I’m partial to handmade holiday gifts, and the kids and I have made oodles of them over the years (I’m sentimental so I keep everything), and since we’re entering the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to start sharing some of our holiday DIY crafts and ideas on my blog.
I had a dedicated craft room in my last house so I could work on my DIY projects in bits and pieces. I don’t have that kind of space where I live now, but I’m going to try to figure out a way to make it work.
Because crafting is fun!
So, let’s start with a fun handmade holiday gift idea — a Christmas Tree Watering Can! Isn’t it cute?
Supplies:
Watering can *
Red acrylic spray paint
Newspaper or flat cardboard
Pencil or permanent marker
Tracing paper
Scissors
Green acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Hole punch
Colored paper scraps
Glue
Clear acrylic spray
24″ (7/8-inch wide) ribbon
Optional: Star punch
* When choosing your watering can, remember that Christmas trees are the thirstiest trees known to man (or so it seems to me), so you don’t want to go with a tiny one or you’ll be watering it all day long. I had a hard time finding the shape and size I wanted in stores, so I ended up buying this watering can
on Amazon, and it’s the perfect size. It has an etched design on the side, which I could have sanded smooth, but ain’t nobody got time for that! I personally don’t think it matters.
Instructions:
In a well-ventilated area or outside, cover your work surface with newspaper or cardboard, and spray the watering can with red paint. Let dry. Apply a second coat if needed.
Draw or trace a simple tree pattern twice (or 4 times if you want to do both sides of the watering can).
Tape the tree patterns onto the watering can where desired, then trace around them. Remove the pattern.
Paint the tree shapes with the paintbrush and green paint. You may need more than one coat. Let dry between coats. I painted mine in a way that gave it some texture, but you can paint however you’d like.
Using the hole punch, punch out circle shapes from the paper scraps and glue randomly on the trees. Cut out (or punch) a star for the top of each tree. Let dry.
Spray the watering can with acrylic spray to seal. Let dry.
Using the ribbon, tie a pretty bow around the handle, and your Christmas tree watering can is finished!
Mhar Sefcik says
aww…makes me think of the Holidays already. This would look really cute on my back porch.
Kait says
How cute is this!! You can totally stock up on these watering cans in the fall and make the, up for fun gifts for the holidays.
Marcie W. says
This is such an adorable project and would make a fun gift idea! I can see my inlaws using it to water their flower garden during this time of the year as well.
Terra Heck says
Very festive! I like homemade gifts for Christmas.
Cam | Bibs and Baubles says
That’s really cute. What a fun idea!
TweenselMom says
Very nice watering can! I love the color red of Christmas but this year, I’m going blue and white!
Ashley Gill says
We have an artificial tree but I so would make this if we did a real one! This is stinking cute!!
Maggie says
This is a great gift idea for someone who loves natural trees! Love it!
Jennifer H says
That’s a super cute idea for someone with a green thumb!
Anne says
This is a adorable, and way nicer than anything we use to water our Christmas tree!
Stefani Tolson says
This is such a CUTE idea. I might have to make something similar with my kids for them to give my mother who LOVES plants.
Singapore Mum Blog says
The watering can is so so nice!! I love it!!
Katie says
that’s really adorable! I bet my mom would love it if my daughter made it for her!
vanessa:thequeenofswag says
Such a cute and easy to do DIY that will definitely come in handy for all those real Christmas trees that will need watering. So festive.
noelle d says
I LOVE handmade gifts… I just wish my creativity that is in my mind would be as awesome looking when I make it…
LaTonia Gray says
what an economically cute way to make ornaments for the trees.
Raijean says
Aww Liz, this is the cutest craft ever. I’m going to see if the boychild wants to do it.
Donna says
Yay, this is a DIY I can actually… DIY! I am not the most crafty person, so I get excited when it’s something I think I can do. 🙂
Marina says
What a fantastic idea and what a great gift this would make for our neighbor who has the greenest thumb in the area! Super cute!!
