20 easy-to-make DIY Christmas ornaments
Decorating my Christmas tree is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. While store-bought decorations can be beautiful, I think handmade ornaments make a tree feel much more personal and memorable.
I also love that DIY Christmas ornaments can be made with simple supplies I already have at home. From natural pinecones and cinnamon sticks to paper, buttons, yarn, and old sweaters, there are plenty of affordable ways to create festive decorations.
In this article, I’m sharing 20 easy-to-make DIY Christmas ornaments that are fun, affordable, and suitable for different crafting skill levels. You’ll find rustic ornaments made from natural materials, kid-friendly paper and bead crafts, sentimental keepsakes, and creative projects that reuse items you may already have.
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These homemade Christmas ornaments can help me decorate on a budget while creating decorations that feel unique to my family and home. Many of these ideas also work well for Christmas crafting afternoons, classroom activities, handmade gifts, and family traditions.
Key Takeaways
- DIY Christmas ornaments can be made with inexpensive everyday materials.
- Many of these projects are easy enough for kids with adult supervision.
- Natural materials such as pinecones, twigs, and cinnamon create a cozy rustic look.
- Upcycling old items like buttons, jar lids, ribbons, and sweaters reduces waste.
- Handmade ornaments can become meaningful keepsakes that I reuse every Christmas.
- I can customize colors and materials to match my Christmas decorating style.
Related article: Easy Bee Paper Craft for Kids with Simple Steps to Make at Home
1.Cinnamon Stick Star Ornaments
Cinnamon stick stars are one of my favorite options for creating a warm and rustic Christmas tree. They are simple to put together, look natural, and can add a lovely seasonal scent to my home.
For each ornament, I arrange five cinnamon sticks into a star shape. I overlap the ends slightly and secure the connection points with hot glue.
After the glue has fully set, I add a twine loop so I can hang the ornament. Small berries, miniature greenery, or a simple ribbon bow can make the finished star look even more festive.
Pro Tip: I use cinnamon sticks that are similar in length so the star has a more balanced shape. A low-temperature glue gun can also be safer when older kids are helping with the project.
2. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
Old mason jar lids can easily become charming Christmas ornaments instead of ending up in the recycling bin. I like this project because there are so many ways to personalize each ornament.
I place a piece of Christmas fabric, decorative paper, or wrapping paper inside the lid. Depending on the design, I either glue it in place or cut it carefully so it fits snugly.
I can then add small decorations such as tiny trees, snowflakes, miniature houses, or other holiday pieces. Ribbon or twine wrapped around the outside helps soften the metal edge and creates a finished look.
These ornaments are especially fun when I make several with different patterns for a coordinated but not identical Christmas tree.
3. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic holiday craft that I enjoy making because the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find. They also give me plenty of opportunities to create custom shapes.
A simple dough can be made with 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water. I mix everything until it comes together into a workable dough.
After rolling it out, I use Christmas cookie cutters to create shapes such as stars, trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread people. Before drying them, I always make a small hole for the hanging ribbon.
I dry the ornaments at a low oven temperature until they are completely firm. Once cool, I decorate them with paint, markers, or other craft supplies.
Pro Tip: I make sure the ornaments are completely dry before painting or storing them. Any remaining moisture can affect how well they last.
4. Felt Christmas Trees
Felt Christmas tree ornaments are soft, colorful, and easy for me to customize. I especially like them when I want my tree to have a cozy handmade appearance.
I cut two matching tree shapes from felt and attach them together with sewing or fabric glue. Before closing the final section, I add a small amount of stuffing or fabric scraps for dimension.
Once the tree is finished, I decorate it with buttons, beads, pom-poms, or sequins. A ribbon loop at the top makes it ready to hang.
I can also change the felt colors to match almost any Christmas theme, from traditional red and green to neutral or pastel holiday décor.
5. Wood Slice Ornaments
Wood slice ornaments are perfect when I want a natural and rustic Christmas decorating style. I can purchase pre-cut slices or use properly prepared pieces from suitable branches.
I lightly sand the front surface to create a smoother area for decorating. Then I paint simple holiday designs such as trees, stars, snowflakes, or reindeer.
For something more personal, I can add names, dates, or a short Christmas message. Stencils are helpful when I want cleaner designs without advanced painting skills.
After adding a small hole, I thread twine through the top for hanging. These also make thoughtful personalized gifts for family members.
6. Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are one of the easiest natural materials I use for Christmas crafts. They are affordable, easy to decorate, and fit beautifully into woodland or rustic holiday themes.
I use clean, dry pinecones and add paint to the tips if I want a snowy effect. Glitter can also create sparkle, while small beads or bells can add extra detail.
