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Make a DIY Stocking Holder for Christmas

If you don’t have a fireplace, it’s okay! You can still have a DIY stocking holder for Christmas . . . just make it with Mod Podge. It even has a chalkboard square for writing names!

Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have experience with Mod Podge and chalkboard paint to do this project – but it’s not required. You’ll also need to be able to use a drill.

DIY Christmas Stocking Holders to Make

Have your ever stopped to think about what to do with your stockings if you don’t have a fireplace mantel? Because not everyone has one! Lots of apartments and single family homes don’t come with a fireplace. And that might mean that they don’t have a mantel!

I have the project for all you DIY-ers: a Christmas stocking holder. It goes along quite well with our Santa Magic Key, which is perfect if you don’t have a chimney. How else will Santa get inside? Where will he leave all of his goodies?

This wood Christmas craft has you covered.

DIY Christmas stocking holders

DIY Stocking Hanger

Not only do these hangers solve the problem of where Santa puts his small goodies when he comes down the chimney (or uses his key), but they also act as Christmas wall decor. They are perfect for a farmhouse or rustic look, but you can dress them up for any holiday theme.

These stocking holders can be completed in five simple steps. You’re going to paint the plaque, cut the paper and Mod Podge it down, add the chalkboard square, accent with a bow, and then add the hook.

Once you do that, these will be able to be displayed anywhere you like in your Christmas home! You can attach sawtooth hangers to the back and add these holders to picture hooks. OR you can add to Command Strips – just make sure the weight is correct to support the gifts you will put in.

Learn how to make these DIY Christmas stocking holders below!


Gather These Supplies

Notes about this project:

  • Any size plaque will work, or you can use raw wood slices. You don’t have to use a rectangle. Pick a shape and make it fun, depending on your style.
  • Erasable chalk pens don’t work on chalkboard paint, at least in my experience. You need to use real chalk. I have ruined chalk paint before with a chalk pen!
  • You might need new screws for your hooks. The screws that came with my hooks were too long (probably made to go into the wall), so I had to get some that were shorter.

Before beginning, cut your scrapbook paper to fit the top of the plaque. If necessary, you can make a template (rubbing) with a piece of tissue paper and a pencil. This is helpful if you use an ornate plaque. I just cut mine with a craft knife and ruler since it was rectangular.

Paint the Plaque

Use the acrylic craft paint to edge the side of your plaque, and the back too if you like. Let the paint go up over onto the top in case there are any gaps in the paper. Let dry and give a second coat; then let dry completely.

Paint the edges of the plaque with white craft paint

Mod Podge the Paper Down

For this project I used Satin, but you can use any Mod Podge formula you like. Gloss or Matte work too, as well as Sparkle if you’re looking to “zhuzh” things up a bit.

Hand holding a bottle of Mod Podge Satin in front of a wood plaque

Put a medium layer of Mod Podge on top of the plaque. Work quickly, as Mod Podge starts to dry right away. If you see a dry area before you apply the paper, put more Mod Podge down. It’s better to use too much than not enough.

Coating the top of a wood plaque with Mod Podge Satin

Take the scrapbook paper you cut and smooth it down onto the Mod Podged surface.

Placing scrapbook paper down onto the plaque in the Mod Podge

Smooth with your fingers, and then use a brayer if you have one. I love my decoupage tools! If any Mod Podge comes out the side, just wipe it away with your paintbrush (it’s fine). Let dry for 15 – 20 minutes.

Smoothing down paper onto a wood plaque using hands and a brayer

Paint a layer of Mod Podge over the top and let dry (include the sides). Repeat and let dry completely, overnight if you can. You want it to be as dry as possible before adding the chalkboard paint.

Painting a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paper on teh wood plaque

Add the Chalkboard Paint

Begin by using painter’s tape to tape off the area that you would like to be able to write on. I just eyeballed it, to be honest.

To make sure you get a clean line with the paint, you can see how I use Mod Podge to seal the tape.

