This is such a magical time of the year. Things are starting to slow down as we get ready to say goodbye to the year and welcome in the new one. Up North my friends are, hopefully, all snuggled up under their cozy blankets watching the snow fall. Down here in the South we get to enjoy deliciously long Summer days with a few thunderstorms thrown in to cool us down. It’s also the time of the year when the seasons shift once again and soon our days will become shorter, while up North the Winter Solstice brings new hope.
It’s only in the depths of winter that one learns how to find summer inside your soul
A few weeks ago Sizzix sent us the most gorgeous forest themed thinlits die. We’re one of their International creative team members so we get these lovely freebies every few months to try out. As soon as I saw the die it reminded me of a fairy tale forest. I can almost hear little Red Riding Hood whistling away in the background on her way to her grandma’s house. And it’s totally the inspiration for this one of a kind cardboard luminary.
Isn’t it just perfect to celebrate the Winter Solstice and welcome in a new season?
What You Need to Make Winter Solstice Luminaries
- Sizzix die or if you don’t have one you can also download a pretty silhouette scene and print it onto freezer paper. Just make sure you print it onto the non shiny side 😉
- Adhesive card stock. Normal card stock and spray adhesive will also work (if you’re printing the silhouette don’t worry about the card stock)
- A large sheet of thick, sturdy black cardboard
- Battery operated string lights
- Wax paper or freezer paper
- Bauble (optional)
- Craft knife
- Glue
How to Make the Winter Solstice Luminaries
Just ignore the glitter in the pic above. I had all these plans to sprinkle the luminary with some glittery fairy dust after it was done and then one of our fur babies decided to bump it over instead. Our carpet looks really shiny right now. That will teach me not to leave glitter unattended 😀 Anyhows, If you have a Sizzix Big Shot, die cut the forest frame as you normally would and stick the image onto some freezer paper. If you don’t have one simply print your silhouette onto the freezer paper. Just make sure you have a border around the image.
Now for the cardboard luminary. Use a craft knife to cut a box shape with a window from the thick, sturdy card stock (get the template here). Lightly score along the fold lines so it’s easier to fold.
Glue the forest silhouette over the window portion of the box shape and then fold it and glue the side down. Attach a bauble to the roof portion using fishing gut and some sticky tape.
And then add some string lights on the inside back.
That’s it. The Winter Solstice luminary is all done 😉
Doesn’t it look like it came straight out of a fairy tale?
I love how the lights shine through the wax paper but I was really hoping the bauble would look more “moonish“. Oh well, you win some, you lose some 😉 The little baby and Mommy deer totally make up for it. And that cute bunny and squirrel too. Mmmmmm I wonder where he’s going………. Let me know what you think and whether you’ll be celebrating the turning of the seasons in a few days time. I love hearing from you and your comments always make my day.
And if you like the idea don’t forget to pin it for later
Pinny Please
Oh, before I forget. If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
Until next time, sending love as always
Last update on 2026-08-16 / Source Amazon Affiliates
72 comments
Such an adorable project, it looks so peaceful.
Thanks so much, Anita. It’s one of my favorites from Sizzix
Another masterpiece Michelle!!!! AMAZING!
Thank you my friend from the other side of the world ❤️
Yes, you are right, it looks like it is coming straight from a fairyland, the bulb inside gives the light in the background, which looks awesome. Nobody will believe this pretty project is made by you.
Happy New year to you and your family dear and enjoy the long and sunny days. This side weather was very bad, from last ten days it was -20 degrees C and we have just stayed inside the house.
Brrrrr that sounds so cold. Happy New Year to you too Sadhna ?
Thanks so much Sadhana ?
So beautiful! And even more beautiful than your luminary is the picture you painted with words.
🙂 gwingal
Thank you Nikki. Happy New Year beautiful lady
This is just so beautiful Michelle!! I can see a whole little town of these!! And would be staring at them alllll night!! Just so sweet!
? Thank you Sam
Michelle, what a beautiful luminary! I love the woodland silhouettes. It really does remind one of a fairy tale forest. It looks enchanting all lit up.
Thanks you so much Keri ?
Oh what a beauty! You know I love everything woodland and when there are fairy lights involved it’s a keeper always! I love your little winter solstice light Michelle, and I just love this time of year! Enjoy your summer as I am my winter 🙂
Thank you Katrin. Every time I use fairy lights I always think of you ❤️ Enjoy your Winter my friend
Oh, how beautiful, Michelle. I just love this. I love anything that has lights in it and this warms my spirit! Your crafts are always so beautiful and inspiring!
Thank you SO much Carolann ?
You did a great job wish I was crafty to this extent. It also looks beautiful!
Thank you Taslyn
Wow, you are so crafty. This is such a great idea and it looks so beautiful. Thank you for the how to…I will definitely try this with my kids.
Thanks so much Janise, have fun
Yes, indeed it look pretty~ Sorry that you didn’t manage to get the glitter on! I think vacuum cleaner and some tape to stick the glitter up should do the job!
Ahhh that’s life, but I’ll try your trick with tape and a vacuum cleaner Tiffany. Thanks for that
I love projects like this! This is a beautiful, I’m not sure if I made it if it would turn out as pretty as this. You did a spectacular job, I will have to try this out.
Thank you Ariel, I’m sure yours will look stunning
It looks magical! So pretty … also another great gift idea. Your DIY are always done to perfection.
I too am loving this time of the year. Ready for another fresh start. And you are right about being snuggled in warm blanket for the better half of the day – Haha
LOL Tanvi. Enjoy your snuggle and thanks so much for the lovely comment.
That is so gorgeous. I love the trees with the hearts hanging down, how cute. You are so talented.
Thank you Ellie, I love those little hearts in the trees too ?
Wow!! I really love this handmade luminary. You really did a great job of doing this kind of crafts.
Thanks so much Agnes ?