There’s something magical about unpacking Christmas ornaments each year, especially when they come with memories attached. I discovered the joy of DIY Christmas tree ornaments about a decade ago when my budget was tight but my holiday spirit was high. What started as a money-saving necessity quickly became my favorite holiday tradition!
Handmade ornaments transform your tree from a generic holiday display into a personal gallery of creativity and memories. Whether you’re crafting with wiggly toddlers or seeking a sophisticated project for yourself, DIY ornaments offer endless possibilities for personalization.
I’ve found that making ornaments together creates stronger family bonds than simply decorating the tree with store-bought items. My kids still point to ornaments they made years ago, proudly recounting the stories behind each one. These handcrafted treasures become time capsules of holidays past.
Pro Tip: Start a tradition of making at least one new ornament type each year. Date each creation, and you’ll build a collection that tells your family’s story over time.
Materials Needed for DIY Ornaments
Before diving into specific projects, let’s talk about stocking your craft supply. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) that having these basics on hand makes ornament-making much more enjoyable:
Adhesives: Craft glue, hot glue gun, double-sided tape
Natural elements: Pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices
Recycled items: Old Christmas cards, fabric scraps, wine corks
I once attempted an ambitious ornament project without proper adhesive and ended up with a tree that “shed” homemade ornaments every time someone walked by! Trust me, the right materials make all the difference.
Pro Tip: Create a dedicated “ornament making box” that you can pull out each season. I keep mine stocked with the basics, plus special items I collect throughout the year like interesting buttons or fabric remnants.
Simple DIY Ornaments for Kids
Some of my most treasured Christmas tree ornaments are the lopsided, glitter-covered creations my children made. Here are kid-friendly projects that even little hands can manage:
Salt Dough Handprints: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup water. Roll out, press little hands in, cut around the shape, poke a hole for hanging, and bake at 250°F for 2 hours. Once cool, let kids paint their handprints.
Popsicle Stick Stars: Arrange 5 craft sticks in a star pattern and glue at intersections. Once dry, let kids paint and decorate with glitter.
Paper Strip Ornaments: Cut colored paper into strips, let kids decorate with markers, then help them form into circles, hearts, or snowflakes and staple.
Pinecone Snow Creatures: Collect pinecones and have kids paint them white. Add googly eyes and felt scarves for snowmen or colorful feathers for “snow birds.”
Cereal String Garlands: Thread Cheerios, Fruit Loops, or other hole-centered cereals onto string for an edible decoration.
Button Trees: Draw a triangle tree on green cardstock, then let kids glue buttons of various sizes as “ornaments.”
I’ll never forget the year my son made “ornament cookies” and couldn’t understand why we wouldn’t hang actual cookies on the tree. We compromised with cinnamon dough ornaments that looked like cookies but wouldn’t attract pests!
Pro Tip: For young children, pre-measure and prepare materials before starting. This prevents frustration and keeps the experience positive. I set up “creation stations” with everything they need within reach.
Creative DIY Ornaments for Adults
Once the kids are asleep, I love tackling more intricate projects. These adult-friendly ornaments still bring me joy every time I hang them:
Alcohol Ink Glass Balls: Drop alcohol inks inside clear glass ornaments and swirl for a marbled effect. The colors blend beautifully and create one-of-a-kind patterns.
Fabric-Wrapped Ornaments: Cut fabric into strips, coat styrofoam balls with Mod Podge, and wrap in overlapping patterns. Finish with ribbon for hanging.
Photo Transfer Wooden Discs: Print photos on tissue paper, then transfer to wood slices using Mod Podge for rustic memory keepers.
Needle-Felted Miniatures: Create tiny wool animals or figures using needle felting techniques.
Embroidery Hoop Scenes: Stretch fabric in small embroidery hoops and add embroidered designs, beads, or appliqué elements.
Quilled Paper Snowflakes: Roll thin strips of paper into coils and arrange in intricate snowflake patterns.
Wire-Wrapped Gem Ornaments: Wrap colored beads or crystals with fine wire to create sparkling accents.
Last year, I attempted wire-wrapped ornaments while watching a holiday movie. I became so engrossed in the film that I accidentally created what my husband now calls “the abstract modern art collection.” Sometimes mistakes become new traditions!
