This Hardware Store Hack Gives You The Easiest Holiday Decor

The holidays are costly enough without adding additional financial stress through expensive festive decor. Finding ways to decorate on a budget isn't as tough as you might think — especially if you're willing to think outside the box. This is just what Instagrammer sibster did with some epic hardware store finds. On a visit to a local shop, they realized that the paint sample shapes were giving tiny house energy. An idea sprung to mind — why not decorate the cards to fit their inspiring outline?

To copy sibster's genius hack, you need only two things — the samples and a paint marker. They went with a white marker, which gave their tiny Christmas village an adorable gingerbread vibe as they sketched on doors, windows, and trim. If you've been seeking decorating tips for Christmas on a budget, this is the craft for you. The nearly free project is great for any DIY skill level and has a low mess factor — perfect for a creative day with the kids or as an adult craft-and-sip evening. Check out how to make some for yourself.

Before getting started, gather your collection of paint samples, a pair of scissors, and a paint marker, like the SFAIH four-pack of white paint pens. You may also want to invest in some sort of adhesive that is safe for glass or walls, depending on where you want to mount the finished holiday village. Now that you've compiled the required materials, it's time to handcraft some simple holiday decor that will elevate your windows inside and out.

If your cards don't have a triangular top, use the scissors to cut them to the right shape for a roof silhouette. Next, it's time to decorate to suit your holiday style. Draw on windows, doors, and trim with the markers. Customize each little house to look different from the next, or make them uniform for a cohesive look. You can add gemstones where Christmas lights would line the roof, or add white glitter to the base for a frosting of snow. 

In the video, it looks like sibster details only one side of the card. If you plan to put them in your window, design both sides so you and your neighbors can enjoy them. There's no wrong way to accent your creations as you save on Christmas ornaments with this festive hardware store hack. Enjoy!