To get you started, we have compiled a list of favorite easy-to-make DIY Christmas ornaments. Salt dough Christmas ornaments are a lot of fun to make, and the kids will enjoy getting their hands dirty. With so many DIY Christmas decorations and options available, you're sure to find something to your liking. From rustic tree ornaments made of twine to modern, metallic clay ornaments and even Christmas cookie ornaments, there's a Christmas craft for everyone in this collection. So, if you want to spice up your Christmas tree this year, check out some of these homemade ornaments.
1. Mini Bell Ornaments
You can adorn your tree or front door with these lovely ornaments by hanging them from hooks or draping them over branches.
To make: Construct bell shapes out of mini molds and Bundt pans by stacking them and gluing them together with epoxy. Attach a few miniature ornaments to the base of the bell using hot glue to make the clappers. Attach ribbon loops and a bow to the top using glue so that it can be hung. Add a swag of greenery, if desired.
2. Mini Santa Sleigh Ornament
Santa Claus and his miniature sleigh made of walnut shells will bring joy to anyone who spots them on the Christmas tree.
To make: Use a black marker with a very fine tip to draw two eyes on the face of a miniature wooden peg doll. The body of the doll should be covered in red felt, and the felt should be secured in place using hot glue. Construct a miniature hat out of red felt and secure it to the top of the doll's head with hot glue. Add a small pom pom to the top of the hat. Green felt should be wrapped around a miniature wooden cube, and then glue should be used to keep the felt in place. Wrap the gift in a ribbon and give it to the recipient. Create two small holes on either end of a walnut shell half using a drill. Put a piece of thin twine through each hole, then secure it with some hot glue on the inside of the shell. Make a knot on the top of the twine so it can be hung. Make Santa and the gift stay put inside the shell by securing them with hot glue.
3. Clothespin Ornament
Convert a traditional piece of farm equipment, such as a clothespin, into a charming ornament for the Christmas tree. In our version, the clothespins we use are miniatures; however, if you would rather, you can use the standard-sized variety instead.
To make: Take 14 mini clothespins and remove the springs from each one. Flip the pieces that come off of each clothespin and glue them back to back to back to back. Put a circular structure together out of the pins by gluing them together. Attach a piece of gold twine to the top of one of the pins so that it can be hung.
4. Felt Olaf Ornament
Kids are obsessed with the movie Frozen, and when they see this ornament, they will undoubtedly start singing and dancing around the Christmas tree to the song "Let It Go" over and over again (sorry, parents!).
To make: White felt should be used to make the body shapes, which should then be hot-glued onto a tongue depressor. Black felt is used for the buttons, mouth, and eyebrows, which are attached to the body using hot glue. Attach miniature googly eyes with glue just below the eyebrows. Orange felt should be used to craft a carrot nose, which should then be glued in place below the eyes. Attach some miniature twig arms to the tongue depressor, as well as a piece of twine for hanging it.
5. Unicorn Ornament
This adorable and friendly DIY unicorn ornament is sure to put a smile on the face of any child or grandchild.
To make: To decorate a ball ornament made of glass or plastic, remove the cap. Reduce the volume of some light pink acrylic paint by lightly watering it down. Pour the paint in the opening of the ornament as carefully as possible. Turn the ornament until the inside is completely coated with paint, then pour out any excess that has accumulated. After the liquid has dried, replace the cap. After creating the ears and horn of the unicorn by pressing sculpting clay of the desired color into a silicone unicorn mold, allow the clay to dry completely. Using the hot glue, attach a miniature unicorn horn, ears, and some artificial flowers. Use a paint pen in gold to draw eyelashes just below the horn of the creature.
6. Walnut Rudolph Ornament
This bright and cheery Rudolph ornament is the perfect way to say hello to Santa. Santa Claus will be able to find the cookies that you have hidden under the tree thanks to his glistening red nose.
To make: Create a tiny hole in the uppermost portion of the walnut shell half using a drill. Applying hot glue will secure the mini googly eyes, the mini pom pom in red, and the brown felt ears. Put a piece of twine through the hole, then tie a knot at the end.