Chrysa Duran says
Oh my goodness! LOVE this idea to the max. I need to make one for me and for gifts. Thanks!
Danielle says
That is a really cute idea and it looks simple and easy which is right up my alley.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I wish I had inherited my family’s ‘crafty gene’ but apparently it skipped a generation. This is SUPER cute! I love this idea! I need to go over to your house and do some crafting stuff, I will even bring the wine! 🙂
chrissy va says
I am always looking for simple crafts to do with my nieces. This is perfect and so pretty!
Dawn says
What a neat DIY project! I think this would be especially nice for the kids to do!
Giveaways 4 Mom says
This is an amazing craft. I bet that it was so much fun to complete.
Carly Anderson says
This is a super cute watering can! And it is relatively inexpensive. Love it!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
This is such a cute project. I always buy a synthetic tree but I know it is important to water the real ones.
Estelle says
What a sweet idea for a craft for older kids or grownups. I think this is too complex for my Kindergartner but I love the idea.
Erica Brooks says
Super cute project. My daughter would love to make this. We’d probably have to make two. One for her and one to give as a gift. lol
Danielle says
So fun and festive! And simple to make too, I love it.
Melissa Vera says
This is such a cute idea. I never would have thought of making a watering can for Christmas. I can see making them for every holiday.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
That’s a super cute idea! It’s much nicer than the plastic cup my husband usually uses to water the tree!
Dawn McAlexander says
That is so adorable. It would be way more fun watering plants if I had one of these!
Kerri says
Love your watering can. Since I do not craft often, I wasn’t aware of the acrylic seal. to keep the paint looking fresh. Now, to convince my DH to get a real tree!
Dawn @ Pin-n-Tell says
What a super unique and useful handmade gift!! Way to think outside of the box 🙂
Nikki says
Oh my goodness, that is such a cute and original idea! I am thinking of getting a real tree this year, so it’s perfect!
Taylor says
What a cute idea! My family has a fake tree but maybe this will come in handy in the future!!!
Elizabeth Ferree says
I love the decorative watering can. That really is a pretty red, love how you added the paper ornaments. You are definitely very creative. 🙂
Debbie L. says
Very cute project. Isa would love making this for their tree!
Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.com says
That would be a great homemade gift that my grandmother would love. And even something little ones could help with!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
What a great idea! I want to make one for me!
coolchillmom says
WHat a beautiful watering can! I do love the holidays and would love to have one of this. Project time this weekend with the kids thanks to you!
Kristin says
Super cute and…best of all…EASY!
Cia (Cia Says) says
OMG I love this. Its so adorable 🙂
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
Wow, love how you transformed the plain watering can into a fun decorative item. I’m sure this basic idea can be used for a variety occasions.
Kassondra from Motherhood Community says
That’s an adorable idea!
Crystal says
Such a cute idea and the perfect can to keep next to a live Christmas tree. I’m not sure if we’re doing a live tree this year, but if so I may have to try this.
katrina g says
oh my goodness that watering can is so cute. I would love to make that with my kids.
Debra says
So cute! Perfect for the holidays!
rachel young says
How cute!! I love it, this would make a great gift for my MIL who loves to garden 🙂
Robin Gagnon says
Great way to dress up an old watering can. I would totally leave this right out next to the tree 🙂
Amy Desrosiers says
This is a great idea! I love the step by step DIY you provided too!
Colleen says
I would love a craft room…oh and time to craft LOL. Very cute and would be perfect for a gift. I would add some fun seeds and tools and make it like a gift basket.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
Oh so cute. My mother-in-law and mother would love these for their little gardens.
Lynsey Jones says
What a CUTE cute idea!! We have always had a fake free so I wouldn’t have even thought about this – but my mother in law always gets a real tree!! I should make her one! She would probably use it year round hahaha
Heather says
Aw, that’s really adorable. Buying watering cans is hard to come by this season, where I am at least though
April says
Super cute idea… Not only useful but a decorative piece for the holidays!
