Christmas is a time for cozy traditions and creativity. Making your own ornaments can add a personal touch to your holiday decor. It’s an affordable way to get crafty and engage with family. You don’t need extensive supplies to create something special. In fact, many DIY Christmas ornaments use everyday items. This list features 25 easy ornaments that you can make with little time and effort. Let’s dive into these fun projects that will brighten any tree!
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is a classic. You only need flour, salt, and water. Mix them together, roll out the dough, and use cookie cutters for shapes. Kids love this project! Once baked, these ornaments can be painted or decorated with markers. Tie a ribbon loop for hanging. They make beautiful keepsakes for years to come.
Rustic Wood Slice Ornaments
Wood slices are readily available from craft stores or can be made from tree branches. Use a wood burner or a paint pen to add designs. Letters, names, or simple patterns can create a unique ornament. Finish with a coat of sealant to protect the wood. These pieces blend well with farmhouse decor and can also serve as personalized gifts.
Felt Gingerbread Men
Felt is perfect for creating soft, festive decorations. Cut out gingerbread man shapes, then let your imagination run wild! Decorate with buttons or stitch on details with contrasting thread. Add a string for hanging, and these ornaments will warm up any tree. They’re a safe and kid-friendly option!
Paper Chain Garland
Paper chains are a simple activity. Cut strips of colorful paper and then link them together. This project can double as ornaments for the tree or as garlands for the mantle. Consider using recycled paper, like old wrapping paper, to give it a fun twist. It’s a great way to get kids involved, too!
Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
Dried orange slices add a natural touch. Slice oranges thinly and bake them on low heat until dehydrated. The citrus scent fills your home. Once cool, poke a hole and tie string for hanging. These ornaments look beautiful and are biodegradable. They can last a season or two if stored properly.
Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments
Popsicle sticks make perfect snowflakes. Glue sticks together in various shapes to create intricate designs. Paint them white and sprinkle on glitter for sparkle. A wire hook is optional for easy hanging. These projects encourage creativity without needing much in the way of supplies.
Bottle Cap Reindeer
Recycling bottle caps into ornaments is fun and eco-friendly! Use caps to create cute reindeer. Paint caps brown, attach googly eyes, and paint on a red nose. Kids can help sort caps and choose colors. A ribbon attached to the top makes it easy to hang.
Beaded Snowman Ornaments
Beaded ornaments offer a fun tactile experience. String together white beads in various sizes to create snowmen. Use small beads for buttons, and add felt pieces for hats and scarves. Secure with loops for hanging. These ornaments add a pop of color and are great for kids to customize.
Cinnamon Stick Stars
Cinnamon sticks create beautiful star ornaments. Arrange sticks in a star shape and secure with twine. A bit of glitter dust adds sparkle for a holiday glow. Not only do these stars look good, they smell amazing too! These can hang on the tree or add to gift wrapping.
Memory Globe Ornaments
Memory globes let you preserve special moments. Fill clear plastic or glass ornaments with small photos or keepsakes. Children can create memory ornaments reflecting their year. A little glitter or fake snow adds a festive touch. Each ornament tells a story and makes a wonderful gift.
T-Shirt Yarn Trees
Give old T-shirts a second life! Cut them into strips and braid or knot them into tree shapes. Add embellishments like buttons or beads for character. These trees are budget-friendly and can be made in various sizes. It’s a fun way to recycle fabric into holiday decor.
Miniature Pinecone Elf
Pinecones become whimsical elves with a little creativity. Use fabric scraps for hats and yarn for hair. Draw or paint faces directly on pinecones for character. Secure a loop of twine to hang them. These elves add a charming woodland theme to your tree.
Scrabble Tile Ornaments
Craft ornaments from old Scrabble tiles. Spell out holiday words or names, then attach a ribbon to hang. This project can be great for incorporating family names or holiday greetings. It’s simple yet delightful, offering a personal touch to decorations.
Ice Cube Garland
Freeze small items in ice cubes and string them together for a unique garland. Use twine or fishing line to hang them. Leaves, cranberries, or even colored water can add visual appeal. Just remember these are temporary! They create a spectacle as they melt, perfect for outdoor decor.
Washi Tape Ornaments
Washi tape is a crafter’s best friend. Choose different patterns and simply wrap them around plain wooden or cardboard shapes. Easy and fun, this activity suits all ages. Customize your ornaments by mixing patterns for a creative flair. It’s a low-cost and accessible DIY.
Egg Carton Stars
Transform an egg carton into stars! Cut out star shapes and decorate them with paint and glitter. This avoids wasting the carton and provides unique shapes for the tree. It’s a great family project, allowing kids to explore design!
Coffee Filter Snowflakes
Coffee filters make excellent snowflakes. Fold them and cut shapes out for unique designs. They look delicate and beautiful when hung. Dust with shimmer spray for a frosty effect. These can also be used as gift wrapping embellishments or table decor.
Beach Sand Ornaments
Capture cheerful beach memories in an ornament. Fill a clear ball with sand and small shells. These ornaments tell a personal story and spark joy. They make perfect gifts for loved ones who appreciate the beach. It’s a lovely way to preserve those sunny memories!
Button Snowman Ornaments
Button snowmen bring fun and color to your tree. Stack buttons together and add small details like felt hats and scarves. This craft is excellent for using up leftover buttons from old projects. They can serve as ornaments and cute decorative items throughout the winter.
Photo Ornaments
Preserve family memories with photo ornaments. Print small pictures, then attach them inside clear or handmade ornaments. You can personalize them further with decorative borders or messages. These make thoughtful gifts, reminding loved ones of cherished moments every holiday season.
Dragonfly Ornaments
Create dragonfly ornaments using beads and wire for a vibrant statement piece. These insects flutter on branches, showcasing individuality. Choose bright beads or natural tones for rustic looks. These ornaments double as fun hanging decor and lightweight gifts.
Pinecone Stars
Make decorative stars from pinecones. Arrange them in star shapes and attach with glue. A sprinkle of glitter makes them shine bright. These stars embrace the holiday theme while aligning with nature. This project helps children learn crafting skills while enjoying winter cheer.
Wooden Spoon Angels
Wooden spoons can become charming angels. Dress them with fabric and use twine or ribbon for hair. These spoons make delightful decorations. Paint them with bright colors or patterns for added flair. Methods vary, but each angel reflects your creativity!
These 25 easy DIY Christmas ornaments allow you to express creativity while making cherished memories with loved ones. Affordable, accessible, and fun, each project emphasizes the joy of handmade traditions. Gather your supplies and embark on your ornament-making journey this season. Enjoy crafting together, and let every ornament you create tell a story. Happy crafting!