You know, the holiday season always gets me itching to make something cozy and personal for the house. Diving into DIY Christmas ornaments turned out to be such a treat — a great mix of relaxing, creative fun that jazzes up the tree with personal flair. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned crafter, these homemade ornaments make fab keepsakes or thoughtful gifts. I’ve rounded up 20 super easy, wallet-friendly ideas that’ll bring all the festive vibes to your holiday decor.
Getting Started with Salt Dough Ornaments
If you’re new to crafting, salt dough ornaments are a winner — so simple and satisfying. The basic recipe is just flour, salt, and water, mixed and kneaded until smooth. Roll the dough out, grab your favorite cookie cutters, and create fun shapes. After baking, you can paint them any color your heart desires. These little works of art also make sweet holiday keepsakes — how cute would it be to add kids’ handprints or footprints? For hanging, natural twine or ribbon works beautifully, giving it that rustic charm.
Warm Up Your Tree with Burlap and Plaid
There’s just something so homey about burlap and plaid, right? These materials scream farmhouse chic. To nail this look, cut your fabric into circles or cute little bows and wrap them around foam balls or cardboard shapes. Secure everything with twine for a natural finish. Add tiny pinecones or dried orange slices to really dial up the festive vibe. And hey, don’t toss those old checked shirts — they make for amazing, personal patches that add tons of character without spending a dime.
Rustic Beauty with Pinecone Ornaments
If you’re lucky enough to have pinecones in your yard or a nearby spot, grab some for this rustic ornament project. They bring an earthy, festive feel to any tree. Once you’ve collected your pinecones, get artsy by gluing on beads or adding a sprinkle of glitter. Tie them up with twine or brighten things up with a colorful ribbon. Mixing sizes — big and small pinecones — really makes your tree pop and adds interesting texture.
Cozy Up with Fabric Ornaments
Using fabric scraps for ornaments is not only economical but also visually delightful. Dig into your stash of old clothes or quilting fabrics, then sew or glue two pieces together, leaving a gap to stuff with cotton or even dried lavender — yum! It adds a subtle scent that’s so soothing. Decorating with buttons or small charms makes them truly your own. If you’re hunting for budget-friendly fabric, thrift stores usually have some hidden gems.
Family Fun with Popsicle Stick Ornaments
This one’s a classic for family crafting days. Grab some popsicle sticks and glue them in shapes — think snowflakes or stars. Let the kids jump in to paint and bedazzle with glitter, googly eyes, and sequins. The possibilities are endless, and the process is just as fun as the finished ornament. Heads up: an old wooden crate works wonders for keeping all your supplies neat and ready during your art sessions.
Giving Old Buttons New Life
If you have a stash of buttons sitting around, put them to good use by turning them into quirky holiday ornaments. Gather an assortment of sizes and colors, then arrange and glue them onto cardboard shapes or wreath frames. You can stick with classic holiday colors or mix it up for a fun palette. This is perfect for anyone wanting to recycle and breathe fresh life into their button collection. Bonus tip: ask friends and family to lend their extras to up your button game!
Soft and Sweet Felt Ornaments
Felt is such a dream to work with, especially for making soft ornaments like stockings or angels. Just pick your colors, cut out your shapes, and stitch or glue the edges, stuffing them lightly to give a little puff. Embroider some details if you’re feeling fancy, then top it off with a cheerful ribbon for hanging. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved — everyone picks their fave shape and colors, making a fun creative day.
Add Some Sparkle with Beaded Ornaments
For a bit of elegance on the tree, beaded ornaments are where it’s at. String beads in all sorts of shapes — candy canes, stars, you name it. Play with colors and bead sizes, and don’t be shy about mixing materials like wood, glass, or acrylic for added texture. This craft is wonderfully flexible, letting you personalize every tiny detail. Plus, those leftover beads can make cute matching garlands or even jazz up your gift wrapping.
Crafty and Colorful Paper Ornaments
Paper ornaments might seem simple, but they’re seriously charming. Grab some scrapbook paper or recycle your wrapping paper and cut out shapes — snowflakes, stars, or any festive motif you like. Layering them adds cool dimension, and a bit of paint or glitter amps up the sparkle. If cutting precise shapes isn’t your thing, stencils are a handy hack to make everything look polished without stress.
Rustic Twine-Wrapped Ornaments
There’s something so simple and beautiful about wrapping ornaments in twine. Start with a foam ball or an old ornament and wrap that twine tight. Add some dried flowers or tiny pine branches for a lovely natural touch. This DIY is super straightforward but ends up looking amazing on your tree. Plus, using leftover twine from other projects saves a bit of cash — always a win!
Glow Up Your Tree with Tea Light Ornaments
Want to cozy up the tree with some soft glow? Tea light ornaments are a unique way to do just that. Use small plastic cups or make holders from cardboard, then paint or decorate the outside with glitter and paper cutouts. Pop in battery-operated tea lights (bonus: safer than real candles) and hang them around your branches for a warm twinkle. Dollar stores usually have super affordable tea lights — score!
Magical Snow Globe Ornaments
Snow globe ornaments are like a little winter wonderland you can hang. Start with clear glass or plastic balls and tuck in tiny figures. Add water and glitter for that snow-globe effect, then seal it tight. Watching the glitter swirl is oddly mesmerizing. If you want a twist, try using old jars for a similar vibe — just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid spills!
Get Creative with Mod Podge Ornaments
Mod Podge is magic when it comes to personalizing ornaments. Pick your favorite fabric scraps or paper, cut them into shapes, and use Mod Podge to adhere and seal them on surfaces. The top coat dries shiny and durable, basically making your DIY ornament feel professionally crafted. To save a bit, hunt down scrap fabrics or paint samples at your local store — they work perfectly here!
Spice Things Up with Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon at Christmas? These cinnamon stick ornaments bring both scent and style. Just bundle a few sticks together with twine and tie a cute bow on top. For extra color, attach small faux holly sprigs. Hang them around the house or even clip them onto gift wrap for a surprise burst of festive aroma!
Yummy Gingerbread Ornaments
Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread — and you can let that joy shine right on your tree. Use a simple gingerbread recipe, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, bake, and cool. Then decorate with icing and candies. These ornaments look adorable, smell amazing, and double as lovely gifts if you package them nicely. Just don’t blame me if everyone tries to sneak a bite!
Bring Back Memories with Vintage Sheet Music Ornaments
Vintage sheet music ornaments add a nostalgic flair that’s all heart. Take old sheets, cut or fold them into stars, circles, or other festive shapes. Secure with a ribbon and hang them to enjoy a subtle musical vibe in your holiday decor. Thrift stores or online shops often have scraps at great prices if you’re on the lookout.
Get Inspired with Nature-Inspired Ornaments
If you love that cozy, rustic vibe, gather up acorns, twigs, or small branches from your yard for these nature-inspired ornaments. Glue or tie them together with twine for a simple yet charming look. They blend right in with other decor and are a sweet way to bring a bit of the outdoors inside. Pro tip: use leftover bits from other crafts for even more creative designs!
Upcycle Fun with Jar Lid Ornaments
Jar lid ornaments are a surprisingly fun way to repurpose old lids that would otherwise be tossed. Paint them in festive colors and jazz them up with ribbons or tiny seasonal decorations. They’re light and easy to hang, making them perfect for family craft nights. And as a bonus, using mason jar or pasta sauce lids helps reduce waste — win-win!