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.

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 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!

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Gather These Supplies

• Wood plaques – size of your choice – mine were about 8″ x 10″
• Hooks for hanging – 1 per plaque
• Craft paint – white
• Mod Podge Satin
• FolkArt chalkboard paint
• White paint pen
• Pencil
• Painter’s tape
• Ruler and craft knife
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Foam brush
• Drill or screwdriver
• Command strips
• Chalk

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Hang using a Command strip!

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!

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

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

• How to Make a Christmas Bowl
• Mason Jar Christmas Vase
• Farmhouse Style Christmas Sign
• Hand Painted Christmas Block