Christmas in July: Festive Craft Ideas with Decoupage Rice Paper, Napkins & More

Ready to infuse your summer with a bit of holiday cheer? European Excellency, your go-to for top-quality decoupage supplies and creative ideas, invites you into the enchanting world of Christmas in July! This delightful tradition lets us soak up the festive spirit, no winter chill required. In this blog post, we'll explore a bunch of fun craft ideas that use European Excellency's range of decoupage rice paper, napkins, and other materials. These projects will help you create beautiful Christmas decorations during the warmer months, sparking your creativity and bringing more joy into your home, no matter your crafting skill level.

What is Christmas in July?

Let's quickly get on the same page about this Christmas in July idea before we jump into our crafting fun. This unofficial holiday actually started way back in the 1940s in the United States and has really caught on over the years. It's a super fun way to celebrate the Christmas spiritright in the middle of summer, especially up here in the northern hemisphere where July is usually warm and sunny!

Why Celebrate Christmas in July?

• Beat the summer heat with a cool, festive atmosphere
• Enjoy Christmas activities without the stress of the actual holiday season
• Get a head start on holiday crafting and gift-making
• Create new traditions and memories with family and friends

After preparing the scene for our summer Christmas celebration, let's look at some amazing craft ideas that will bring the holiday spirit into your home this July using European Excellency's unique supplies.

Make Rice Paper Christmas Ornaments by Decoupling

European Excellency's decoupage rice paper is one of the most adaptable materials for crafts for Christmas in July. This delicate translucent paper is ideal for making one-of-a-kind ornaments and comes in a variety of lovely designs.

Materials You'll Need:

• Clear glass or plastic ornaments
• Decoupage rice paper with Christmas designs
• Mod Podge or decoupage glue
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Ribbon for hanging

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut out your favorite designs from the decoupage rice paper. Remember, less is more – you don't need to cover the entire ornament.
2. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the rice paper design using a paintbrush.
3. Carefully place the design on the ornament, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles with your fingers.
4. Once that's dry, put a thin layer of Mod Podge over the whole ornament to seal in your design.
5. Let the ornament dry completely before you add a ribbon for hanging.

These beautiful ornaments, made with European Excellency’s rice paper, can be popped onto a small tabletop tree or hung from a garland to add a festive touch to your summer decor.

Napkin Decoupage Christmas Candle Holders

Another fantastic material for Christmas in July crafts is European Excellency’s paper napkins. With their wide array of designs and ease of use, napkins are perfect for creating charming candle holders that add a warm glow to your summer evenings.

Materials You'll Need:

• Glass candle holders or mason jars
• Christmas-themed paper napkins
• Mod Podge or decoupage glue
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Tea lights or battery-operated candles

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Peel off just the top layer of your napkin – that's the one with the design – from the other layers.
2. Then, cut out the design you want to use, leaving a little bit of a border around it.
3. Now, put a thin layer of Mod Podge on the glass surface right where you plan to put your napkin design.
4. Carefully place the napkin design onto the glued area, smoothing it out gently with your fingers.
5. After the napkin is in position, seal it with another thin coat of Mod Podge.
6. Before using, let the candle holder air dry completely.

These charming candle holders will create a cozy, festive atmosphere for your Christmas in July celebrations. Place them on your dining table or around your living room for a warm, inviting glow.

Christmas in July Wreath Using Mixed Media

A wreath isn't just for Christmas anymore – it's a super versatile decoration that can absolutely brighten up any summer celebration! Thanks to European Excellency’s decoupage supplies, you can easily create a one-of-a-kind wreath that beautifully mixes traditional festive feelings with sunny summer charm.

Materials You'll Need:

• A foam or straw wreath form
• Green artificial garland or some lovely faux greenery
• Christmas ornaments in different sizes (yes, we're giving them a summer twist!)
• Decoupage rice paper or napkins with cheerful Christmas designs
• Small wooden or cardboard shapes (like stars, bells, or anything else fun!)
• Your trusty glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• A pretty ribbon for hanging it up

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. First, wrap your wreath form snugly with the green garland or faux greenery, using your glue gun to secure it.
2. Next, get creative and decorate some of the ornaments using the decoupage technique we covered earlier.
3. Make sure to let them dry completely before moving on.
4. Arrange the ornaments on the wreath, mixing the decoupaged ones with plain ones. Secure them with the glue gun.
5. Cut out designs from the rice paper or napkins and decoupage them onto the wooden or cardboard shapes.
6. Once dry, add these decoupaged shapes to your wreath, filling in any gaps.
7. Finish by adding a ribbon for hanging.

