Several years ago, I stumbled across this small decorative sled at a thrift store. Though it was slightly bigger than your typical wreath, I still planned to use it as one. It languished in our garage for a while and even survived the pre-move purge. But, I’ve FINALLY transformed it into Christmas sled decor for our front door.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It took me a while to develop a vision for it. After bringing it inside to clean up, I also realized it was more tomato-red than cherry-red.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Obviously not a problem, but still a surprise.
Anyway, my vision involved pairing it with little ice skates. But where, oh where, would I find baby ice skates that would work well with it?
The answer would start with vintage baby shoes.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Still with me? Ok, let’s get to it!
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From Vintage Baby Shoes to Baby Ice Skates
All I needed to do to the baby shoes was add some sort of “blade”. Not metal, of course, but something like heavy duty cardboard or rigid-but-cuttable plastic.
First, though, I needed to sketch out the blade shape. I used some real ice skates as a template and a paper bag from our recycling bin to do so.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
After cutting out the paper blade pattern, I scrounged around for the right blade material. And I settled on a plastic DVD case from our donation pile!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I cut the DVD case in half with my heavy duty craft shears, and traced the blade pattern on the plastic.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Then, I simply cut out the blades for my baby ice skates!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
They needed to be silver, of course, so I headed outside to spray paint them.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Assembling the Christmas Sled Decor
Once the blades for the baby ice skates had been painted, they were ready to attach to the soles of the baby shoes.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I used my hot glue gun to do that initially, but I shored up the attachment with a little super glue. Just to be sure!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I turned my attention back to the decorative sled. I decided that a brighter shade of red would be preferable, and I already had a can of paint in the garage!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
When the red paint had dried thoroughly, it was time to assemble my Christmas sled decor!
I started by screwing in a cup hook near the top where I hung a small wreath (purchased from Michaels).
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Then, I stitched the shoelaces of each baby ice skate together and looped them (individually) over the bottom of the wreath.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Stitching the laces together prevented a noticeable knot from showing through the greenery!
And let me tell you, it was nearly perfect and I ALMOST stopped there.
Christmas Sled Decor with Baby Ice Skates
Lastly, I topped off the entire thing with a bow made from Christmas craft ribbon!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Tell me that is not the CUTEST Christmas sled decor that you’ve ever seen. The vintage baby shoes as little ice skates worked out BRILLIANTLY.
And on our shiny black front door?
Gorgeous. The entire “wreath” just POPS against the black.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I absolutely love it! I mean, I’ve loved ALL the Christmas wreaths I’ve made over the years. But this one has quickly slid into the top #1 spot in my heart!
I’m sure it’s the baby ice skates. You know how I feel about mini things…
Speaking of which, if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for Christmas sled decor with baby ice skates, then you may also enjoy this mini ice skating scene, as well!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Gorgeous!
Thanks, Fonda!
100% adorable, Sarah!
Thank you so very much, Rita!
How cute is that!
Thank you, Nancy!
I love your sled and wreath but especially love those baby skates!!!!! You did a superb job!!!
Thank you, Carmen!
Adorable and it can stay on your door all winter. Crafting baby skates ….magical. I have painted on a skate but your vision is always WOW.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Rita- Merry Christmas to you, too!
SO CUTE!! I think about the only thing that would make it even more perfect would be to paint the soles on the baby shoes black like the real ice skates! You are such a genius tho!! Pinned!
Tania
I like how use “trash” items to make things work.
Thanks!
This is jaw-droppingly awesome. Not sure I could ever come up with a “sled”, but I really want to use the “skates” somehow. Thank you for sharing, and have a warm, blessed Christmas.
Even just hanging in the center of a regular greenery wreath, they’d be cute!
omg’sh this is adorable!!
Thank you, Scotty!
So Cute. I love it. Great job.
Thanks, Rebecca!
That is so baby sweet. You’re a crafting force!
Awww, thank you!!
This darling.It can serve for the entire season as well as winter. You have such a creative mind. Skate s from baby shoes and blades. Very clever. Have a Merry Ch5 and a Blessed New Year
Thank you so very much, Charleen- to you and yours, as well!
these are absolutely adorable and truly one-of-a-kind decor! thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you so much!
Absolutely LOVE this!!! Those skates are perfect!! Gonna be on the lookout now for a small sled to try doing this…thanks so much for sharing your brilliant ideas!!!
Thank you, Karolyn!
Those skates just want to make me go “Awwwww!” You rocked it again. That red against the black door is gorgeous!
I actually thought about that door color- this wreath wouldn’t have looked NEARLY as good against our red door!! So, it’s a darn good thing I held onto this sled for a few years after all, LOL.
Merry Christmas to you and thank you so much for your wonderful Christmas craft ideas. You always bring a smile to me throughout the year, best wishes always 🙂
Thank you so, so much!! That means the world to me.