Crafting your own Christmas ornaments using natural materials is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit. Not only do you spark creativity, but you also reduce your environmental impact. With simple and affordable items from nature, you can create beautiful decorations that bring warmth and a touch of homemade charm to your festive display. Whether you’re crafting solo, with family, or engaging kids in the process, these DIY projects will surely spread holiday cheer. Let’s explore 15 creative ideas to get you started!
Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are a classic and easy choice for ornaments. Simply gather pinecones from your yard or nearby park. A little white paint can give them a snowy look. Attach a ribbon or twine for hanging. You can also get creative by adding embellishments like glitter, buttons, or even googly eyes to make little creatures or characters. For some fun, have a decorating day with your kids. It’s budget-friendly and all-natural!
Dried Citrus Slice Garlands
Dried citrus slices not only look beautiful but also smell delightful. To make these, slice oranges or lemons thinly and bake them at a low temperature until fully dried. Once ready, use twine to string them into garlands. These can adorn your tree or wrap around your holiday table. Invite your family around for a craft day. Celebrate with hot cocoa and share stories while creating these refreshing decorations.
Twig and Branch Ornaments
Create stunning twig ornaments that can complement your rustic decor. Collect thin branches from your yard. After arranging them into star or heart shapes, tie them with twine. For a little flair, add beads made from wood or even small pinecones. These ornaments are fragile but carry a beautiful, organic charm. Consider making a set, and hang them on your tree for an earthy touch that stands out.
Wooden Bead Snowman Ornaments
Wooden beads can easily transform into adorable snowmen ornaments. Begin by painting three beads in white. Stack them and add small twigs for arms or tiny buttons for decor. You can get creative with fabric scraps as scarves. Invite kids in for this fun project as they can paint and decorate their unique versions. These snowmen will bring smiles each holiday season and are easy to store for next year.
Evergreen Sprig Wreaths
Craft an eye-catching wreath using evergreen sprigs. Gather a variety of fresh greens such as spruce, pine, or cedar. Form a circular shape and secure the pieces using floral wire or twine. For added color, incorporate holly or berries. Not only does this project smell wonderful, but you can also hang it both indoors or outdoors. It’s a perfect family project—have everyone contribute with their favorite pieces from nature!
Clay Leaf Imprint Ornaments
Use air-dry clay to create beautiful, leaf imprinted ornaments. Roll the clay out and press leaves into it to leave detailed impressions. Cut out your desired shapes and create holes for hanging. After drying, paint or leave them natural for a rustic look. These ornaments are timeless and can be personalized with names or dates, making them fantastic gifts. Showing this craft to the family makes for memorable quality time.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon sticks not only smell delightful but can also be transformed into charming ornaments. Tie a few together with twine or ribbon to create beautiful bundles. You can even add a star anise for extra flair! Hang them on your tree or attach them to gifts for a festive touch. These ornaments can also serve as a natural air freshener in your home. The whole family can join in this simple and affordable project!
Dried Fruit Orbs
Create stunning orbs using chunks of dried fruit like apples, oranges, and pineapples. Insert them into clear glass ornaments or even string them together with twine. These decorations not only add color, but their delightful aroma enhances the holiday feel. Let the kids pick their favorite fruits. Engage them in safely cutting and arranging the dried fruit as they learn about the process. It can turn into a fun, educational experience while crafting.
Felted Wool Baubles
Felted wool balls can add a touch of whimsy to your tree. If you have wool yarn, use it to create small felted balls. Start by rolling pieces of wool into tight balls and wet them with soapy water to firmer shapes. Once dry, decorate them with markers or thread. These ornaments are soft, lightweight, and won’t shatter—making them perfect for homes with curious little hands. This project is not only easy but also allows lots of creativity!
Branch Ball Ornaments
Create unique branch ball ornaments for your holiday decor. Gather small twigs and cut them into even lengths. You can bind them into small spheres with twine, creating playful, textured ornaments. These can be painted or left natural for rustic appeal. You might even add some sparkle with eco-friendly glitter. This DIY project is great for all ages, and makes for a beautiful statement piece on your tree!
Berry and Pinecone Swag
Craft a simple swag using berries and pinecones. Start by gathering some long evergreen branches, then attach pinecones with hot glue. Once secured, add clusters of faux or real berries between the pinecones, creating a festive look. This decoration can effortlessly elevate your holiday decor around your home. The whole family can join in on this project, with each person selecting their favorite colors and designs to personalize their swag.
Clay Star Ornaments
Create beautiful clay star ornaments using air-dry clay. Roll it out into a flat sheet and cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter. Once dried, decorate them with paints or natural dyes. These stars are perfect for hanging or displaying in bowls. This project is both easy and allows creativity to flow. It’s perfect for school-age kids looking to add a personal touch to their Christmas tree!
Foraged Nature Ornaments
Go foraging in your local area for natural decor. Look for dried flowers, moss, or even interesting stones. Use twine to assemble these interesting items into ornaments. This project encourages kids to explore nature and teaches them to appreciate what they find. It’s not just about the final ornament; it’s the journey of collecting items that makes this a memorable experience. Create a nature basket to gather materials during your outdoor adventures.
Acorn Cap Ornaments
Collect acorn caps to make adorable little ornaments. Secure them to small strings or attach them to other natural materials. For added cuteness, paint small faces on them to resemble little creatures. They make great additions to garlands or can simply hang from branches. This simple DIY can be a fun way for kids to engage in nature while crafting something unique. It’s easy and completely free!
Twine-Wrapped Ornaments
Wrap ornaments made of foam balls or even old Christmas bulbs in twine for a cozy appeal. Use a glue gun to secure the twine in place as you wrap. You can add embellishments like buttons or small faux berries. The natural texture and simplicity of the twine bring warmth to any holiday display. This is a straightforward project that kids can help with. Give them a chance to create their very own decorative pieces!
Simple Nature Tags
Finally, create simple nature tags that double as ornaments! Collect small flat pieces of wood, and personalize them with paint or engravings. Attach twine for hanging. These can adorn your tree or serve as decorative gift tags. They are also inexpensive as they utilize natural materials. Encourage kids to help personalize the tags. Share family stories with each piece while making them unique to your holiday traditions.
Crafting your own DIY Christmas ornaments using natural materials is a wonderful way to embrace creativity while enjoying quality time with family. Each project allows you to connect with nature and provides charm and uniqueness to your holiday decor. Whether you’re crafting with children or solo, you’ll find satisfaction in the simplicity and natural beauty of these creations. So gather your materials, invite some friends or family, and get started on your DIY journey!