7. Velvet Wrapped Ornament
This do-it-yourself project is classy and uncomplicated, and it only requires four supplies to finish.
To make: Make a square from the velvet material. Wrap around a ball ornament and tie a knot at the top of the ball. Create a hanger for the cinch by tying a piece of ribbon around it and using it to hold it closed. Attach it with hot glue after you've tied a bow out of the same ribbon. Use the hot glue gun to secure the small pearl craft bead.
8. Wooden Bead Snowman Ornament
We guarantee that this adorable do-it-yourself Frosty will not melt while he is hanging on your tree during the holiday season.
To make: Apply three coats of white acrylic paint to the craft beads made of wood. After the beads have dried, string a piece of twine through each hole, then tie a knot to keep them together. Using hot glue, adhere two black gem mini crystal rhinestones to serve as the eyes, and four more to serve as the buttons. Cut some short lengths of orange felt, and using hot glue, attach them just below the eyes on the face. Applying glue gun to the side of the middle bead will allow you to attach the stick arms. If you so choose, you can arm the flock. Using hot glue, secure a short strip of red felt around the brim of a miniature black top hat. Attach a string to the top of the hat using glue so that it can be hung. Attach the hat to the snowman's head with glue.
9. Decoupage Tissue Paper Ornament
This sweet and colorful ornament can be made with as little as ripping and gluing, but it will take longer to dry than it does to put together.
To make: Tear colorful tissue paper into small pieces. Mod Podge in a glossy finish can be used to adhere the ornament to a ball of clear glass or plastic. Over the top of the ornament cap, affix a teeny-tiny piece of ribbon or fabric. Put up to dry.
10. Gumball Machine Ornaments
Transform a transparent and unadorned ornament into a miniature gumball machine complete with colorful gumballs and candies of various sizes (or pom poms if you prefer). People are going to be blown away by the fact that you made these adorable copies.
11. Wood Slice State Ornaments
These ornaments, which feature hand-painted state decals on each piece of wood, are the perfect way to commemorate your family's travels. We believe that these also make the ideal gift for friends or family members who travel quite a bit, and the recipient's destination doesn't even have to be a state!
12. Confetti Ornaments
These confetti ornaments would make a sparkling addition to your Christmas tree, giving it that extra bit of glitz that it needs. To make these beautiful ornaments, which would make a wonderful gift for other people or for you to give to yourself, you only need four things.
13. Pom-Pom Christmas Character Ornaments
These adorable ornaments can be used to create your very own pom-pom Santas, reindeer, elves, and other holiday characters. The instructions also include step-by-step guidance for creating your very own pom-poms.
14. Painted Nut Ornaments
Llamas, snowmen, and decorated trees are the things that most immediately bring to mind Christmas. Why should we? Your children will have a lot of fun painting these adorable ornaments that are made out of a variety of nuts.
15. DIY Cross-Stitched Sleigh Ornament
What could be more endearing than a carefully crafted ornament? Obviously, the one depicting a merry Christmas scene is the best option. This sleigh that's been loaded down with gifts is just what the doctor ordered.
16. DIY Paper Candle Ornaments
These classic paper ornaments almost have the appearance of actual candles when viewed from a distance. The good news for parents of young children, however, is that these ones are significantly less hazardous.
17. DIY Rudolph Ornaments
This is such a cute idea for ornaments, but they'd also make adorable gift toppers if you made them smaller. If you make more than one, you'll soon have an entire herd of pastel-colored reindeer at your disposal.
18. DIY Wood Bead Snowflake Ornament
These handmade decorations are made with a single color of twine and a few plain wooden beads. Regardless of whether you prefer a more glitzy or understated look, they will look fantastic hanging on your tree.
19. DIY Sugar Cookie Ornaments
The most enjoyable aspect of making a batch of "ornament cookies" is forgetting that they are intended for the Christmas tree and, of course, sampling a few of them along the way. (We won't tell!)
