As temperatures rise and summer flowers bloom around us, we only need to stop at a big box craft store to see Christmas isn’t far away! In this exclusive blog for The Turquoise Iris Journal, we are focusing on Christmas in July. We’ve compiled insights from four curators who share their unique perspectives on celebrating this fun reprieve from summer. From décor inspirations, memorable activities, and business tips, discover how you can infuse the magic of Christmas into your July festivities with creativity and flair.
Christmas in July Crafts from Karen Berg
As artists who love to create homemade gifts, we know it’s never too early to start talking about creating Christmas decor! This quick and easy DIY will help you get a head start on the holidays so you’ll have plenty of gifts to go around once Christmas arrives.
You only need a small wooden box, DIY Paint or other brand of paint, and an IOD Paint Inlay. Wood boxes and containers are always easily found in thrift stores, but if you would like to grab a new one from your local craft store or online at Amazon, here is a link to grab one at a very low cost. These boxes can be customized to fit various decor styles, such as dopamine decor, vintage eclectic, whimsical, or neoclassical interior, making them a perfect addition to any home.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Gather Your Supplies: Get a plain wood box, DIY paint, an IOD inlay, glass ball ornaments, fake roses, green topiary balls, and brown packing paper.
- Prepare the Box: Paint your wood box in a solid color of your choice, like a bold Marquee Red. Let it dry completely before applying a second thin coat.
- Apply the Inlay: While the second coat is wet, spray the back of the inlay with water, and carefully place it paint-side down on the box. Lightly mist the top of the inlay with water and allow everything to dry.
- Reveal the Design: Once dry, re-mist the inlay and gently peel it off to reveal the embedded design.
- Fill the Box: Use recycled packing paper to fill the box, then add your decorative items.
By following these steps, you can create unique holiday decorations that can be easily updated for year-round use. Whether you want to add a splash of color, bring a whimsical touch to your home, or give handmade gifts, these easy-to-make boxes are the perfect project to start now. For more detailed instructions and additional decor ideas, be sure to check out the full post!
Curator Karen Berg is the junk-loving genius behind Redoux Interiors. Visit her website to read the full blog post and learn more about Redoux-ing your decor.
DIY Christmas Ornaments from Renee Smith
Wooden block ornaments bring a touch of nostalgic charm to Christmas in July! These delightful decorations evoke memories of simpler times when handmade gifts and decorations were the heart of holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hanging them on a tree or using them as festive accents around your home, wooden block ornaments add a warm, nostalgic feel that’s perfect for creating a cozy summer-Christmas atmosphere. They also make thoughtful gifts, allowing you to share a piece of holiday magic with friends and family, no matter the season.
How to Make Wooden Block Ornaments
Want to get crafty? We offer DIY wooden block ornament kits that are perfect for a fun July afternoon project. These kits make great gifts too, offering a creative and personal touch that recipients will cherish. Love hands-on experience with a community of friends? Sign up for one of the ornament-making workshops that will be happening now through Christmas! Personalize your ornaments with family photos at one of our workshops!
Or, if you prefer, choose from our selection of ready-to-hang ornaments. These charming wooden pieces will have you humming carols and dreaming of snowy days, even in the heat of summer. Whether for yourself or as a unique gift, these timeless wooden treasures bring holiday cheer to July and beyond!
Curator Renee Smith is the artist behind Rainy Day Vintage. Visit her In Between studio for an ornament-making workshop with your loved ones for a special Christmas in July that you’ll remember forever.
Vintage Inspired Christmas Gift Ideas from Patty Levine
When it’s 93 degrees outside no one is thinking about holiday shopping but July is a great time to start planning for the holidays and gift giving. As an antique and vintage collector and shop owner, I’m on the hunt all year long for unique and appealing gift items for the shop and for my family and friends. I thought it might be helpful if I shared some great antique and vintage, Christmas and non-holiday, gift ideas.
Vintage Collections
Most people have something that they love to collect, keep an eye out so you can help add to their treasures. Or help them start their collection by curating a basket of matching items related to their interests and hobbies!
Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Hand-blown glass ornaments and mid-century modern designs are highly collectible right now! I think it’s easier to find them for a more reasonable price in the summer when they are less desirable. Also popular are these Made in Japan Santa mugs that are fun and whimsical additions to holiday decor.
Antique Candle Holders
Brass, silver, and ceramic candleholders from all different eras are always a big seller in my shop. They look great on a mantel, in a vignette, or in bunches on a holiday table with greenery and other sparkly items. Word on the street is that candelabras are a hot trend so keep an eye out for one for that friend that loves to make a statement.
Vintage Clocks
Mantel clocks, pocket watches, wall clocks, cuckoo clocks, and kitschy alarm clocks are delightfully unique gifts that can be personalized to match just about anyone.
Upcycled Gifts
Hello all my creative and crafty people! Do you love to take vintage jewelry and make art with it? Pick up a cool architectural piece or antique photo frame and give it a new life. There are endless options for upcycling vintage and antique items into something updated, on-trend and on-trend. Let your imagination run wild!
Jewelry Boxes
Ornate wooden or metal boxes with velvet lining make great gifts. The one in the photo below has been painted and an IOD paint inlay added giving it a beautiful, fresh look.
Antique Mirrors
Mirrors with that gorgeous Anthropologie-style vibe are always popular! You can find similar mirrors at estate sales for a fraction of the price, and they make a lasting impression as a gift.
Antique Vases and Pottery
Ironstone is soooo popular right now and there are endless other options out there. Collections of vases, pitchers, urns, and tureens make fabulous vessels for flowers and plants and are wonderful presents for anyone.
Antique and vintage items combine the charm of yesteryear with the spirit of giving and the holidays, making them thoughtful and unique gifts that add character to a home and serve as great conversation starters and treasured pieces of history!
Curator Patty Levine is the owner of Ooh! I Love That, a stunning shop in New Jersey. Visit her website today to see her collection of curated vintage items that make perfect gifts all year round.
Christmas In July For Vendors from Danielle Kaminski
Business has slowed down for the summer and you’ve relaxed into the season by spending more downtime with your family & taking a well-deserved vacation. Maybe you forgot to visit your vendor spot at all in the month of June! That’s ok, but it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.
If that last sentence gave you hives, no fear. I’m not saying that you must start painting ornaments or decorating trees tomorrow, but if you want to maximize your Fourth Quarter Sales and Growth, now is the time to plan and prepare!
Retail Trade Shows take place in January and July for a reason! In January Retailers are pumped and all of the things that they wished they’d thought of this past year are fresh on their minds, so it’s a great time for placing future orders and getting an idea of what you don’t want to miss out on for the next year. July is when you revisit your plans and make any adjustments necessary.
So it’s time to plan out your display themes, plan your finances for inventory purchases, and get your product priced and ready to roll out by the beginning of November.
Prepare for a Profitable Holiday Season in Your Vendor Booth – Christmas in July
Your eyes are glazing over and you’re starting to panic. Stay with me. You don’t have to check out of your vacation immediately, but there are some important things you need to start on this month to ensure that you have the best possible Christmas Season in your booth space.
I put together a 4 Episode Podcast Series as a special FREE Christmas in July gift to you! Start planning your successful Fourth Quarter and get started on the housekeeping and production items now that will help ensure you meet your sales goals this holiday season!
Curator Danielle Kaminski is an artist, business owner, and podcast host. Visit her website to learn more and be sure to follow The Booth Business Podcast on Spotify to keep up with Danielle’s tips.
