5 easy winter DIY ideas at Nutchel

Winter is a season to slow down and spend quality time with your loved ones. Why not get creative together? Picture yourself in a warm cabin in the woods, enjoying DIY time with your kids or your friends, embracing simple pleasures with a crackling fire, no clocks or deadlines, and no screens.

As the forests of the Ardennes and Alsace settle into their peaceful winter rest and, with a bit of luck, put on their white coat, nature still offers plenty of inspiration.

With just a few natural materials gathered during a walk in the woods, you can create beautiful winter decorations that bring warmth, texture, and seasonal charm into your home or your Cosy Cabin.
From scented pine-cone garlands to painted pebbles, these Winter DIY ideas are fun for all ages and easy to recreate.

Ready to get creative?

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🍊DIY 1: Pine cone & dried orange garland

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a. Why this DIY?

This winter garland is simple, smells wonderful, and instantly adds a rustic Nutchel touch to your cabin. The mix of pine cones and dried oranges creates a charming hygge atmosphere and looks lovely hung above the stove, on a window, or along a wooden beam.

b. What you need

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• Pine cones collected during your walk
• 1–2 oranges
• Natural string
• Scissors
• A needle (optional, but helps with threading)

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c. Instructions

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1. Slice the oranges into thin rounds (about 0.5 cm) and place them on a piece of baking paper on top of your wood stove.
2. Turn them from time to time; the gentle heat will dry them naturally and fill your cabin with a wonderful winter scent.
3. Let them cool completely.
4. Thread the pine cones onto the twine (either by tying around the base or using a needle through the top).
5. Add the dried oranges between the pine cones. Adjust spacing and tie a knot at each end of the garland.
6. Hang and enjoy the lovely natural winter scent!

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🎨 DIY 2: Winter-Themed Painted Pebbles

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a. Why this DIY?

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A calming, mindful activity for kids and adults alike. Think tiny mountains, snowy trees, shooting stars, or little cabins! Pebbles are easy to find around Nutchel and the result makes great souvenirs.

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b. What you need

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• Smooth pebbles collected during your walk
• Acrylic paint or paint pens (to be found at the Cosy Chalet)
• A fine brush or a chalk marker
• A small tray or newspaper to protect the table

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c. Instructions

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1. Clean the pebbles and let them dry.
2. Sketch simple winter motifs: snowflakes, fir trees, a night sky, or a Christmas elf
3. Paint them with acrylics or use a white paint pen for easy details.
4. Let dry and display them on a shelf or use them as place markers for a cosy dinner.

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🐦 DIY 3: Bird Feeder

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a. Why this DIY?

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A lovely activity that gives back to nature. Winter is tough for birds in the woods; making a small feeder helps them find food and gives you something beautiful to watch from your cabin window.

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b. What you need

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• A toilet paper roll
• Unsaltedpeanut butter
• Bird seeds

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c. Instructions

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1. Using aknife, cover outside of toilet paper roll with the unsalted peanut butter.
2. Pour birdsseeds in a plate.
3. Roll the peanut butter covered toilet paper roll in themuntil covered: you now have a bird feeder
   
4. Dress warmly and go hang your bird feeder to a tree branch near your cabin
5. You can now observe birds eating directly from your window!

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⭐ DIY 4: Easy Nature Christmas Ornaments

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a. Why this DIY?

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Simple, beautiful and eco-friendly. These ornaments bring the forest indoors and look lovely on a Christmas tree or as small gifts.

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b. What you need

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• Small pine cones
• Twigs
• Dried leaves or small sprigs of fir
• Twine or natural ribbon
• Optional: a small touch of white paint for a frosty effect

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c. Instructions

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1. Select your natural elements.
2. Tie or glue them together to create simple shapes: stars with twigs, mini pine-cone bundles, tiny wreaths.
3. Add a string loop for hanging.
4. Optional: brush lightly with white paint for a snowy effect.

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❄️ DIY 5: Window Winter Motifs with a Chalk Marker

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a. Why this DIY?

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Fast, magical, and perfect for cabins. Drawing on windows turns them into winter wonderlands: a winter wreath, mountains, snowflakes, stars, or animal tracks.

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b. What you need

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• A white chalk marker
• A cloth to correct or wipe
• Inspiration from the forest around you

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c. Instructions

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1. Clean the window or glass door.
2. Start drawing simple winter shapes: a moon, trees, snowflakes, mountain lines.
3. Build a small winter scene: keep it simple, minimalist and cosy.
4. When you’re done, step back with a cup of tea and admire your artwork framed by the real winter forest.

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Did you enjoy these winter DIY ideas?

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Discover more seasonal DIYs from Nutchel for spring, summer, and autumn! Feeling inspired to slow down, reconnect and get creative in the heart of the forest?

👉 Book your cabin in Alsace (FR) or the Ardennes (BE) and enjoy cosy winter moments crafting by the fire while watching the snow fall.