Create A Cozy Winter Wonderland In A Vase With This Easy Dollar Tree Decor DIY

Those of us who live with snow might dread the first flakes of the year, but if the white stuff doesn't make a cameo in your area, a magical indoor snowscape can be a pleasant substitute — no mittens or shovels required! A tall glass vase takes on the look of a waterless snow globe when decorated with fake snow, dangling ornaments, and a bit of festive greenery. Luckily, you can make this holiday decor on a Dollar Tree budget without much skill or a lot of time, either.

A tall, cylindrical glass vase holds a generous base of artificial snow, and well-disguised clear tape strung across the vase's opening holds a collection of ornaments hanging from string. The tape grid work goes into hiding under a cluster of imitation pine cuttings. The whole assemblage catches the light and the eye when set somewhere all can enjoy. Even better, a remote-operated LED tea light adds another enchanting layer. If you'd like to illuminate your piece, you'll need lighting that's remote-operated since reaching inside the vase will be problematic once you've completed the project.

Hit up your local Dollar Tree for a large gold metal and glass lantern, a set of ball ornaments in a color you've craving, a package of Christmas House iridescent faux snow, and a bundle of mixed pine Christmas flowers for the perfect amount of greenery. If the faux snow is a no-go because of scarcity or if you don't want iridescent snow, DT stocks cotton balls or plush white microfiber mop pads, both of which can mimic the look of fluffy fake snow. Also grab some clear tape if you're fresh out at home.

To make your winter wonderland, remove the vase from the lantern's frame; you can replace it in the frame after assembling the project or set the frame aside for another use. Fill the vase about 2 inches deep with fake snow. If you're using either of the substitutes, fluff the cotton balls or trace and cut a circle from the microfiber mop head to set inside the vase. Also if you're using one, center your remote control tea light on the snowy base.

Prepare four or five ornaments to hang inside the vase. Dollar Tree occasionally carries options like baker's twine in Christmas colors and thin holiday-themed ribbons. Although Dollar Tree doesn't stock this, clear fishing line will give the ornaments a floating look. Cut each length of string at varying lengths so that the ornaments will hang at different levels. Place a strip of tape across the mouth of the vase, lay the strings of two ornaments over it, and add an extra tape strip on top to hold the strings in place. Repeat this process with the remaining ornaments.

To make a piney topping for the piece, use wire cutters to remove most of the stem from the Christmas flower bundle, leaving just enough to hold the individual sprigs together. Bend each sprig outward, and arrange the foliage so that the base doesn't show. If you can't hide the stems and center, cut a sprig from the bunch, remove the stem, and glue it over the unwanted visible bits. Set it atop the vase, switch on the tea light if you used one, and you've got an elegant holiday centerpiece or beautiful wintery feature for your mantel or coffee table.