Adin Blankenship says
That is so adorable! And so easy to do. Love, love, love it! Oh dear! I see Christmas decors everywhere now. I get excited this time of year. Christmas is my favorite holiday of all. 🙂 I am thinking of making some Christmas decor myself that kids can help me. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Kori says
What a fun craft project! I’ve been inspired to do a variation… hopefully it comes out as I plan.
Shannon Gosney says
That is so cute Liz! Love the idea for the DIY Christmas watering can. 🙂
alissa says
Isaak would like doing that. He likes anything associated with crafts.
Ellen That Chic Mom says
This is perfect for my garden loving grandparents in Florida and I can let the kids decorate to make it extra special. I need to go check out your other posts too those snow kissed candle holders look awesome.
Dee says
That is such a fun idea. They kids would have a ball with that.
Laura says
This is adorable and great for the family member that loves to garden and has an indoor planting area. I have black thumb and am very envious of her ability to bring plants to life. This turned out very cute. Thanks for the inspiration!
Leon Bailey says
I am not crafty, so I would never be able to do this successfully. However! I know of plenty people that are and would love to create something like this. Great job putting this together!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
That watering can is seriously cute! I know several people that it would be a perfect gift for.
Christie says
Turned out beautiful! I could definitely see this out in the garden
Kero Pinkihan says
love it a lot! thank you for the comprehensive steps with photos. I’d love to do something similar with my little boy. handmade and personalized crafts are unbeatable anytime!
Rebecca Swenor says
This is really cute indeed. It would be fun to even due with the kids. Thanks for sharing.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
It was such a cool way to make one – very creative!
Taya says
Such a cute craft idea. Hum, why are all of those can’s green any?!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
My middle would love this craft! Thanks for the linky too! I just linked up one of my crafts!
JEFF TAYLOR says
What a great idea! I like the idea of making gifts rather than buying them. Thanks for the easy to use instructions and pictures.
Shaney Vijendranath says
That’s so cool, I really want to do some crafts this year. Thanks for giving me some ideas.
Annie Mai says
That is a cute idea! I need a cute watering can, haha 😛
Stefany says
This is such a cute idea! We don’t have real christmas trees but i still think it could be a fun gift for people to use on houseplants for the winter months!
Aimee Smith says
This is such a cute idea! I used to beg my mom to let me water the tree when I was younger!
Andrea Callahan says
That’s watering can came out great.
Debbie Jean's says
That is really nice! I would love to make some of those as gifts
Theresa says
That’s so cute! I am too lazy to water a real tree, so it’s fake all the way here. But if we did, I’d totally make one of those nifty watering cans!
Jeanine says
This is adorable! Such a cute idea! My grandma would get a huge kick out of this if she was still around! Perfect gift!
Michelle F. says
That is really cute. I love how you decorated it.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
That’s cute! I often spray paint things to correlate with the seasons, but you’ve actually designed it!
Kendall Rayburn says
I think I will extend this liking to my pots.
Jessica Beal Harlow says
I think this is a great (and pretty) way to remember to water the tree! Having something decorative that I’m not trying to hide under my kitchen sink might help me remember to water!
Rosey says
That was smart to use the hold punch for the ornaments. This turned out really cute!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
That’s really cute! I wonder how I could create a new tradition with that watering can!!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
What an adorable DIY product! My boys would love making this.
Amanda Love says
That is beautiful. You did such a great job with that. Now I want to make one. 🙂
LyndaS says
That is a cute watering can. I ought to make one – this year we are going to have a real tree. (We have used an artificial tree for the past 20 years. )
Karen W says
This is adorable and so easy to make. It would make a cute gift idea for someone too.
Nancy says
How could is this! I bet if I had nieces they’d love to do an activity project like this with me.
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
This is super cute! I love crafts and I love Christmas!
Caitlin says
My hubby and I have a fake tree – but I think this little canister for a real tree is so cute!!! Great diy
Tracey says
This is so cute and festive! I never would have thought to make this! How creative.
