Upcycled Gingerbread Christmas Decor

Transform thrifted ceramics into charming gingerbread-inspired holiday decor with this easy paint makeover.

Other Things You'll Need

  • White medium tip paint pen
  • Goodwill ceramic Christmas decor 
  • Papier-mâché cone trees
  • Medium flat brush 
  • Cake decorating/piping tips and bags

Instructions

Project 1: Gingerbread Mugs & Vases 

  1. Clean and dry all ceramic pieces thoroughly 
  2. Apply 2-3 coats of Milk Chocolate paint to entire surface using flat brush, letting dry between coats 
  3. Use a white paint pen to add decorative "icing" trim around edges, handles, and bases 
  4. Add dots, swirls, and scalloped patterns with white paint pen to mimic gingerbread details 
  5. Refer to the photo for placement of decorative elements 

Project 2: Gingerbread House Frame 

  1. Paint Martha Stewart wavy frame with 2-3 coats of Milk Chocolate 
  2. Once dry, use white paint pen to draw window panes, door panels, and trim details 
  3. Add scalloped "icing" border around frame edges 
  4. Create decorative dots and lines to resemble gingerbread piping 
  5. Use Red paint with small brush or piping bag to add candy accents 
  6. Refer to the photo for placement 

Project 3: Gingerbread Trees 

  1. Paint papier-mâché cones with 2-3 coats of Milk Chocolate 
  2. Let dry completely 
  3. Fill piping bag fitted with round tip with White Super Thick paint 
  4. Pipe vertical lines down tree from top to bottom, spacing evenly 
  5. Pipe horizontal garland swags connecting the vertical lines 
  6. Use piping bag with Red paint to add small dot "ornaments" 
  7. Add Leafy Green dots for holly accents 
  8. Refer to the photo for placement and pattern spacing 

Project 4: Decorative Gingerbread Houses 

  1. Paint ceramic house figurines with Milk Chocolate (2-3 coats) 
  2. Use white paint pen for roof shingles, window frames, and door outlines 
  3. Add icicle drips along roof edges with white paint pen 
  4. Create snow caps on roofs with White Super Thick paint 
  5. Pipe decorative details on walls and corners using piping bag with white paint 
  6. Add Red candy accents on doors and windows 
  7. Refer to the photo for placement 

Allow all pieces to cure 24 hours before handling