep things bright. Upcycle a basic frame using recycled bits of colored and mirrored glass, porcelain or stone tiles. Apply tile pieces in your choice of swirling patterns or geometric shapes to create a custom mosaic mirror frame. Hang your creation near a light source so its cheerfully sparkling surface multiplies the light. This small project creates a substantial impact, guaranteed to lift your mood all winter long.

When the winter landscape looks bleak, bringing plants inside can lift your mood. Mini indoor gardens allow you to enjoy nature's colors and textures even during cold months. To create one, collect small potted plants like succulents along with pots in cheerful hues. Arrange an assortment of leaf varieties — some with round leaves, others spiky — at different heights for visual interest. As such, tending to these small indoor plants provides a comforting ritual when icy winds blow.

Adding handmade ornaments is a heartwarming way to decorate for the winter holidays. To begin, fashion tiny knitted or crocheted pieces like snowflakes, mini mittens, sweet stockings or even a tiny sweater for your Christmas tree. Use scrap yarn to craft these cute decorations based on simple patterns or your own designs. Transitioning to the finishing details, consider adding pearl beads, wooden beads or a tiny pompom for whimsical flair.