This project was built and designed by Joe Heide from Woodworkers DiyLemma. Using nothing more than leftover wood and basic tools, Joe shares a series of simple, festive builds perfect for bringing a homemade holiday feel to your home.
From wooden snowmen to rustic churches and even decorative block letters, these beginner-friendly projects are approachable, customizable, and budget-friendly. Whether you’ve got a full scrap pile or just a few odds and ends, you’ll find something fun to make.
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Making the Most of Scrap Wood
Joe begins by repurposing scrap materials many woodworkers already have lying around—4x4s, pressure-treated posts, and even barnwood. These pieces, once headed for the burn pile, are turned into meaningful decor with just a few cuts and some creativity.
One of the best aspects of this type of woodworking is that perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, character and texture from the scrap wood add a rustic charm that enhances the holiday feel. Joe encourages viewers to embrace the imperfections and lean into the handmade look.
Sketching Out Simple Designs
Before cutting, Joe sketches out a few design ideas. These include holiday classics like small churches, cheerful snowmen, and wood blocks that spell out seasonal words like “Joy” or “Noel.” These builds are easy to scale depending on the size of the wood you have.
The goal is to start with basic shapes—rectangles, triangles, and blocks—then build on them with details like paint, stenciled letters, or glued-on embellishments. For beginners, starting small with one or two elements is a great way to ease in.
Building a Rustic Church
One highlight of the video is a charming church decoration built from scrap wood cut into simple angled shapes. The roof is formed with two pieces cut at 45 degrees on a miter saw and joined at the peak.
Joe adds touches like a steeple and encourages viewers to hollow out space for a tealight. A battery-powered candle adds warmth and makes the piece shine—literally—on a table or windowsill.
Painting the church white or light gray gives it a snowy, winter look, while distressed finishes can bring out the rustic character of older wood. Custom touches like a cross or star help personalize the final result.
Snowmen with Personality
Another standout project is a series of snowmen made from 4×6 post offcuts. These are stacked and painted to resemble snowman bodies, then decorated with hand-painted faces, scarves, and hats.
Joe’s snowmen take on even more charm with the addition of creative nose materials—like using okra or pickles for a whimsical look. Each one turns out different, and that uniqueness is part of the fun.
These make great gifts or porch decorations, and the simple process makes them perfect for working on with kids or family.
Adding Color and Texture
After assembly, the next step is painting. Joe recommends using muted or weathered colors to keep that rustic, handmade look. A distressed whitewash or dry-brushing technique works well for these types of projects.
For the word blocks, paint is used to create letters in different fonts and styles. If a mistake is made, Joe encourages improvisation—turning it into a design element or layering new paint over old.
Nothing needs to be perfect, and Joe emphasizes that these projects are more about creativity and enjoyment than flawless execution.
A Bonus Scrap Project: The Christmas Tree
As a bonus idea, Joe shares a creative Christmas tree design made from leftover brick mold. By cutting pieces to different lengths and stacking them vertically, he creates a simple, stylized tree that fits on a table or mantle.
This kind of project is a great way to use up the small scraps that don’t work in larger builds. Add some paint, a few wooden ornaments, or lights, and it’s ready to display.
Displaying Your Work
Once your projects are finished, the next step is to find the right spot for them. Joe shows how they can be used as centerpieces, porch decorations, or accents on mantels and bookshelves.
Adding fairy lights, candles, or pine garlands helps set the mood and complements the rustic wood texture. These handmade pieces blend well with other natural holiday decorations and give your space a cozy feel.
Why Homemade Decorations Matter
Joe reminds viewers that handmade decorations carry more meaning than store-bought ones. Each piece reflects time spent in the shop, creative decisions made during the build, and the personal touches that come with DIY.
Making these projects with friends or family is also a great way to spend time together. They’re fun for all ages and give everyone a chance to be part of the holiday setup.
Wrapping Up
Joe’s scrap wood Christmas projects are a fun and low-pressure way to get into the holiday spirit. With simple tools, leftover materials, and a little imagination, you can fill your home with custom decor that’s full of charm.
Whether you’re building a snowman, a rustic church, or a wooden tree, each piece becomes a conversation starter—and a memory in the making.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Joe’s channel: