How to Build a Personalized Stocking Holder for the Holidays

When it comes to preparing for the holidays, one of the most heartwarming aspects is the opportunity to create something meaningful for family and friends.

I designed a creative solution that was both functional and decorative. Here’s how you can build your own stocking holder, step by step, with clear instructions and tips to make the process seamless.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• 3/4-inch plywood
• Wood strips (1x4s, furring strips, or any scrap wood between 2 to 3.5 inches wide, depending on the post design)
• Decorative wooden ball (such as those used on deck posts)
• Decorative metal hooks (or make your own using wood)
• Wood glue
• Masking tape
• Red and white spray paint
• Basic tools (table saw, router, clamps, brad nailer, drill, etc.)

Step 1: Preparing Your Boards

Start by cutting your boards to the correct dimensions. For a five-sided post, I found that a length of 39 inches worked perfectly. Once the boards are cut to length, rip them to width on a table saw.

A width of 2.5 inches is ideal for a five-sided post. If you’re working on a four-sided post, you can cut the boards to 3.5 inches wide or simply use a 4×4 from the store. For a six-sided post, consider narrower boards around 2 inches wide.

Step 2: Cutting the Angles

Setting the correct angle on your table saw is critical for creating a well-fitted post. To calculate the angle, divide 360 degrees by the number of sides, then divide that result by 2. For a five-sided post:

• $360÷5=72°$
• $72÷2=36°$

Set your saw blade to 36° and cut the edges of each board. For a four-sided post, use 45°, and for a six-sided post, use 30°. Ensure you cut enough pieces to create the desired shape.

Step 3: Assembling the Post

With all your pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the post. Lay the boards flat with the narrow sides facing down, and secure them together temporarily with blue masking tape.

Flip the assembly over and apply wood glue to the seams. Roll the boards up into a post shape and secure them. If you’re in a hurry, brad nails can hold the structure in place while the glue dries. Otherwise, use clamps and allow ample drying time.

Step 4: Creating the Center Support

To ensure your post is sturdy, you’ll need a center support piece to attach the base. Here’s how to make it:

1. Spray paint the interior of the assembled post lightly. This will create an outline of the shape you need for the support piece.
2. Cut out the traced shape using a band saw.
3. Glue the support piece inside the post and secure it with brad nails while the glue dries.

To find the exact center of your post (especially for a five-sided design), mark intersecting lines from the top points of the shape. Drill a hole at the center point to attach the base later.

Step 5: Making the Base

For the base, cut a 15×15-inch square from 3/4-inch plywood. Since the base will be painted, it doesn’t need to be fancy. Use a router with a 1/2-inch round-over bit to smooth the edges, either on a router table or by clamping the router securely in place.

Step 6: Attaching the Base

Locate the center of the base by drawing diagonal lines from corner to corner. Drill a pilot hole at the center. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the bottom of the post, align it with the base, and attach it with a 1.5-inch screw. Ensure it’s secure and straight.

Step 7: Creating the Top

The top piece adds a polished look to your stocking holder. Cut a 5×5-inch square from 3/4-inch plywood. Mark the center using the same diagonal line method you used for the base. Drill a hole at the center for attaching the decorative wooden ball.

Use a router with a Roman ogee bit to create a decorative profile around the edges. Glue the top piece onto the post, ensuring it aligns with the base. For extra stability, secure it with brad nails while the glue sets.

Step 8: Adding Hooks for Stockings

To hang the stockings, attach decorative hooks around the post. Measure 2 to 2.5 inches down from the top for consistency. A piece of scrap wood cut to the correct width can act as a guide for marking the placement of hooks.

Drill pilot holes before screwing in the hooks to avoid splitting the wood. A self-centering drill bit can make this process easier and more accurate.

Step 9: Painting and Finishing

Once the construction is complete, it’s time to add some festive flair with paint:

1. Remove the wooden ball and attach it to a scrap piece of wood to make painting easier.
2. Spray paint the ball red.
3. Paint the entire post and base with several coats of white paint, allowing each coat to dry completely.
4. Once the white paint is dry, use masking tape to create candy cane-style stripes. Thicker tape paired with a narrower center strip works well for a crisp design.
5. Mask off the base and any areas you want to keep white, then spray paint the exposed areas red.
6. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the tape to reveal your pattern.

Admiring Your Finished Stocking Holder

Congratulations—you’ve just created a custom stocking holder! This project is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to your holiday décor.

The process allows for creative freedom, so feel free to customize it further with different colors, patterns, or additional decorative elements.

Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.