Elizabeth O. says
I haven’t thought of this so why? Very crafty!
Yona says
OMGoodnesss! That Christmas tree watering can is too cute. I love the bow accent.
maria says
What a precious idea! I would love to make this with the kiddos soon.
Shauna says
That is so super cute. It would look great as a decoration… ha! Love it
Tonya C says
That’s cute. A great gift idea for the gardeners in our lives!
Kimberly Grabinski says
This is such a simple idea yet utterly brilliant. We used a mason jar in years past and spilled water all over! My kids will have fun decorating it!
robyn says
oh my gosh that is so cute! We had our first live Christmas tree last year and I had the toughest time keeping it watered. This would make it fun for the kids to help!
Krystal says
Crafting is always fun, but it’s so much MORE fun when it’s for a holiday! I’m TOTALLY making this!
XmasDolly says
I absolutely love it. I have a watering can just like that too! Maybe I can do one with my granddaughters. Woo Hoo
Pauline Cabrera says
So creative! I’d have to try designing our watering can too.
Ronnie says
I love the simplicity of this and how it can add a unique touch of festivity to the holiday .Really enjoyed seeing the process – might make something of my own that way, too!
Tammy says
So cute – I love using spray paint to make new projects out of the ordinary. And thank you for the link up – I added a DIY.
aimee fauci says
I love handmade treasures like this. They are def forever keepsakes.
Nina Say says
What a perfect idea! We always forget to water the tree, but I don’t think we would if we had a dedicated watering can that matches the entire Christmas theme!
Chrissy says
This is so cute Liz! I can think of a few people who would like to receive this as a gift!
Lady Lilith says
This is such a festive idea. Let adults to the pray painting and the kids decorating. Perfect.
Maria @ closetohome says
That is so clever and cute, I need a new watering can so I will expect mine in the mail in the next couple of weeks !!
Rachel says
We do a fake tree so I don’t need a watering can but it is so cute even as a decoration. And easy!
Jaime says
Look at you getting all crafty here. This is really cute! I am going to have to link up soon!
Paula says
That is really a cute idea! Very creative!
Crystal says
That’s just perfect! Have you tried adding Sprite? I’ve heard it helps keep Christmas trees happier longer.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
What a sweet Craft! Christmas trees do indeed to be some of the thirstiest tress lol! But keeping them hydrated is so important in keeping our families safe and what a fun way to do this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Teresa Moore says
We plan to buy a real tree this year. I so love this idea!
Heather says
So cute! Love how festive it is…now to get some indoor plants so I can have one.
becca says
That is too cute and super easy. Will have to try one.
Jennifer says
I absolutely love this Liz! I want to make one but then I’d have to find a way to not kill every plant I get.
Heather says
It looks great! Beautiful job!
Michele says
That is a cute idea for a handmade gift to give to anyone who has live Christmas Trees in their home. You could also make other type designs–fall leaves, poppies etc.
Aline Matiazzo says
This is so cute! Thanks for sharing!
Melinda says
Love it. and paired with a poinsetta or other holiday flower it’s a great hostess gift.
Maria says
How beautiful! What a great idea! Now the watering can is as much a part of the Christmas decor as everything else.
Megan Elford says
What a cute idea! I could totally see these being sold at the Craft Shows that are gearing up for Christmas around here.
Meagan says
What a great idea – I’ve never even thought about decorating my watering can! You could also do this to your gardening can!
Leah says
Super cute! I think we are getting a real Christmas tree this year. Maybe the kids and I will make this!! And then I can assign one of them the job of watering the tree!
Jen Temcio @ Dapperhouse says
What a cool project. I always hate watering our tree, because the watering can is so ugly. Now I can make it part of the Christmas wonderland. =D
Pam says
haha that has been our problem too! It just doesn’t fit with our nice pretty tree!
Mandi says
What a cute idea! I remember as a kid, having a real tree and our watering can was just a cup and it was boring!
Trisha says
What a fun idea! I think my mom would probably love something like this since since it would go with a lot of her holiday decor. I might consider making it and gifting it to her!
