Making your own Christmas tree ornaments is a fun and rewarding holiday craft. Handmade ornaments add a personal touch to your decorations and are perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you’re using fabric, paper, or everyday materials, these easy tree ornaments are perfect for all skill levels.
Here’s a list of creative and simple ornament ideas to get you started.
1. Felt Christmas Ornaments
Soft and festive, felt ornaments are beginner-friendly and require only a few supplies.
Materials Needed
- Felt sheets (various colors)
- Needle and thread
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Ribbon for hanging
How to Make It
- Cut Shapes: Use stencils or cookie cutters to trace shapes like stars, hearts, or snowflakes onto the felt. Cut two pieces per ornament.
- Sew the Edges: Stitch the two pieces together using a blanket stitch, leaving a small opening.
- Stuff and Finish: Fill the ornament with fiberfill, sew it closed, and attach a ribbon loop for hanging.
Tip: Add sequins or beads for extra sparkle.
2. Paper Snowflakes Ornaments
Paper snowflakes are a timeless and elegant addition to your Christmas tree.
Materials Needed
- White or metallic paper
- Scissors
- String or thread for hanging
How to Make It
- Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle, then fold it again into a smaller triangle.
- Cut out shapes along the folded edges to create a snowflake design.
- Unfold the paper, attach a loop of string, and hang it on the tree.
Tip: Use glitter or metallic pens to decorate the snowflakes for a frosty effect.
3. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
These ornaments are easy to make and fill your home with a delightful holiday scent.
Materials Needed
- Cinnamon sticks
- Twine or ribbon
- Hot glue gun
How to Make It
- Arrange 3–5 cinnamon sticks in a bundle and secure them with hot glue.
- Tie a ribbon or twine around the bundle to create a loop for hanging.
- Add small embellishments like berries or pine sprigs for extra charm.
4. Fabric Scrap Baubles
Turn fabric scraps into colorful and rustic ornaments.
Materials Needed
- Clear plastic or glass baubles
- Fabric scraps
- Ribbon
How to Make It
- Cut fabric scraps into small strips or squares.
- Fill the baubles with the fabric pieces, pushing them in with a pencil or skewer if needed.
- Tie a ribbon around the top of the bauble for a finished look.
Tip: Mix patterns and colors for a patchwork effect.
5. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are easy to make and can be personalized with paint or glitter.
Materials Needed
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup water
- Cookie cutters
- Paint and ribbon
How to Make It
- Mix the flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll it out and cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Use a straw to make a hole for hanging.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2–3 hours, then let cool.
- Paint the ornaments and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Tip: Press a child’s handprint into the dough for a keepsake ornament.
6. Pinecone Ornaments
Pinecones are a natural and versatile material for ornaments.
Materials Needed
- Pinecones
- Glitter or spray paint
- Ribbon or twine
How to Make It
- Clean and dry the pinecones.
- Add sparkle by spraying them with glue and sprinkling glitter or painting them with metallic spray paint.
- Tie a ribbon or twine to the top for hanging.
Tip: Add small bows or jingle bells for extra festivity.
7. Button Ornaments
Create colorful ornaments using buttons from your sewing kit.
Materials Needed
- Assorted buttons
- Floral wire
- Ribbon
How to Make It
- Thread buttons onto floral wire, arranging them by size and color.
- Shape the wire into a circle, star, or tree shape, and twist the ends to secure.
- Add a ribbon for hanging.
Tip: Use green buttons to create a wreath-shaped ornament.
8. Mason Jar Lid Ornaments
Repurpose mason jar lids into rustic Christmas ornaments.
Materials Needed
- Mason jar lids
- Holiday fabric or paper
- Ribbon or twine
- Hot glue gun
How to Make It
- Cut a circle of fabric or paper slightly larger than the lid insert.
- Glue the fabric or paper to the insert, then reassemble the lid.
- Attach a ribbon or twine loop for hanging.
Tip: Add small embellishments like buttons or miniature decorations for a unique touch.
9. Beaded Star Ornaments
Beaded ornaments are simple to make and add sparkle to your tree.
Materials Needed
- Craft wire
- Beads in various colors and sizes
- Ribbon or thread
How to Make It
- Cut a length of wire and thread beads onto it.
- Shape the wire into a star or snowflake, twisting the ends to secure.
- Add a ribbon loop for hanging.
10. Clothespin Reindeer
These adorable ornaments are quick to assemble and perfect for kids.
Materials Needed
- Wooden clothespins
- Paint (brown, red, black)
- Googly eyes
- Hot glue gun
- Ribbon or twine
How to Make It
- Paint the clothespins brown and let them dry.
- Glue two clothespins together in a “V” shape for the reindeer’s body.
- Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and ribbon for hanging.
11. Jingle Bell Ornaments
Nothing says Christmas like the sound of jingle bells!
Materials Needed
- Jingle bells
- Ribbon or twine
How to Make It
- String several jingle bells onto a ribbon or twine.
- Tie the ribbon into a loop and secure it with a bow.
- Hang it on your tree and enjoy the festive jingling sound.
12. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Popsicle sticks are a versatile crafting material, perfect for creating snowflake ornaments.
Materials Needed
- Popsicle sticks
- Paint or glitter
- Glue
How to Make It
- Arrange and glue popsicle sticks into a snowflake shape.
- Paint the snowflake white, silver, or gold, and sprinkle glitter while the paint is wet.
- Attach a ribbon or thread loop for hanging.
FAQs
1. What’s the easiest ornament to make?
Paper snowflakes, pinecone ornaments, and jingle bell ornaments are all quick and easy to make with minimal materials.
2. Can kids make these ornaments?
Yes! Many projects, like felt ornaments, popsicle stick snowflakes, and cinnamon stick bundles, are kid-friendly and fun.
3. What type of glue is best for ornaments?
A hot glue gun works well for most materials, but craft glue or fabric glue can also be used for paper or fabric ornaments.
4. How do I personalize ornaments?
Add names, initials, or dates using paint, markers, or stamps for a personal touch.
5. How do I store handmade ornaments?
Wrap them in tissue paper and store them in a sturdy box to protect them from damage.
6. Can I sell these ornaments?
Yes! Many of these ornaments, like fabric baubles and felt shapes, are popular at craft fairs or online shops.
7. Can I use recycled materials?
Absolutely! Upcycled materials like old buttons, fabric scraps, and mason jar lids make great ornaments.
8. How long do these projects take?
Most ornaments take 10–30 minutes to make, depending on the design.
9. What’s the best way to hang handmade ornaments?
Use ribbon, twine, or metallic ornament hooks for a polished look.
10. Are these ornaments durable?
While most are durable, ornaments made from fragile materials like salt dough or paper should be handled with care.