You know what’s so cozy and satisfying during the holidays? Making your own Christmas ornaments using things you can find outside! It’s not just about decorating; it’s this little creative adventure that’s good for the planet and your spirit. Imagine turning simple pinecones, twigs, or dried fruit into charming little pieces of holiday magic that hang on your tree or brighten up your home. Whether it’s a solo project, a family craft day, or a kid-friendly activity, these ideas bring that warm, handmade vibe everyone loves. Ready to dive into some nature-inspired holiday fun? Let’s check out 15 easy and super cute ways to craft your own ornaments!
Pinecone Ornaments: Classic and Cute
Pinecones are honestly such a no-brainer when it comes to natural ornament-making. Just grab a handful from your yard or a nearby park, add a splash of white paint to mimic a fresh snowfall, and tie on some ribbon or twine for hanging. Want to get playful? Sprinkle some glitter, glue on buttons, or even stick on googly eyes to create quirky little characters. And honestly, if you turn this into a decorating sesh with the kids, you’re in for some budget-friendly laughs and memories that outshine any store-bought ornament.
Dried Citrus Slice Garlands: Bright and Smelly Good
There’s something about dried citrus slices that screams holiday freshness — their vibrant colors and that zesty scent! To make these beauties, thinly slice oranges or lemons, pop them in a low-temp oven until they dry out, and then string them together with some twine to create a lovely garland. Drape it on your tree or let it cozy up your holiday table. Bonus points if you set up a little crafting corner with cocoa and share funny stories while you all work on these — it’s the kind of multi-sensory joy that sticks with you.
Twig and Branch Ornaments: Rustic and Charming
If you’re loving that earthy, farmhouse vibe, twigs and branches are your go-to. Snag some thin branches from your yard and twist them into pretty star or heart shapes, then secure everything with twine. Add some wooden beads or tiny pinecones to jazz them up a bit. They’re delicate but so full of natural magic, perfect for hanging on your tree or decorating your mantel. Trust me, making a whole set feels like creating your own little forest of ornaments right at home.
Wooden Bead Snowmen: Tiny and Adorable
Turn simple wooden beads into the cutest snowmen you’ve ever seen. Paint three beads white, stack them up, then add little twig arms and tiny buttons for that classic snowman look. Got some fabric scraps? A quick scarf made from those adds so much personality. This is a perfect craft to do with kids since they get to paint and customize their own frosty friends. Plus, these snowmen are sturdier and easy to stash away for next Christmas!
Evergreen Sprig Wreaths: Fresh and Fragrant
There’s seriously nothing like the scent of fresh evergreens during the holidays. Gather spruce, pine, cedar — whatever’s available — and form a simple circular wreath tied together with floral wire or twine. To make it pop, sprinkle in some holly or berries for that classic color punch. Hang it inside or out, and enjoy the fresh forest vibes. This one’s a great family project where everyone can bring in their favorite bits from nature. So satisfying!
Clay Leaf Imprint Ornaments: Rustic Personal Touch
Using air-dry clay, you can make these beautiful ornaments by pressing leaves right into the clay for that detailed, nature-inspired texture. Cut out your shapes, poke a hole for hanging, and after they dry, either leave them natural for that rustic look or add some paint. What’s cool is you can personalize these with names or special dates — instant keepsakes! It’s a lovely way to spend quality time with family and make something truly meaningful.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles: Smell Like Christmas
Cinnamon sticks aren’t just for spicing up your drinks—they make charming, fragrant ornaments too! Group a few sticks together and tie them up with twine or a festive ribbon. If you’re feeling fancy, tuck in a star anise for that extra touch of holiday flair. Hang these on your tree or add them to gift wrapping for a little rustic surprise. Bonus: they freshen up your space naturally. Easy, affordable, and fun for the whole family to make!
Dried Fruit Orbs: Colorful and Inviting
Want a pop of color and amazing scent? Dried fruit chunks like apples, oranges, and pineapple strung together or placed inside clear glass orbs do just that. Let the kids choose their favorites and get involved in safely arranging the fruit. It’s surprisingly fun and gives them a little science lesson on drying and preservation while crafting. These orbs brighten up your tree and make your home smell like a holiday orchard!
Felted Wool Baubles: Soft and Whimsical
If you have wool yarn lying around, rolling it into felted baubles is such a charming idea. Wet those little balls with soapy water until they firm up, then let them dry. You can add doodles with markers or stitch on some thread details. Plus, these soft ornaments won’t shatter, making them perfect if you’ve got tiny, curious hands around. This project leaves tons of room for creativity and adds a cozy touch to your tree!
Branch Ball Ornaments: Textured and Unique
Here’s a fun twist on twigs: cut small branches into equal lengths and bind them with twine into little spheres. You can keep them natural for that rustic cozy vibe or spice things up by adding eco-friendly glitter. These textured balls make a playful but stylish statement on your tree and are super simple to put together for all ages. Plus, they feel like a little piece of the outdoors inside!
Berry and Pinecone Swag: Festive and Fresh
Want to elevate your holiday decor with minimal fuss? Make a swag using long evergreen branches, hot glue on pinecones, and nestle clusters of real or faux berries in between. It’s stunning and smells fantastic. Plus, everyone can get creative picking colors and styles, making this a perfect group project. Hang it on your door, mantel, or anywhere you want that festive pop!
Clay Star Ornaments: Easy and Personal
Stars are such an iconic holiday shape, and making them out of air-dry clay is surprisingly simple and fun. Roll out the clay, cut stars with cookie cutters, and after drying, add your own designs with paint or natural dyes. These ornaments look great hanging on the tree or nestled in a decorative bowl. It’s a fantastic craft for school-age kids who want to put their own spin on the season’s sparkle.
Foraged Nature Ornaments: Adventure Meets Art
Take the holidays outside by foraging your neighborhood for natural goodies like dried flowers, moss, or pretty stones. Tie these treasures together with twine or string to make unique ornaments. The gathering is half the fun—it’s a wonderful way to get kids exploring and appreciating nature’s little gifts. Fill a nature basket during your walks and turn those finds into meaningful decorations. It’s not just crafting; it’s a little adventure.
Acorn Cap Ornaments: Tiny and Playful
Acorn caps might seem small, but they pack a ton of charm! Attach them to strings or combine them with other natural stuff, and if you’re feeling whimsical, paint on tiny faces to turn them into little critters. These make cute garland pieces or solo ornaments hanging from branches. The best part? It’s a free, quirky craft that kids especially love for its simplicity and playfulness.
Twine-Wrapped Ornaments: Cozy and Textured
Grab some foam balls or even those old Christmas bulbs you might have tucked away, and wrap them up in twine for a warmly textured look. Use a hot glue gun to keep it neat and add extras like buttons or tiny faux berries if you want to glam it up. These cozy ornaments bring that natural, handmade feeling to your tree and are super easy for kids to help make. It’s all about that simple, tactile joy.
Simple Nature Tags: Personalized and Dual Purpose
Here’s a neat idea: make simple nature tags that double as ornaments or gift tags! Find small, flat wood pieces and personalize them with paint or engravings. Add a twine loop for hanging. They look sweet on your tree or tied to presents, and because they’re made from natural materials, they’re budget-friendly too. Get the kiddos involved to create unique little pieces that carry family stories and traditions year after year.