A ribbon or twine loop attached near the top turns the pinecone into a simple tree ornament. I love mixing decorated and natural pinecones together for more texture.
Pro Tip: If I collect pinecones outdoors, I make sure they are clean and completely dry before bringing them into my Christmas decorations.
7. Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are a traditional craft that I never get tired of making. Each snowflake can look different, which makes them perfect for creating a collection of unique ornaments.
I begin with square paper and fold it into smaller sections. Then I carefully cut different shapes along the folded edges.
When I unfold the paper, the design appears as a snowflake pattern. I enjoy experimenting with different cuts because even small changes can produce completely different results.
Once finished, I attach a thin piece of string or ribbon and hang the snowflake on my tree. Lightweight paper also makes these ornaments great for decorating smaller branches.
8. Button Wreath Ornaments
Button wreath ornaments are a colorful way for me to reuse extra buttons from old clothing or craft supplies. They require very few materials and can be made in different sizes.
I thread buttons onto floral wire or another suitable craft wire until I have enough to form a small circle. Then I carefully secure the ends together.
A small bow at the top gives the ornament the appearance of a traditional Christmas wreath. I finish it with a hanging loop made from ribbon or twine.
This project can be a good option for older children because it does not necessarily require paint or messy materials.
9. Clear Bauble Ornaments
Clear fillable ornaments give me almost unlimited decorating options. I can create ornaments that match my exact Christmas colors or make personalized keepsakes for my family.
I fill them with materials such as artificial snow, glitter, small greenery pieces, or miniature decorations. I can also use lightweight fabric scraps or other sentimental items.
For a more personal ornament, I might include a small photo or handwritten message. Decorating the outside with paint can add another layer of detail.
I find these ornaments particularly useful when I want several decorations to follow one specific theme, such as winter woodland, farmhouse Christmas, or elegant neutral décor.
10. Popsicle Stick Sleds
Popsicle stick sled ornaments have a playful old-fashioned look that I love for Christmas. They are simple to make with basic craft sticks and glue.
I arrange several sticks to form the main sled section and attach additional pieces to create the runners. Once everything is dry and secure, I paint or decorate the sled.
Small bells, bows, or miniature wreaths can make the design more festive. Finally, I attach twine so the sled can hang from the tree.
These ornaments are a fun choice for family crafting because everyone can decorate their sled differently.
Also read: 19+ Creative Valentine’s Day Crafts for Adults
11. Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments
Leftover ribbon can become a beautiful Christmas tree ornament instead of sitting unused in a drawer. I especially like this idea because it helps me use small pieces from other projects.
I tie strips of ribbon along a central piece of twine or a narrow stick. I place longer pieces near the bottom and gradually use shorter pieces toward the top.
After trimming the ribbon into a tree-like shape, I add a small star, bow, or other decoration at the top. Then I create a hanging loop.
Pro Tip: I combine ribbons with different textures, such as satin, velvet, and burlap, to give the ornament more visual interest.
12. Beaded Candy Cane Ornaments
Beaded candy cane ornaments are lightweight, colorful, and easy to make. I like using the traditional red and white combination, but other Christmas colors work well too.
I thread alternating beads onto a pipe cleaner until I have the length I want. Then I bend the finished piece into the curved shape of a candy cane.
A small ribbon bow can be added near the top for extra decoration. These ornaments are also easy to make in groups, so they work well for holiday craft sessions.
I always choose beads that are appropriate for the age of the children participating, especially when small pieces are involved.
13. Mini Wreath Ornaments
Mini wreaths bring a traditional Christmas look to my tree without requiring much time or many supplies. I can make them with wire, pipe cleaners, artificial greenery, or small garland pieces.
First, I create a small circular base. Then I wrap greenery around it until the frame is mostly covered.
I decorate the wreath with tiny berries, bells, bows, pinecones, or a little glitter. A ribbon loop at the top completes the ornament.
These are especially useful when I want to make several matching decorations for a larger tree or create handmade ornaments for gifts.
14. Glittery Pinecone Ornaments
Glittery pinecones combine a natural texture with plenty of Christmas sparkle. I like them because I can easily adjust the amount of glitter depending on how bold I want my decorations to look.
I apply craft glue to selected areas of the pinecone and add glitter while the glue is still wet. After allowing it to dry completely, I attach a ribbon or twine hanger.
Silver and gold work beautifully for elegant trees, while red, green, blue, or white can create a more playful design.
Pro Tip: I place paper underneath my workspace before using glitter. This makes cleanup much easier and allows me to collect some loose glitter afterward.