Pam says
Awww what a cute idea! Our watering jug always looks out of place next to the tree! This would help it out quite a bit!
Kungphoo says
That is a nice way to start getting into the holiday spirit.. its about 7 weeks away.. here we go!
lifeasaconvert says
This is a cute idea. But I live in an area where a Christmas watering can probably wouldn’t be used as much. I think this idea could be carried over to other seasons too though.
Whitney @ It's Gravy, Baby! says
This is such an adorable idea. My kids would have so much fun with this and I can see creating one for spring-time too!
Catherine S says
This is such a cute and great idea. I have a girlfriend who loves to garden so this would make the perfect gift.
LaVonne says
This would be a cute gift for gardening friends. They could get this along with a pack of winter bulbs and some cute gardening gloves. I love it! Such a cute Christmas DIY idea!
Debra says
What an adorable craft/gift. I think that would be perfect for any plant or flower lover. And that it is homemade makes it even more special.
Jacqueline says
I only give handmade as gifts, and although we are Jewish, I end up making a ton of Christmas-related stuff for friends 🙂 This is adorable and would be perfect for a tropical Christmas theme. I’m in Florida and always see things like this at craft fairs during the holidays– so cute and you saved a ton of money making it! 🙂
Dawn says
That’s awesome! I feel like when it’s Christmas time, every possible thing should be decorated in some way.
Melanie says
Oh this is darling. I love it! That’s a nice quick and simple yet fun project . Great job!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is such a great idea for the Holidays. It is so simple to make and looks great. You could do one for each holiday.
Courtney says
That is ADORABLE! I thin I’m going to use craft paint and brushes instead of spray paint and do this with my daughter.
HilLesha says
I would have never thought of doing something like that with a watering can. Too cute!
Amber Edwards says
Oh my heart! That is so cute! And so simple! Definitely something fun to do for Christmas!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Such a cute and simple idea, I bet this would be done in no time!
Lesley says
Now why didn’t I think of that? Brilliant, here I was filling a cup to water the tree.
Penelope Guzman says
I love it, it’s beautiful and festive, and would look great indoors with all my Christmas decor 🙂
Sophie O'Reilly says
That is very cute and very creative!
Lois Alter Mark says
I totally agree with you – handmade gifts are the best. That watering can is adorable and it’s such a good idea!
Stacey - Travel Blogger says
I love this! This time of year, I’m all about everything being Christmas-y. Thanks for a great project.
Alisha Kostiuk says
This is a cute idea. The kids would have a great time decorating it.
Kimberly C. says
That tree watering can is adorable and now I need to make one! I have time though as I don’t think I will be getting a tree till December. I have a habit of killing them quickly and the kids get grumpy about hard needles on the floor!
Dee Mauser says
That would make a nice homemade gift for those who love gardening. Also, a great gift for mother’s day, including flowers of course.
Jennifer says
That’s an adorable Christmas craft. It’s totally useful, too, which I love.
CourtneyLynne says
Omg how adorable is this!!!! I would.of never thought of decorating the Christmas tree water thingy!!!? Absolutely love itttt!!!
Myrah - Coupon Mamacita says
That is so cute! We have a live tree every year, and this looks like a super festive way to keep it happy. Thanks!
Athena says
That is so cute. I seriously never have enough watering cans in my house. I have no idea what the kids do to them and with them but I buy them and they disappear.
Debbie Denny says
That is so cute. Great job u did.
mommyjenna says
That is such a cute and easy idea! I’ve been doing more crafty stuff with the kids and they’d love this!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is such a cute idea. I am thinking I could even use that at a centerpiece if I filled it with some poinsettias or something 🙂 Love it.
brian miller says
cute….these fun little crafts make the holidays extra special….
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I agree – there is something about a homemade craft that adds more of a personal touch to the decorations.
rochkirstin says
I miss crafting already. I might have to do snowman in place of Christmas tree for ours. 🙂