Pro Tip: Adult crafting pairs wonderfully with mulled wine or hot chocolate. I set aside one evening each December for uninterrupted creative time – it’s become my favorite form of holiday self-care.
Eco-Friendly Ornament Ideas
My journey toward more sustainable holidays began when I noticed how much waste we generated each Christmas. These eco-friendly DIY Christmas tree ornaments help reduce environmental impact while adding natural beauty:
Dried Citrus Wheels: Slice oranges, lemons, or limes thinly, pat dry, and bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until dry but not browned. Attach ribbon for hanging.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles: Tie 3-5 cinnamon sticks together with twine, adding dried berries or small pine sprigs.
Seed Paper Ornaments: Make paper from recycled materials, add flower seeds, cut into shapes, and let dry. Recipients can plant them in spring!
Wine Cork Reindeer: Use wine corks as bodies, adding twig antlers, pom-pom noses, and googly eyes.
Repurposed Puzzle Piece Wreaths: Arrange puzzle pieces (from incomplete sets) in a circle, glue together, and paint green with red berries.
Cardboard Cookie Cutter Art: Trace cookie cutters onto cardboard from recycled boxes, cut out, and decorate with recycled gift wrap.
I once tried making ornaments from old Christmas cards, only to discover they were my grandmother’s cherished collection! Now I’m more careful about which cards I repurpose, but the ornaments made from truly old cards are wonderful memory keepers.
Pro Tip: Nature walks can become ornament gathering expeditions. My family collects pinecones, interesting seed pods, and fallen branches to incorporate into our holiday crafts.
Tips for Hosting an Ornament-Making Party
Some of my favorite holiday memories come from gathering friends for creative sessions. Here’s how I organize successful ornament-making parties:
First, choose 2-3 ornament types to focus on rather than overwhelming guests with too many options. I prepare kits for each person with pre-measured materials to streamline the creative process.
Set up a dedicated crafting area with good lighting and plenty of table space. Cover surfaces with washable tablecloths or kraft paper for easy cleanup. I learned this lesson after a glitter disaster that my vacuum cleaner still hasn’t forgiven me for!
Create a simple buffet of finger foods that don’t require constant attention. My go-to spread includes a cheese board, cookies, and a crockpot of mulled cider that guests can self-serve.
Consider skill levels when planning projects. I usually offer one “beginner” option and one slightly more challenging design. Demonstrate each project briefly before letting everyone dive in.
Don’t forget the ambiance! A playlist of holiday music, subtle decorations, and perhaps a holiday movie playing silently in the background all contribute to the festive mood.
Pro Tip: Provide small boxes or gift bags so guests can safely transport their creations home. I save small gift boxes throughout the year specifically for this purpose.
Conclusion: The Joy of Handmade Ornaments
After years of making DIY Christmas tree ornaments, I’ve discovered that the true value isn’t in the finished products but in the moments of creation. Each slightly imperfect ornament tells a story – of the year my daughter discovered glitter, of the Christmas after a move when we made ornaments from our old address numbers, of the pandemic holiday when we crafted together over video calls.
Handmade ornaments transform decorating from a task into a journey through memories. When we unpack our ornament collection each year, we’re not just decorating a tree; we’re revisiting chapters of our family story.
Whether you’re crafting with children, seeking sophisticated projects, or simply looking to add personal touches to your holiday, I hope you’ll try some of these ideas. The ornaments you create this year may become the treasures you cherish for decades to come.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal – connection is. Some of our most beloved ornaments are the wonkiest ones, because they carry the strongest memories. So gather your supplies, embrace the creative process, and enjoy the special magic that only handmade decorations can bring to your holiday celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy DIY Christmas ornaments for kids?
Salt dough handprints, popsicle stick stars, and pinecone creatures are perfect for young crafters. These projects require minimal fine motor skills while still creating charming results. For very young children, pre-cut paper ornaments they can decorate with crayons or stickers are ideal starting points.
How can I make eco-friendly Christmas ornaments?
Focus on natural or recycled materials. Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and pinecones make beautiful natural ornaments. For recycled options, transform old Christmas cards into gift tags, turn wine corks into tiny reindeer, or create seed paper ornaments that can be planted after the holidays.
