Christmas is around the corner, and it’s time to add a personal touch to your festive decorations. Creating DIY Christmas ornaments can be a fun way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Whether you want to capture cherished memories or involve kids in crafting, you’ll find countless delightful ideas here. These 25 easy ornament projects are inexpensive and perfect for all skill levels. Let’s dive in and spark your creativity this holiday season!
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are an all-time favorite. They are easy to make with just flour, salt, and water. Start by mixing 2 cups flour with 1 cup salt, and then slowly add water. Knead the dough until smooth. Roll it out to about a quarter inch thick and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Don’t forget to poke holes for hanging! Bake them at a low temperature for about two hours. Once cool, let the kids paint them with their favorite colors. These make wonderful keepsakes and gifts!
Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
Dried orange slices are simple yet stunning. Begin by slicing oranges about a quarter inch thick. Arrange them on a baking sheet and set your oven to the lowest temperature. Let them bake for three to four hours, flipping halfway through. They create a beautiful, rustic look and add a delightful scent to your home. Consider stringing them with twine for a lovely garland effect. Wrap several in cellophane for stunning gifts too!
Felt Tree Ornaments
Felt is a fantastic material for easy DIY ornaments. Cut out shapes like stars or Christmas trees from colorful felt. You can layer different colors or patterns for extra flair. Stitch or glue the pieces together and add embellishments like buttons or beads. These ornaments are soft, safe for kids, and can be customized for any theme. Hang them on your tree or give them as gifts wrapped in pretty boxes.
Photo Ornaments
Capture memories with photo ornaments. Choose your favorite family pictures or snapshots from past holidays. Print them on sturdy paper or cardstock and cut them into shapes. You can decorate the edges with washi tape or glitter. After cutting, attach them to a sturdy backing. Use ribbon to hang them on your tree. These personal ornaments allow you to cherish special moments each year.
Upcycled Wine Cork Ornaments
If you have leftover wine corks, turn them into charming ornaments! Cut the corks in half and paint them in festive colors. You can use twine or ribbon to attach them to the tree. Create characters like reindeer or snowmen from corks by adding googly eyes, noses, and felt hats. These eco-friendly ornaments are budget-friendly and a fun way to recycle.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon stick bundles bring a cozy aroma and charm to your tree. Collect several cinnamon sticks and tie them together with twine. You can decorate the bundles with small sprigs of pine or holly for a festive touch. Hang them on your tree or use them as package decorations for added seasonal flair. They’re simple, delightful, and smell wonderful!
Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes make for great kid-friendly ornaments. Simply fold sheets of paper in half multiple times and snip away to create patterns. Unfold to reveal beautiful shapes. Use white paper for a classic look or colored paper to mix things up. Punch a small hole at the top, add a string, and hang them from your tree. They’re light, fun, and children will love this activity!
Wood Slice Ornaments
Wood slices are perfect for a rustic look. You can buy them at craft stores or use branches from your yard. Paint them with your favorite designs or use stamps to create intricate patterns. Seal them with a clear coating to protect your artwork. Drill a small hole at the top to hang them with twine. These ornaments add a personal touch to your holiday decor.
Pom Pom Ornaments
Combine colorful pom poms for fun and whimsical ornaments. Use yarn in various colors to create pom poms. There are plenty of tutorials online to help you shape them. Once they’re made, string them together or attach them to a sturdy base. For added flair, mix colors or add embellishments like beads. These soft, fluffy ornaments are perfect for a playful touch.
Nature-Inspired Ornaments
Bring the outdoors inside by creating ornaments from nature. Gather twigs, pinecones, and acorns. You can paint and decorate them if desired. Wrap twigs together and secure them with twine or ribbon. Pinecones can be adorned with glitter or left natural. Hang these beautiful ornaments in clusters for a woodland-inspired theme. They’re eco-friendly and can spark conversations!
Glittered Baubles
Add a touch of sparkle with glittered baubles. You can use clear glass ornaments or plastic ones for safety. Use a paintbrush to apply glue to the outside, then cover with glitter. Let them dry completely before hanging. Mix colors for a festive look, or even use a monochrome palette for a chic design. They catch the light beautifully!
Gingerbread Men Ornaments
Gingerbread men are not only delicious but can be decorative too! Use your favorite gingerbread recipe and create figures for the holiday. After baking, incorporate icing and embellishments. You can place a small hole at the top for a ribbon to hang. These ornaments add a cozy, homey feel to your tree, and their scent is a perfect holiday reminder.
Beaded Ornaments
Beaded ornaments are a fun project for adults and older kids. Choose beads in holiday colors and thread them onto wire or string. You can create shapes like stars or circles. Once finished, hang them beautifully on your tree. They can serve as lovely gifts or lovely additions to your décor. This project is a wonderful chance to get creative!
Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments
Wrap Christmas ornaments with yarn for a soft and textured look. Choose yarn in holiday colors and wrap it around foam balls or existing ornaments. There are many patterns to follow, or you can create your own unique designs. Use glue dots to secure the ends. These cozy ornaments are suitable for all ages, and they add a warm touch to your festive display.
Hand-painted Wooden Ornaments
Get creative with hand-painted wooden ornaments. Use unfinished wooden shapes from craft stores that can be painted with acrylics. Let your imagination flow with designs ranging from simple patterns to intricate holiday scenes. Seal them with a clear coat once done. These can be family keepsakes and can be gifted, making them an extra special holiday treat.
Clay Ornaments
Air-dry clay is a fantastic medium for creating ornaments. Roll out the clay and shape it into your desired design. Use cookie cutters or mold them by hand for added character. Don’t forget to poke holes for hanging. Once they dry, paint or decorate them as you choose. Clay ornaments are durable, making them perfect for annual use.
Painted Pine Cones
Pine cones can transform into beautiful ornaments with a bit of paint. Gather pine cones from your yard or local park. Paint them with seasonal colors like red, green, or gold, and add a sprinkle of glitter for sparkle. Attach a ribbon for hanging, and you’ve got an easy and beautiful ornament that captures the essence of nature during the holidays.
Interactive Ornaments
Consider making interactive ornaments for added fun! Add bells, mini lights, or sounds to create engaging decorations. For instance, you can fill clear ornaments with bells and glitter. Secure the top and hang for delightful jingle sounds. These playful additions can create a magical atmosphere and are especially fun for children when they discover them!
Simple Beaded Garlands
Beaded garlands are another budget-friendly option to enhance your holidays. Combine wood or plastic beads in holiday colors, strung together on a strong string. You can decide on a pattern or mix colors randomly. These can be hung on trees, around door frames, or even incorporated into wreaths. They are simple to make and bright accents to your home.
Final Touches
Christmas is a time for joy, creativity, and connection. These 25 easy DIY Christmas ornaments provide a wonderful way to personalize your holiday decor. Engage your family and create memories that last. Enjoy crafting, share your creations with loved ones, and embrace the warmth of the season. Start your projects today, and let’s make this holiday unforgettable!