You do not need to spend a lot to make your home look festive. With a few basic craft supplies and items from around the house, you can create decorations that look charming and personal. Each of these projects can usually be done for under $10. 1. Cinnamon and Orange Garland Slice oranges thinly and bake them at a low temperature, around 90 to 100°C (200°F), for two to three hours until dry. Thread them onto twine with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Hang along a mantel, window or shelf for a warm, natural look and scent. 2. Paper Snowflakes Fold white paper into a triangle, fold again, and cut small shapes along the edges. Unfold to reveal a unique snowflake. Hang them with thread in a window or tape them to a wall. 3. Mason Jar Lanterns Place a battery-operated tea light inside a clean jar. Wrap twine or ribbon around the neck, and add a sprig of pine or a small bell. You can also fill the jar with fake snow or small ornaments. 4. Pinecone Decorations Collect pinecones, brush off any dirt, and bake them at low heat for about 30 minutes to remove insects. Paint the tips white, add glitter or tie ribbons on them. Display them in a bowl or hang them as ornaments. 5. Simple Evergreen Wreath Use a wire hanger bent into a circle or a foam wreath base. Attach small clippings of evergreen branches with floral wire, overlapping them to cover the base. Add a ribbon, berries or small ornaments. 6. Felt Ornaments Cut stars, trees or hearts from felt, sew or glue two pieces together, and stuff lightly with cotton or leftover fabric. Add a loop of thread for hanging. 7. Salt Dough Ornaments Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and about 1 cup of water. Roll out the dough, cut shapes with cookie cutters, poke a hole at the top and bake at a low temperature until hard. Paint and decorate once they have cooled. Remember that these are not edible. 8. Book Page Christmas Trees Fold the pages of an old book into cone shapes, glue the edges together and spray lightly with paint if you like. Group several in different sizes on a shelf. 9. Candle Centerpiece Place a few pillar candles on a tray with pinecones, greenery and ribbon. Keep flames away from decorations, and never leave burning candles unattended. Battery candles are a safer choice for homes with children and pets. 10. Handmade Gift Tags Cut cardstock or recycled cards into tag shapes, punch a hole at the top and decorate them with stamps, stickers or drawings. Attach them with twine. Money-saving tips - Shop your own home first. Use jars, ribbons, fabric scraps and old books. - Visit dollar stores and craft stores during sales for items like glue, ribbon and glitter. - Forage safely. Gather pinecones and fallen branches from places where it is permitted. - Involve children. Many of these projects are fun to do together. Safety reminders Keep small items away from young children and pets, use heat tools carefully, and keep decorations clear of candles and heaters. Handmade decorations add personality and a sense of occasion. Pick one or two projects this weekend, and your home will feel ready for the season.