20. DIY Paper House Ornaments
These adorable little paper houses are just the cutest thing ever. When strung from a brightly lit tree, they will immediately make any living room feel more inviting and toasty.
21. Printable Retro Ornaments
These adorable ornaments are brought to life with the help of wooden beads and embroidery floss. They are stunning in their own right, but significantly more affordable than their vintage equivalents.
22. Wrapped Yarn Ornaments
The fact that these vibrant do-it-yourself ornaments can be created at any time of the year is one of our favorite aspects of them. To decorate for Christmas, you can make a tree out of green yarn. Feel like getting crafty on Valentine's Day? This rendition in the shape of a heart is absolutely adorable.
23. Flannel Embroidery Hoop Ornaments
There is something about flannel that just screams "Christmas," so what better fabric could there be to incorporate into your ornaments than flannel? Include some of your favorite iron-on decals for a further touch of rustic charm.
24. Christmas List Ornament
Because it is likely that your children have already begun compiling their wish lists for Christmas, this ornament is even more pertinent this year. Give them a piece of paper and tell them to write down what they want on it. Then have them wrap the paper around a bobbin to make a personalized decoration.
25. Blue Marble Ornaments
You want to give your Christmas tree a more contemporary look, do you? These lovely marbled ornaments are a suggestion from us. You are free to go for an icy feel by using this cool blue hue, or you can choose a color palette that features seasonal colors like red and green.
26. Twine Tree Ornaments
These miniature Christmas trees made from twine and metal are the best there is for those who adore the rustic appeal of a farmhouse. They will lend an authentically weathered appearance to any tree.
27. Wooden Rudolph Ornaments
These adorable Rudolph ornaments are a cinch to make, and their rhinestone-studded red noses will look absolutely stunning when displayed next to your twinkle lights.
28. Mini Winter Hat Ornaments
Make sure your tree is nice and toasty when the weather gets colder by decorating it with these adorable miniature winter hats. To make these adorable decorations, you will only need some yarn and pom-poms to put together.
29. Cross-Stitch Ornament
This embellishment, which is inspired by the past, can be cross-stitched even by novices.
30. Salt Dough Ornaments
Ornaments fashioned from salt dough are a time-honored craft that your children will enjoy making. For those who are flawless: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of kosher salt, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Work the dough with your hands until it is smooth and elastic. To create the desired shapes, roll out the dough and cut it (use a straw to poke a hole for hanging). Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until dry, which should take about an hour; allow to cool down completely.
31. Home State Ornaments
This adorable set is a great way to show off your allegiance to your state. Create your own to highlight the region in which you were born and the region in which you currently reside, or the regions from which you and your partner both originate.
32. Floral Ornaments
There is a rationale behind why these exquisite objects appear to be flawless. This blogger transferred these sophisticated floral designs onto otherwise plain baubles by using temporary tattoos.
33. Embroidery Hoop Wreath Ornament
Those who enjoy doing cross-stitch can put their sewing abilities to the test by working on this awesome wreath project.
34. Rudolph Ornament
In honor of the holiday season, you should celebrate by hosting your very own ornament decorating party, at which your guests will be able to make this adorable thing to take home with them.
35. Watercolor Designs
Get out your easel and paintbrush, because you're about to create a masterpiece all on your own. Follow the example of this crafter and adorn your item with a straightforward pattern; alternatively, you could go for swirls, flowers, or anything else that comes to mind.
36. Gold Hand-Lettered Ornaments
Do not be concerned; you do not need to possess exceptional calligraphy skills in order to create these works of art at home. The tutorial provided by this blogger makes it simple to create designs just like hers.
37. Mini Ball Jar and Tea Light Christmas Ornament
These charming and homey Christmas ornaments are made from miniature canning jars and tea lights that are powered by batteries. They are the perfect addition to any string of Christmas lights.
38. Embroidery Hoop Pom-Pom Christmas Ornaments
This simple cross-stitch Christmas craft and ornament project can be completed successfully even by novice stitchers. If you don't feel like sewing anything at all, you can use colorful fabric in place of the standard black cloth. Your ornament will still have the same adorable appearance.
