By Kenan Hill
If you’re in search of holiday decor that’s unique, sustainable, and budget-friendly, look no further than peanuts! Here are three DIY peanut decorations to try this holiday season:
Peanut Reindeer Ornaments
The shape and color of peanuts are perfect for these cute reindeer ornaments.
What you need:
Brown pipe cleaners
Wire ornament hangers
Small red pom-poms
Small googly/wiggle eyes
Peanuts (in shell)
Hot glue
Directions:
- Fold the pipe cleaners into antlers: Make the first fold about an inch from one end, then fold it back on itself about ½ inch in. Repeat, making the second fold just longer than the first (it should look like a lopsided M), then make a third fold the same size as the first. Squeeze the 3 points together and twist together at the base of the folds. Curve the long part of the pipe cleaner around in a U-shape and repeat the folds on the other end. Trim any excess pipe cleaner if necessary.
- Assemble the reindeer: Choose which way you want to orient the peanut “face.” Glue the ornament hanger to the back of the peanut. Once set, glue the antlers on top of ornament hanger (glue on the U-shape part between the antlers). Glue the eyes side-by-side on the top third of the peanut and pom-pom nose near the bottom.
Peanut Snowflakes
Hang these snowflakes on a tree as ornaments, attach them to garland, or string them up in the window for a festive display.
What you need:
Peanuts (in shell)
Parchment paper or metal baking sheet
Hot glue
White and/or silver spray paint
Newspaper or cardboard
Wire ornament hangers or ribbon
Directions:
- Lay out your designs: On a piece of parchment paper or metal baking sheet, place peanuts in your desired shape. Start with a 6-sided star, then add on as desired. Try adding a single-peanut shell to the ends or add two peanuts to each end for triangular points.
- Glue together: Picking up one peanut at a time, add hot glue, then attach to adjacent peanut. Repeat in an orderly fashion until all the peanuts are attached. Allow glue to set.
- Paint: Lay down newsprint or cardboard in a well-ventilated area outside. Place glued snowflakes on paper and spray paint. Allow to dry, then flip and paint other side.
- Finish: Once snowflakes are painted and dried, attach a hanger. You can hot glue on a wire ornament hanger or a loop of ribbon. Alternatively, you can tie a loop of ribbon or clear fishing wire onto each snowflake.
Peanut + Popcorn Garland
Combine peanuts and popcorn for a fun variation of the classic popcorn garland! Making the garland is a great family activity to do while you watch holiday movies.
What you need:
Peanuts (in shell)
Unseasoned, popped popcorn
8-10 lb test fishing line
Large embroidery needle
Directions:
- Measure out garland: Determine how long you want your garland to be, and measure out fishing line accordingly (you may want to break it up into multiple strings).
- Assemble: Tie a knot in one end of the fishing line, then thread the needle onto the opposite end. Start with a piece of popcorn, then alternate popcorn and peanuts. You can alternate 1 to 1 or make your own pattern.
- Finish: Once the string is filled with peanuts and popcorn, remove the needle and tie the loose end. Wrap garland around a tree or drape on a mantle or mirror.