Growing up, every school vacation in our home felt like stepping into a tiny craft workshop. My mother planned these little projects weeks in advance — a quiet ritual she never forced upon us but always carried out with love.
Diwali meant evenings spent painting diyas until our fingers were stained with colour; lantern-making turned the living room floor into a riot of paper, glue and laughter. As winter arrived, we would decorate Christmas socks, paint old glass bottles, stick rhinestones onto anything that held still for long enough, and proudly display every creation like it belonged in a gallery.
Those small holiday crafts taught me how joy can come from simple, handmade things — from the act of creating rather than consuming. And perhaps that’s why, even today, when winter break approaches, my hands instinctively reach for something to make. Something to transform. Something to love.
This year, I turn my curiosity to the gardens. Hence, here are 10 simple, low-cost crafts that may bring the same childhood joy to your green corners without spending much — just a little time, warmth, and imagination.
1. Painted pebble markers
Give your garden a cheerful twist by turning ordinary stones into adorable plant markers. Collect smooth pebbles, wash them, and paint them with plant names, tiny illustrations, or bright patterns.
They not only help identify plants but also make the space feel more personal and full of life. Kids especially love this — it’s messy, colourful, and instantly rewarding.
2. Recycled bottle bird feeders
With just an old plastic bottle, a wooden spoon, and a piece of string, you can create a simple bird feeder that welcomes sparrows, mynas, and sunbirds to your home.
Bird feeders attract a variety of birds and can be a simple DIY project.Photograph: (istock photo)
Cut small openings, slide the spoons through, fill the bottle with seeds, and hang it on a branch. It’s a beautiful reminder of how little it takes to care for the beings that share our environment.
3. Tin can planters
Instead of tossing oil tin cans, reuse them as rustic planters. Punch holes for drainage, paint them in soft pastels or bold patterns, and line them on a balcony shelf.
These planters are sturdy, weather-friendly, and add a lovely upcycled charm to your garden. You can even involve children in painting each can differently.
4. Leaf-printed garden flags
Collect leaves of different shapes, dip them in fabric paint, and press them onto scraps of cloth to create nature-inspired garden flags. String these up along a balcony railing or outdoor walkway. They flutter beautifully in winter winds, adding colour and movement to your space.
5. Upcycled watering can art
If your old watering can has rusted or sprung a leak, don’t throw it away. Turn it into a statement piece by painting it, wrapping it in fabric, or decorating it with pressed flowers. Use it as a vase, a planter, or simply as a charming decor element that celebrates the spirit of reuse.
6. Jute bag grow pots
Those small jute gift bags we often receive during festivals or weddings make great grow bags. Fill them with soil and plant chilli, tulsi, or marigold saplings. Jute is breathable, biodegradable, and perfect for Indian climates. Tie the handles onto a balcony grill for a cute vertical garden.
7. Masala box seed organiser
For seasoned gardeners, turn an old Indian masala dabbainto a beautiful seed-storage kit. Use each compartment to store different seasonal seeds — coriander, dill, methi, marigold, spinach, etc. Label them with tiny chalk stickers or painted symbols. It’s functional, nostalgic, and looks lovely on a gardener’s shelf.
8. Terracotta diya planters
Terracotta diyas are inexpensive and found everywhere in India — especially in winter after the Diwali season.
Reusing the Diwali diyas not only reduces waste but also adds a personal, creative touch to your home. Photograph: (News18)
Turn leftover diyas into tiny planters for succulents, money plants or mini herbs. Paint them with traditional motifs, warli, or simple rangoli-style designs for a gorgeous Indian touch. Cluster them on a tray for a warm, festive garden corner.
9. Coconut shell planters & candle holders
In many Indian homes, coconuts are used for pujas or weekly rituals. Instead of discarding the shells, clean and sand them to create rustic planters or candle holders. They are naturally hardy, weatherproof, and give your garden an earthy coastal feel.
10. Bamboo & cane hanging holders
Bamboo is widely used across India and is incredibly sustainable. You can make simple hanging holders using a piece of bamboo (cut horizontally), rope, and a hook. Plant ferns or trailing money plants inside. These holders look right at home in Indian verandahs and balconies.
Feature Image from Pinterest.