15. Yarn-Wrapped Ornaments
Yarn-wrapped ornaments give my Christmas tree a soft and comfortable handmade feel. They are also a good way to use leftover yarn from knitting or other craft projects.
I start with a lightweight ornament base and wrap yarn around it, keeping the strands close together. I use small amounts of glue only where needed to hold the yarn in place.
Once the entire surface is covered, I can add a bow, pom-poms, or tiny bells. Different yarn textures can also change the final look.
Chunky yarn creates a cozy style, while smoother yarn can give the ornament a cleaner and more polished appearance.
16. Jingle Bell Ornaments
Jingle bells add both visual interest and a cheerful sound to Christmas decorations. I can use them in several ways, depending on the look I want.
I thread bells onto ribbon or wire and arrange them into a small circle, cluster, or decorative line. A circular design can resemble a miniature wreath.
These ornaments are quick to make and don’t require complicated steps. They can also be a fun option for children who enjoy crafts without paint or glue.
I make sure the bells and wire are securely attached before hanging them on the tree.
17. Handprint Ornaments
Handprint ornaments are some of the most meaningful decorations I can make with children. They capture a specific stage of childhood and can become treasured Christmas keepsakes.
I roll out salt dough or air-dry clay and gently press the child’s hand into the surface. Then I cut around the imprint or use a festive shape for the outer edge.
Before drying, I create a hole for the ribbon. After the ornament has hardened completely, I paint it and add the child’s name and year.
Pro Tip: I always write the date somewhere on a keepsake ornament. Years later, those small details can become just as meaningful as the decoration itself.
18. Rustic Twig Star Ornaments
Twig star ornaments are another simple way I bring natural materials into my Christmas decorating. They work especially well with rustic, woodland, farmhouse, or minimalist holiday themes.
I gather several small twigs that are close in length and arrange them into a five-pointed star. I secure the connecting areas with suitable craft glue.
For additional detail, I wrap jute or twine around the connection points. I can leave the ornament plain or add berries, bells, or a small amount of glitter.
Because each twig is naturally different, every finished star has its own character.
19. Pom-Pom Ornaments
Pom-pom ornaments are colorful, soft, and full of personality. I can make them in almost any color, which makes them easy to coordinate with my existing Christmas decorations.
I create pom-poms using a pom-pom maker or by wrapping yarn around my fingers or another small object. After tying the center securely, I cut the loops and trim the yarn.
Once the pom-pom is shaped, I attach a string or ribbon for hanging. I can also combine several smaller pom-poms into one ornament.
These are a great choice when I want a cheerful and playful Christmas tree, especially in family spaces.
Read this next: 16+ Unique Home Decor Crafts for Adults
20. Upcycled Sweater Ornaments
Old sweaters can become cozy Christmas ornaments instead of being thrown away. I love this idea because it gives worn clothing a second purpose while adding soft texture to my holiday décor.
I cut the sweater fabric into shapes such as mittens, stockings, stars, or hearts. Then I sew or glue two matching pieces together.
Before closing the ornament completely, I add a small amount of stuffing to create dimension. I finish the project by attaching a ribbon or twine loop.
These ornaments look especially charming on rustic and cozy Christmas trees. I can also mix different sweater patterns to create a collection with plenty of personality.
Making my own Christmas ornaments is a simple way to slow down and enjoy the creative side of the holiday season. Whether I am crafting with kids, using materials I already have, or creating keepsakes for future Christmases, handmade ornaments can make my decorations feel more meaningful.
I don’t need expensive supplies or advanced crafting skills to get started. Even a few basic materials can turn into beautiful decorations that reflect my family’s style and holiday memories.
The best part is that many of these DIY Christmas ornaments can be reused year after year, making them part of my own Christmas traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest DIY Christmas ornaments to make?
Some of the easiest DIY Christmas ornaments include paper snowflakes, pinecone ornaments, cinnamon stick stars, pom-poms, and beaded candy canes. Most require simple supplies and basic crafting skills.
Can kids make DIY Christmas ornaments?
Yes, many DIY Christmas ornaments are perfect for kids. Paper snowflakes, salt dough ornaments, pom-poms, and button wreaths are fun options, although adult supervision may be needed for scissors, glue, or small pieces.
What can I use to make Christmas ornaments at home?
I can use everyday materials such as paper, yarn, buttons, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, ribbons, old sweaters, jar lids, and salt dough to make beautiful homemade Christmas ornaments.
Conclusion
Making my own DIY Christmas ornaments is a fun way to add personality and warmth to my holiday decorations. From simple paper crafts to meaningful keepsakes, these ideas help me create a beautiful Christmas tree without spending a lot. I love that many of these handmade ornaments can be enjoyed year after year and become part of my family’s holiday traditions.
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