As the holiday season approaches, creating unique and personal décor is a wonderful way to enhance the festive spirit in your home. Today, we’re diving into a fun and creative project: making a Christmas Stocking Holder using old drawer knobs.
Inspired by a photo I saw in The Country Sampler magazine, this project immediately felt like the perfect addition to our holiday décor. With just a few materials and some DIY enthusiasm, we can craft a stocking holder that’s both practical and visually charming.
This project is simple, cost-effective, and allows us to infuse our own personal touch. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
The first step in any project is gathering the right materials. For our stocking holder, we’ll need:
- Drawer knobs: We chose four—one for each family member. One was left over from a previous project, while the others came from our favorite store, Vintage Hardware in Astoria. Feel free to mix and match different styles and finishes for a unique look.
- Wood board: A scrap piece of 4″x2″x1/2″ tongue-and-groove wood worked perfectly for this project. Imperfections in the wood add character, so don’t worry if it’s a little banged up.
- Wood strips for framing (optional): These enhance the aesthetic appeal but aren’t strictly necessary.
- Paint: Choose a color that complements your holiday décor.
- Wood glue and brad nails: For assembling the frame.
- Sandpaper: To smooth the edges and create a rustic finish.
- Screws and a drill: To attach the knobs securely.
Step 2: Prepare the Board
Start by cutting your wood board to the desired length. The size will depend on how many knobs you plan to use and the spacing between them. For our project, a piece of scrap wood worked wonderfully. Its slightly chipped and worn look added the rustic charm we were going for—remember, we’re aiming for an antique vibe, not a modern IKEA aesthetic.
Step 3: Frame the Board (Optional)
If you want to add more detail, consider framing the edges of the board. This step is purely for decoration, but it gives the piece a polished, handcrafted look.
- Cut the strips: Measure and cut wood strips to frame the top, sides, and bottom of the board. Miter the corners at 45 degrees for a clean finish.
- Attach the frame: Use wood glue to adhere the strips to the board. Secure them further with brad nails.
- Skip the bottom strip if needed: In our case, the bottom edge of the board had a split, which we embraced for its added character. You can leave this edge as is if it suits your design.
For a finishing touch, you can route the edges of the frame. This detail gives the piece an elegant look without adding much effort.
Step 4: Select and Arrange the Knobs
The knobs are the centerpiece of this project. Select ones that reflect your style—whether vintage, modern, or eclectic. We mixed and matched ours for a playful, whimsical touch.
- Plan the layout: Measure equal distances between the knobs and mark their positions with a pencil.
- Pre-drill holes: Using a drill, create small pilot holes at each mark. This step is crucial for ensuring the knobs are easy to attach later, even after painting.
Step 5: Paint the Board
Painting the board brings the project to life. Choose a color that complements your home’s holiday décor. Classic white, deep red, or forest green are festive choices, but feel free to get creative!
- Paint the board and frame: Apply a coat of paint evenly across the surface. Depending on your chosen color, you may need multiple coats.
- Let it dry completely: Patience is key here. Allow the paint to dry fully before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Sand and Distress (Optional)
For a vintage or rustic finish, lightly sand the painted surface once it’s dry. Focus on edges and corners to give the piece a weathered look. This step is optional but adds a lot of character, especially if you’re aiming for an antique style.
Step 7: Attach the Knobs
With the paint dry and the board ready, it’s time to attach the knobs.
- Align the knobs with the pre-drilled holes: Secure each one in place with screws. Make sure they’re tightened properly to handle the weight of the stockings.
- Test their strength: Gently tug on each knob to ensure they’re firmly attached.
Step 8: Display Your Stocking Holder
Your Christmas Stocking Holder is now complete! It’s ready to hang proudly on your mantle or wall. Add stockings, step back, and admire your handiwork.
Final Thoughts
This stocking holder project is easy to customize, quick to complete, and a delightful addition to your holiday traditions. Whether you’re crafting one for your family or as a thoughtful gift, it’s a project that embodies the spirit of the season: creativity, warmth, and togetherness.
Now it’s your turn. Gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make something magical this holiday season.
Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
