DIY Wood Stockings

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Grab your jigsaw and safety glasses. It’s Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas here on IBC.

From baking to decorating to sawdust making, I’m covering it all this holiday season. Today we are breaking out the power tools to create a unique, yet truly festive addition to your holiday mantel.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

In years past, I’ve seen fellow bloggers and designers use vintage wood sock forms as “stockings” to adorn their fireplaces. I always loved how those looked. So I did some digging and found a few wood sock forms on online. Unfortunately they cost more than I wanted to spend. They also didn’t quite have the look I was after. I was disappointed, but decided to use this bump in the road as a DIY challenge.

I’d never used a jigsaw before, but I figured, why not make my own “vintage” sock forms. And that’s what I did.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Pretty cool and authentic looking, right?

I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out. After a quick trip to Lowe’s to buy my tools and supplies, I had a totally unique and personal way to decorate my fireplace for Christmas.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Because my Holiday Home Tour hasn’t happened yet (It goes live tomorrow.), I’m trying not to reveal my entire mantel / living room decor. However, what I love most about these DIY Wood Stockings is the vintage element they add to the space. They also feel right at home with my wood floors and wood topped coffee table.

In case you’re interested in making your own wood stockings, I thought I’d walk you through the steps I followed.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

First, here’s what you will need:
1″ x 12″ x 4′ pine boards
Jigsaw
Orbital sander
Drill and drill bit
Wood stain (I used Minwax Provincial.)
Finishing wax
Cotton rags
Latex gloves
Twine
Pencil
Safety glasses

Let’s get started.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Using a pencil, draw your sock forms onto the wood. I just freehanded mine. Model your stockings after mine or search for images of vintage sock forms online. My stockings range in length from 15 to 26 inches. (Also, once you have a couple cut out, you can trace them onto another board to create more. That’s what I did. I varied the tracing slightly so they were all a bit different.)

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Next, with your jigsaw, cut out the stockings. (Please follow all of the safety precautions listed in the operation manual of your particular jigsaw.)

Now drill a hole in the top of each stocking about 1 1/2 inches from the top. (You’ll use this hole to hang your finished stocking.)

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Once your forms are cut and drilled, use an orbital sander to remove any pencil lines and smooth the edges. I sanded my edges so they had a softer, rounded look. Remove all dust after sanding.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Now it’s time to stain. Wearing a pair of latex gloves, apply the stain to the wood using a lint-free cotton rag. Wipe off any excess. Allow the stain to dry completely.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

The next step is sealing your project with a finishing wax. Again with gloved hands, use a lint-free cotton rag and work the finishing wax into the wood in a circular motion. Wipe off any excess wax with a rag. Allow the wax to dry completely. Overnight is best.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Finally, run some twine or string through the hole you drilled earlier, and your new “vintage” stocking is ready to hang.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

I used small gold hooks drilled into the bottom of my mantel to hang my wood stockings. However, you can use whatever method works best for you.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

A few more things about the stockings:

I decided to use stain because I was going for a rustic vintage feel. However, if you want a crisp, bold look, you could certainly paint the sock forms.

Also, you don’t need a mantel to hang these. I think one of these wood socks would look great hanging from a coat hook, banister, or even a dresser or bookcase. The options are endless.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

Regardless of how you choose to display your stockings, this is a fun project that’s great for a beginning woodworker / DIYer.

DIY Wood Stockings | inspiredbycharm.com #IBCholiday

I hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did. Please join me back here tomorrow as I show you around my home for my second annual Holiday Home Tour. See you then!

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20 Comments

  1. I made some of these with 1/4″ plywood to imitate stocking stretchers last year and I love them! I do love how yours from pine though. Think I need to make some more. New to your blog, I’m so excited to be here! 😉

  2. Wow, these are awesome!!! I have been looking for vintage ones for years and would never have thought to make my own. I will definitely be making these soon:). Great job on the stockings and your holiday home tour, so colorful and creative! Have a great weekend and take care, Tara