Unique Dowel Decor Ideas for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and there's no better time to gather with loved ones and create cozy, handmade décor that fills your home with warmth and cheer.  

As the air turns crisp, and festive music plays in the background, crafting together becomes a joyful way to celebrate the magic of the season. Whether it’s a snowy afternoon or a chilly evening by the fire, creating holiday decorations is a wonderful way to bond with family and friends. 

At Midwest Dowel, we have everything you need to turn simple wood pieces into meaningful holiday treasures that will brighten any corner of your home.  

In this blog, we’ll share five delightful dowel crafts—featuring a turkey, Christmas tree, Pilgrims, snowflakes, and snowmen—that will add a handmade, heartfelt touch to your holiday décor. So, grab a cup of cocoa, gather your supplies, and let’s get crafting to make this season even more special! 

Snowflake 

Add a frosty touch to your holiday décor with this simple and elegant snowflake craft. Perfect for hanging on your tree or displaying around your home, these wooden snowflakes bring a touch of winter wonder. 

Supplies:
 

• 14 standard craft sticks
  
  
• 6 mini craft sticks 
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Form the snowflake base: Arrange 7 standard craft sticks in a star shape, gluing them together where they intersect in the center. 
   
   
2. Add dimensions: Glue the remaining 7 standard craft sticks in between the arms of the star to reinforce the snowflake shape. 
   
   
3. Attach mini sticks: Add the mini craft sticks to create intricate patterns, giving your snowflake a unique look. 
   
   
4. Paint and decorate: Paint your snowflake in icy blues, whites, or metallics. You can also sprinkle glitter or attach small beads for extra sparkle! 
   
   

These snowflakes will bring a whimsical and frosty charm to your holiday decorations! 

Christmas Tree 

Create a charming and festive wooden Christmas tree to add a rustic touch to your holiday décor. This simple craft is perfect for decorating your mantel, tabletops, or even as a unique gift. 

Supplies: 

• One 1-1/2” poplar bung
  
  
• One 2” poplar bung 
  
  
• One 2-1/4” poplar bung
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Stack the bungs: Start by stacking the poplar bungs from largest to smallest, with the 2-1/4” bung at the bottom, followed by the 2” bung, and finally the 1-1/2” bung on top. 
   
   
2. Secure the pieces: Glue the bungs together to form the shape of a tree, making sure they are centered for a balanced look. 
   
   
3. Paint and decorate: Paint your tree in festive green, or go for a rustic, natural wood finish. You can add small painted details like ornaments or garlands, or even top it with a tiny star. 
   
   

This wooden Christmas tree adds a charming, handcrafted element to your holiday décor, making your home feel even more festive and inviting! 

Snowmen 

Add some frosty fun to your holiday décor with these adorable wooden snowmen! Easy to customize, these snowmen will brighten up any winter display with their cozy charm. 

Supplies: 

• One 1-1/4” ball knob (for the head) 
  
  
• One 1-1/2” ball knob (for the middle section) 
  
  
• One 1-3/4” ball knob (for the bottom) 
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Assemble the snowman: Start by stacking the ball knobs from smallest to largest. Glue the 1-1/4” ball knob (head) on top of the 1-1/2” ball knob (middle), and finally, glue them to the 1-3/4” ball knob (bottom). 
   
   
2. Add details: Paint the snowman white and give it a face by adding eyes, a carrot-shaped nose, and a mouth. You can also add small buttons down the middle section and use twigs or craft wire for arms. 
   
   
3. Accessorize: Top off your snowman with a tiny hat or scarf made from fabric or felt. You can also add glitter or paint snowflakes around it to enhance the winter vibe. 
   
   

These handcrafted snowmen will bring a cozy and festive atmosphere to your home this holiday season! 

Turkey 

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this endearing wooden turkey craft! This project is a wonderful way to bring warmth and personality to your seasonal décor, making it a standout centerpiece or mantel display. 

Supplies: 

• One 2-¼" ball knob (for the turkey’s body) 
  
  
• One 1-1/4” ball knob (for the turkey’s head) 
  
  
• 8 craft sticks or 4 biscuits (for the feathers) 
  
  
• 1 wooden thimble (for the hat) 
  
  
• 1 small flat head plug (for the face) 
  
  
• 1 craft stick cut at an angle (for the base or stand) 
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Assemble the body and head: Attach the 1-1/4” ball knob (head) to the top of the 3” ball knob (body) using glue. 
   
   
2. Add the feathers: Glue the 8 craft sticks or biscuits to the back of the large ball knob to create the turkey’s fan of feathers, spacing them evenly for balance. 
   
   
3. Create the face and hat: Attach the small flat head plug to the front of the turkey’s head for its face and glue the wooden thimble on top as a playful little hat. 
   
   
4. Build the base: Glue the angled craft stick to the bottom of the turkey to create a stand and keep it upright. 
   
   

Once your turkey is assembled, paint it in warm autumn tones or leave it natural for an earthy appeal.  

 
Pilgrims 

Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving by crafting your very own wooden Pilgrims! This simple and creative project allows you to make as many Pilgrims as you'd like to decorate your home or table for the holiday. 

Supplies: 

• Wooden people figure (as many as your heart desires) 
  
  
• One thimble per figure (for the Pilgrim hats) 
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Assemble your Pilgrims: Start by selecting your wooden figures. Whether you want to create a small family or a whole village of Pilgrims, the choice is yours! 
   
   
2. Add the hats: Glue a wooden thimble onto each figure’s head to serve as a Pilgrim hat. You can tilt the thimble slightly for a playful look or keep it centered for a traditional style. 
   
   
3. Paint and personalize: Paint the figures in classic Pilgrim colors like black, white, and brown, or get creative with patterns and details to add personality. Add small touches like belts, buckles, or aprons to bring your Pilgrims to life. 
   
   

These handcrafted Pilgrims will add a unique and thoughtful touch to your Thanksgiving décor, making your home feel even more welcoming this holiday season! 
 

Bring Your Holiday Décor to Life with Midwest Dowel 

This holiday season, creating your own décor is a perfect way to add a personal and heartwarming touch to your home.  

Whether you're spending time with family or crafting solo, these projects are sure to bring joy and creativity into your holiday celebrations. So, gather your supplies, get cozy, and let your imagination take over.  

With Midwest Dowel, you can bring your holiday décor to life in a way that’s truly one-of-a-kind! 

For all the supplies you need, browse our selection here!  

For more DIY wood dowel tips, follow Midwest Dowel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!  
  
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