Ideas for Handmade Country Crafts

Neutrals, browns and greens are essential "country" colors.

Country-style items often have plenty of earth tones and natural fibers to create an authentic rustic feel. Country crafts -- whether home decor items, gifts or outdoor pieces -- give any space a warm and inviting feel. When deciding which country crafts to make, keep in mind that the foundation of the country theme is cozy, natural and rustic.

Home Decor

Handmade country crafts add a comforting, country-style theme to any home. Simple home decor items such as lanterns, rugs, and wreaths are inexpensive and easy to make. An old kerosene lamp may be updated with spray paint and ribbon to add a rustic touch to a side table. Trim old rugs and add borders to create an old-country style floor mat. Cozy, seasonal wreaths with a floral foam wreath, spray painted pine cones, and plaid, velvet ribbon add a county feel to doors within the home. Other country craft ideas include handmade dish towels with French country designs, a large barn star painted with rust-colored paint for an antique feel, or wooden potpourri boxes.

Organizational Items

Handmade organizational items with a country theme reduce clutter while creating a cozy, homey feel. Clothespins are inexpensive yet versatile, and may be used to hang anything from important documents and mail to cooking utensils. Simply trace the flat end of a clothespin onto country-patterned card stock. Cut the strips and adhere them to the flat end of the clothespin with tacky glue. After the sheets have dried, attach a magnet strip to the opposite side of the clothespin with a hot glue gun. Old wooden shutters are nifty for holding keys, photos and other items that don't typically have a "set" place in the home. Simply mount the shutters to the wall with screws and slide items in between each thin wooden plank for a quick, country-themed organizer.

Outdoor Living Space

If you're looking to liven up your front yard, add country curb appeal with handmade wooden signs or animal statues. Use sandpaper to smooth rough edges, or leave them intact for authentic country style. For those experienced in gardening or flower arranging, a wicker basket overflowing with flowers provides an antique, rustic feel to your outdoor living space. Take it up a notch by hanging the basket with twine and outdoor hanging clamps and hooks.

Country Gifts

Create homemade candles with old candle wax and essential oils. Scents such as cedarwood, pumpkin spice, vanilla, or cinnamon are appropriate for country decor. After securing your candle wick with a glue dot, pour the wax into mason jars and allow to cool. Finish the gift off with a plaid ribbon. When designing country gifts using fabric ribbon, keep in mind that the fabric should be natural. Satin doesn't provide the authentic country feel many seek; cotton and calico are more appropriate. Quilts, fruit baskets, handmade pottery, and handmade ornaments are also rustic, country-inspired gifts that friends and family may enjoy.

References

• Decorating-Country-Home: Country Bedroom Decorating
• Decorating-Country-Home: Living Room Decorating Ideas
• My-Country-Home: Complete Your Decor Process with Country Decorations
• My-Country-Home: Use Outdoor Decor for Important Curb Appeal
• Country Style Home: Country Decorating Tips & Ideas - Country Style Home Decor
• Country Living: Small-Space Decorating Ideas