The holiday season always inspires us to bring a little extra creativity into our homes. This year, instead of buying new decorations, we’ve turned to materials that reflect who we are and what we love. At Shookhill Secret, we believe that the most meaningful décor is the kind that tells a story — and that can be as simple as reimagining everyday items into something festive or using your favorite medium to create personalized décor (and gifts). Every year, we make trees out of clay, but this year, we are sharing how you can use everyday items to personalize your holiday décor.
Our current favorites? Two DIY holiday trees that couldn’t be more personal: one made with cleaned oyster shells (a nod to our coastal love) and another crafted from leftover magazines (perfect for book lovers, travelers, or anyone with a stack of old issues tucked away). Most trees start with a cardboard or foam base and using a glue gun, we attach our items.
Oyster Shell Tree
If you’ve collected oyster shells over the years, you’ll love how beautifully they can transform into a holiday centerpiece. After cleaning and drying the shells, we layer them onto a cone form, starting from the bottom and overlapping as we work our way up. The natural pearlescent finish catches the light in the most enchanting way. It’s coastal, elegant, and completely unique.
Magazine Tree
Stacks of old magazines have a way of accumulating, and this project gives them a second life. By rolling or folding the pages into cones and attaching them to a tree base, you can create a playful, colorful tree that’s filled with personal meaning. It’s also a wonderful way to reuse and recycle — a win-win.
Countless Options, Just Like You
The beauty of DIY holiday trees is that they can be whatever you want them to be. Think about the materials that reflect you and your family’s interests. Maybe it’s Scrabble tiles for game lovers, felt balls for crafters, cardstock for scrapbookers, yarn for knitters, or even ornaments collected over the years. The options are endless, and each one carries a little piece of your story.
Why We Love This Project
Creating these trees is about more than just décor. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the process, and letting your personality shine through your holiday home. And the best part? No two trees are ever alike. They’re as individual as the families who make them — which makes them extra special.
So this holiday season, take a look around your home or gather items that feel meaningful. With a little imagination, you’ll have a DIY holiday tree that’s uniquely yours.