39. Gold and Clay Christmas Ornaments
You can stamp these clay and gold-painted beauties with any message you like; alternatively, you can adorn them with names and give one to each member of your family. Although this blogger chose to use her ornament to commemorate her baby's "first Christmas," you are free to do whatever you like with them.
40. Scrap Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornament
This straightforward Christmas ornament requires nothing more than some leftover ribbon or fabric scraps, some twine, and a twig gathered from your yard.
41. Sprinkle-Covered Christmas Ornaments
These ornaments are ideal for the member of the family who has an unquenchable desire for sugary treats.
42. Upcycled CD Christmas Ornament
We all have some scratched or broken CDs lying around, so why not put them to good use by decorating a set of inexpensive clear bulbs with its pieces? This is something we can all relate to having lying around. You can save money on craft supplies while also adding some sparkle and shine to your Christmas tree by following this shrewd strategy.
43. Vintage Style Ornaments
The Christmas celebrations that take place at grandma's house serve as the inspiration for these pastel and retro ornaments.
44. Mason Jar Ring Map Ornament
These map ornaments can be framed using the lid rings from Mason jars. All you need is a map of your hometown or a map of your favorite vacation spot to get started.
45. Hot Cocoa Peppermint Ornament
These handcrafted Christmas ornaments would make wonderful gifts for family, friends, and neighbors. They are free to crack it open and use it whenever they get a hankering for some hot chocolate.
46. Rustic Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornament
We recommend making a few extra of these embroidery hoop Christmas ornaments and hanging them on doorknobs and windows because they are so lovely. Although they will look wonderful on your Christmas tree, they are so lovely that we recommend making them.
Mini Sleds
Oh, the joy of taking a ride in one of these adorably diminutive popsicle sleighs!
47. Mini Snow Globes
You'll need plastic old-fashioned light bulb ornaments, white glitter, mini bottle brush trees, red and white striped baker's twine, and a hot glue gun to make these winter wonderland globes.
48. Homemade Christmas Tree Stars
The only materials you'll need to make these adorable Christmas star ornaments are some festive yarn and some pretty cardstock.
49. Wood Burned Snowflake
To make this charmingly old-fashioned ornament, first paint a slice of wood gold, and then use a wood burner to carve a snowflake design into it.
50. Felt Christmas Tree Ornament
Putting together (and then hanging) these lovable felt trees is a simple craft that the whole family can enjoy doing together.
51. Wine Cork Reindeers
The best reindeer for Christmas ornaments are those crafted from wine corks.
52. Rustic Boho Twig Arrows
Make your decorations more bohemian by fashioning arrows out of twigs, feathers, and wooden beads. This will give your tree a more rustic and natural look.
53. Photo Transfer Ornaments
You can infuse your Christmas tree with warm feelings by printing photos on wooden ornaments and hanging them on the tree.
54. Mason Jar Lid Tree Ornaments
I'll bet you've never considered turning the lids of your Mason jars into ornaments.
55. Scrabble Tile Ornament
You can decorate your Christmas tree with the name of your favorite holiday song by using Scrabble tiles.
56. Recycled K-Cup Snowman Hat Ornaments
Make the cutest little top hats ever using empty K-cups.
57. Simple Popsicle Stick Sled
These are sure to be a hit with your kids! Gather together six popsicle sticks to fashion a scaled-down replica of Santa's sleigh.
58. Red Nose Reindeer Ornament
To fashion a small version of Rudolph, all you need are two and a half wine corks and a bit of leftover fabric scrap.
59. Mini Mittens
These sweet little mittens are the ideal ornament for a Christmas tree decorated for the winter season.
60. Paint-by-Numbers
A small number of these amateur paintings can produce a plethora of one-of-a-kind tree trimmers, and they can be found in abundance at flea markets. The designer, who used heavy-duty scissors to cut out the silhouettes, says that the form of vintage ornaments has always been a source of inspiration for her. "I've always been inspired by the shape of vintage ornaments."