Stocking holder with an area taped off with painter's tape and a hand holding a bottle of black chalkboard paint

Paint the chalkboard paint onto the Mod Podged scrapbook paper. The reason I switched to a foam brush? I find the chalkboard paint applies more evenly and without lines. It’s just a preference; not required.

Let the paint dry and see if you need two coats. The coats must dry completely before applying another. Once the paint is completely dry, peel away the tape.

If you’re having a problem pulling away the tape (because it wants to bring up the paint), use a craft knife to score.

Painting chalkboard paint and removing painter's tape on the stocking hanger

Add Paint Pen Accents

My DIY stocking holders were looking a little plain once the chalkboard paint was applied. And while I didn’t want to overcomplicate them, I did want to add a little something extra. I decided to use a paint pen to draw a bow.

Start by making your bow (or other design) with a pencil. Then go over it once with the paint pen.

Hand holding a white paint pen and then using it to trace a bow

Let the paint pen bow dry, and then go over the bow over to brighten it and fill it in.

Drawing the rest of the bow using a paint pen

Attach the Hook

Once your stocking hanger is dry – you’re going to attach the hook. That’s how you’re going to hang the stocking! Do this with a screwdriver or drill.

Screwing the hook into the Christmas stocking hanger using a screwdriver

Your Christmas stocking hanger is complete, and now you can make another one.

Before you write on the chalkboard paint, you’re going to have to prepare it according to the instructions on the bottle. Typically you prep the paint by rubbing chalk on it and then wiping it off. Then you can write a name on it.

Finished DIY Christmas stocking holder

Hang using a Command strip!

DIY stocking holder

This is such a great idea if you don’t have a fireplace to hang your Christmas stockings.

But it doesn’t just need to be for Christmas! You can also use this project for your pets leashes, with a photocopy of a pet picture decoupaged to the plaque.

Or, use images of people you love, this way you can use the holders in rooms to hold, keys, blanket, robe, etc . . . use your imagination!

DIY stocking hanger

Give this Christmas craft a try and let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how yours turned out.

Yield: 2 holders

DIY Stocking Holder

DIY Christmas stocking holders

Learn how to make a DIY stocking holder, perfect if you don't have a mantel! Let Santa fill your stockings and have some unique decor at the same time.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $12

Materials

  • Wood plaques - 2
  • Hooks for hanging - 1 per plaque
  • Craft paint - white
  • Mod Podge Satin
  • FolkArt chalkboard paint
  • White paint pen
  • Painter's tape
  • Chalk

Tools

  • Pencil
  • Ruler and craft knife
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
  • Foam brush
  • Drill or screwdriver
  • Command strips

Instructions

  1. Cut your paper to fit the plaque, using a craft knife and ruler.
  2. Paint the edges of the plaque with craft paint. Give two layers and let dry.
  3. Place a medium layer of Mod Podge onto the plaque; place the paper on top and smooth down. Let dry 15 - 20 minutes.
  4. Place a layer of Mod Podge over the top. Let dry and add a second coat, letting dry completely (preferably overnight).
  5. Section off the area you would like to be chalkboard with painter's tape.
  6. Paint the chalkboard paint in the area you have sectioned off with a foam brush. Let dry.
  7. Remove the painter's tape. Add a bow to the top of the chalkboard rectangle with a paint pen. Let dry.
  8. Add the hook to the bottom of the plaque with a screwdriver or drill.
  9. Attach to the wall with a Command Strip or sawtooth hanger and hook.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


If you love this project, check these other Christmas decorating ideas from the blog:

rosebudinnh

Tuesday 20th of November 2012

this is awsome , I love Mod podge!!!

rosebudinnh

Tuesday 20th of November 2012

This is a great idea and so darn cute.. I love Mod Podge!!!!

Mel

Tuesday 20th of November 2012

Oh that is gorgeous. hmmm might be time to hit the thrift stores

Sheila

Tuesday 20th of November 2012

Adorable!

Morena

Tuesday 20th of November 2012

I loooove this idea!

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