Looking for an easy, fun, and oh-so charming DIY project to deck your halls year after year? Upcycle swapped jewelry pieces and Goodwill-found frames to create holiday art that will make you shout, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” and “Fa-la-la!”

Here’s how to turn thrifty finds into festive one-of-a-kind masterpieces:

1. Find Your Good & Frame Your Creativity at Goodwill

Everyone on your holiday list should be on your Goodwill list, too! Every Goodwill nonprofit retail store is a sleigh full of ever-changing treasures that make meaningful, affordable gifts for even the pickiest elves in your life.

For this project, keep your eyes open for frames. The ones featured here were an instant “must-have, must-take-home” thanks to their shimmering gold finish and sleek, timeless style. Bonus: they came as a set of six! Goodwill stores always have a plentiful mix of frames—vintage, modern, whimsical, traditional—so you’re sure to find the perfect ones. Smaller to medium sizes work especially well for this heartwarming holiday project.

2. Collect Costume Jewelry at Goodwill’s Art Supply Swap

Did you know that Goodwill of Greater Washington, Finding Your Good, and Tim Kime Art host several Art Supply Swap events each year? Follow Finding Your Good on social media so you don’t miss the next one!

At a recent swap at the Brookland Arts Walk in NE DC, a generous soul donated several bags of jewelry—nothing priceless, but definitely pretty and full of potential. These upcycled gems become the shining stars (literally!) of this holiday artwork.

3. Begin with Your Base: Background with a Story

Keeping with the reuse-and-rethink theme, a burlap shopping bag was cut into pieces to create a wonderfully textured backdrop. You could also use fabric from clothing found at Goodwill or even pages torn from a thrifted book.

Measure, cut, then secure your background to the frame’s backing with a glue stick. Add the mat and use hot glue to hold everything in place. (And if young elves are helping, keep an eye on that hot glue!)

4. Create a Holiday Motif: Let Your Imagination Shine!

Now the fun truly begins. Sort through your bracelets, brooches, necklaces, pendants, pins, and playful pieces. Look for shapes, textures, and colors that could become a holiday icon. Then use hot glue to secure each piece into place.

Here are some festive design ideas to spark your creativity:

  • Christmas Tree:
    A white beaded necklace was cut and arranged into a stylized pine tree. An earring made the perfect star topper. Rhinestone bracelet pieces added sparkle, and white beads became ornaments. Tree-mendous!
  • Angel:
    A fringed pendant formed the head and body. Wings were crafted from trimmed brooch parts. A leather band became a halo, and ribbon pieces formed arms holding a tiny key—because angels always unlock magic.
  • Snowman:
    A round beaded necklace created the outline of a charming snow-body. A folded red ribbon made a cozy scarf. Leather scraps became a top hat, and dark string turned into twig-like arms. Frosty and fabulous!
  • Snowflake:
    A light blue beaded bracelet was cut into three equal segments and layers were crisscrossed. Smaller beads, bracelet bits, and blue ribbon added icy detail. A white button secured the center. Snow-cute!
  • Wreath:
    A vintage metal wreath ornament took center stage. Red beads snipped from a necklace became holly berries, and a small red ribbon bow sealed the deal. Classic and cheery.
  • Eiffel Tower in Winter:
    Shiny beads shaped the iconic tower, while gold pieces and small chains filled the spaces. Ribbon strips became the French flag. A snowy landscape formed from white bead strands. Tiny pine trees made from green ribbon added festive flair. Très chic!

Design Possibilities: Endless & Enchanting

What are other design ideas made from your jewelry pieces? Candy canes, glowing candles, ornaments, gingerbread folks—the only limit is your imagination and your Goodwill treasure hunt. Create one, make a series, or design a whole holiday gallery wall.

Display them on your mantel, line them up on a shelf, or even hang them in your bathroom for surprise holiday cheer. These upcycled gems will become joyful additions to your home and are sure to make Santa—and Mother Earth—proud.

Reuse, repurpose, rejoice… and may your holidays be filled with creativity and Goodwill!

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Tim Kime

Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach

Tim Kime is an artist, life coach, and connector. He is the President of Kime Leadership Associates, offering executive coaching, meeting facilitating, and motivational speaking. He is also the Chief Creative Force of Transformation Junkies which upcycles furniture and other household items into functional works of art. He combined his two passions—unleashing the potential in people and transforming items with the launch of the Art of Possibilities Workshops. These workshops are part upcycling, part dreaming, and part goal setting.