61. Bottle Cap Snowmen
This simple craft is great for children because all you need to do is paint some old bottle caps white, glue them to a single strand of ribbon, and then decorate them.
62. French Macaron Ornament
Put a little bit of France on your Christmas tree by decorating it with these bright candies. Either polymer clay or fondant can be used to create these ornaments designed to look like macarons.
63. Vintage Map Ornament
Turning your old paper maps into ornaments is a great way to recycle them! Simply adopt the surprisingly straightforward folding method demonstrated by this blogger, and finish off the project by tying a ribbon loop.
64. DIY Dried Citrus Ornaments
When the light shines through citrus ornaments, the effect is strikingly similar to that of stained glass. You only need blood oranges and navel oranges, parchment paper, two cookie sheets, jute or natural twine, a skewer or nail, and decorative hooks to string your own strand.
65. Craft the Christmas Ornaments
Put the oven on to preheat at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut oranges into crosswise slices that are 14 of an inch thick (four oranges make a six-foot garland).
Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Orange slices should be dried off with paper towels before being arranged in a single layer on cookie sheets.
Place in the oven and bake for about three hours, or until dry. (Turn the slices over at the halfway point to ensure that they dry in a flat position.) Remove from the oven.
Using a nail or skewer, pierce two holes into the surface of the top of each orange slice.
Thread the twine through each hole in the oranges, making sure to space them out evenly along the garland. Hang from hooks after tying a loop at each end to finish it off.
66. Craft Stick Skis and Ribbon Candy
Skis Made From Craft Sticks: Simply paint two craft sticks made of wood. Sticks should be joined with hot glue in the shape of an X. White paint should be applied to two toothpicks. Attach metal snaps, size 1 in our case, to one end of each stick using hot glue. Fill in the opposite ends with black. Attach a loop made of a 34-inch piece of twine with hot glue to each black end. Attach one ski pole to the top ski using hot glue. Put some glue in the center of the first pole. Hang your skis by gluing twine onto the ski tops.
Candies in Ribbons: Apply fabric stiffener all over a piece of ribbon that is 24 inches long. Hang to dry (about an hour). As shown in the image to the right, fold the ribbon into loops and add a dot of hot glue in between each layer. Beads should be glued to the top and bottom of the object. Put an additional dot of glue on the top, and attach a loop of string so it can be hung.
67. Snowman, Starbursts, and Tree
Button Snowman: Glue three white two-hole buttons (turn top one perpendicular to create eyes) to white felt; trim felt, leaving a ⅛" edge. One piece of rickrack should be used to wrap it. A small hat shape should be cut out of the gray felt, and then hot glue should be used to attach it to the top. The ribbon can then be glued to the back of the hat to hang it.
String Starbursts: On a piece of birch measuring three inches in thickness, draw a circle that measures two and a half inches in diameter. At each of the eight points that are evenly spaced around the circle, mark them with a nail. Using embroidery floss, create squares and stars by winding it around individual nails. Put a nail on the top, and then tie a loop of string around it so it can hang.
Fabric Tree: Using pinking shears, cut two triangles from the fabric with dimensions of 4 1/2 inches high by 2 3/8 inches wide. Close the triangles by securing the long edges with hot glue, then stuff them with batting. A cinnamon stick should be inserted into the opening at the bottom of the triangles, and the fabric should be glued closed around it. To hang, you will need to thread a loop of string through the top.
68. Painted Walnut and Sweater Hoop
Walnut That Has Been Painted To paint a walnut, simply use acrylic paint. Apply a layer of clear nail polish once the base coat is dry for a glossy finish. Beads should be glued to the top and bottom of the object. Put a dot of additional glue on the very top, and then attach a loop of string so it can be hung.
To make a sweater hoop, simply pull the desired section of an old scarf or sweater through the inner circle of a three-inch embroidery hoop. Remove the section, making sure to leave a half-inch border. After folding the excess fabric over the hoop, hot glue should be applied to the back. Hang it up by attaching the outer hoop and threading the ribbon through the hardware at the top.