This wreath, made special with European Excellency’s festive supplies, is a perfect welcome for guests to your summer Christmas celebration.

Decoupage Christmas in July Photo Frame

Create a lasting memory of your summer Christmas celebration with a custom photo frame using European Excellency’s decoupage materials. It makes for a wonderful keepsake or gift.

Materials You'll Need:

• Wooden photo frame
• Christmas-themed decoupage rice paper or napkins
• Mod Podge or decoupage glue
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Acrylic paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. First, if you want, paint your wooden frame with some acrylic paint and let it dry all the way.
2. Next, cut out the designs from your rice paper or napkins that you plan to use on the frame.
3. Now, put a thin layer of Mod Podge on one section of the frame. Carefully place your cut-out design onto that glued spot, gently smoothing it out with your fingers. Keep going with this process, covering the frame with all your chosen designs.
4. Once you love how everything looks, brush a final layer of Mod Podge over the whole frame to seal those designs in. Let the frame dry completely before you pop in your favorite Christmas in July photo!

A personalized frame made with European Excellency’s products will definitely be a cherished keepsake for years and years.

Christmas in July Table Runner

Add festive flair to your table with a custom Christmas in July table runner using European Excellency’s decoupage rice paper and napkins.

Materials You'll Need:

• Plain fabric table runner (linen or cotton work well)
• Christmas-themed decoupage rice paper and napkins
• Fabric Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Iron-on transfer paper (optional)
• Iron (if using transfer paper)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. First, decide on the design for your table runner. Maybe you'll want a main focal point in the center with some smaller designs along the edges.
2. For bigger designs, think about using iron-on transfer paper. Just print your chosen design onto the transfer paper and iron it onto your fabric, following the instructions that come with it.
3. For smaller designs, you can use the decoupage technique with rice paper or napkins. Apply a thin layer of fabric Mod Podge where you want to place your design.
4. Carefully place your cut-out design onto the glued area, smoothing it out gently.
5. Once all designs are in place, apply a final layer of fabric Mod Podge over the entire decorated area to seal the designs.
6. Allow the table runner to dry completely before use.

This beautiful table runner will be the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas in July dinner parties and gatherings.

Christmas in July Gift Tags and Cards

Get a head start on holiday prep by creating Christmas gift tags and cards using leftover European Excellency rice paper and napkins. These small projects are perfect for using up leftover scraps from your other crafts.

Materials You'll Need:

• Card stock or thick paper
• Decoupage rice paper and napkins with Christmas designs
• Mod Podge or decoupage glue
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Hole punch (for gift tags)
• String or ribbon (for gift tags)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut your card stock into the desired shapes for your tags or cards.
2. Cut out small designs from your rice paper or napkins.
3. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the area where you want to place your design.
4. Carefully place the design onto the glued area, smoothing it out gently.
5. Once dry, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire tag or card to seal the design.
6. For gift tags, punch a hole at the top and thread with string or ribbon.
7. For cards, you can add additional decorations or write a message inside once the decoupage is completely dry.

Crafting these with European Excellency’s festive designs will give you a creative jump on the holiday season.

Conclusion: Embracing the Christmas Spirit All Year Round

We've discussed the wonderful opportunity that "Christmas in July" presents to have all the enjoyment and creativity of the holiday season, without December's typical stress. As you work on these projects with European Excellency's mixed media supplies, napkins, and decoupage papers, you're not only creating beautiful decorations and presents. You're making memories and potentially creating new traditions as well.

The versatility of the materials of European Excellency creates unlimited creative options. From candle holders and ornaments to wreaths and table runners, these crafts can literally turn your home into a festive "summer winter wonderland."Just remember: the whole idea behind Christmas in July is purely about having a good time and letting your creativity flow! So really, don't hold back. Mess around with different colors, and absolutely feel free to blend those classic Christmas feelings with summery vibes. The most important thing is to simply have fun while you're doing it and just let your imagination truly soar.

So, seriously, why wait for December? Go ahead and grab all your crafting bits from European Excellency, get some pals together, and just start your Christmas in July party right now! Honestly, you might just surprise yourself by being way more chill and organized when the real holiday season finally rolls around.

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." — Calvin Coolidge

Keep in mind that the real Christmas spirit—that feeling of kindness, giving, and pure happiness—is something we absolutely can carry with us every single day, not just in December. So this July, why not totally embrace that festive mood and let your creative side truly glow with European Excellency!