There’s something special about decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments that carry a personal touch.

DIY christmas ornaments bring warmth and character to holiday décor in ways that store-bought pieces can’t match.

Making homemade christmas ornaments requires a bit of creativity and some time. These handcrafted decorations become cherished keepsakes over time.

The process itself can be therapeutic, offering a peaceful break from holiday stress while still contributing to festive preparations.

Why Make Your Own Christmas Ornaments?

Creating your own Christmas ornaments brings a personal touch that store-bought decorations can’t match.

Handmade ornaments become treasured keepsakes that tell your family’s unique story, marking special moments and milestones through the years.

Making ornaments is also budget-friendly, allowing you to decorate beautifully without overspending during the holidays.

It’s an excellent bonding activity that brings families together, creating lasting memories while crafting. Children especially love seeing their creations displayed on the tree year after year.

DIY ornaments also make thoughtful, heartfelt gifts for friends and relatives who appreciate handcrafted items. You have complete creative control over colors, styles, and themes to match your home decor perfectly.

Also, crafting ornaments reduces waste by using materials you already have at home. These homemade treasures often become family heirlooms passed down through generations.

Salt Dough and Clay Ornaments

These homemade Christmas ornaments use simple pantry ingredients you already have at home.

Perfect for creating lasting keepsakes that kids will treasure for years, these ornaments can be customized with paint, stamps, or natural embellishments.

1. Salt Dough Stars

Mix 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1.5 cups of water to create a dough that’s perfect for cookie-cutter shapes. After baking at 325°F until golden, let kids paint them in festive colors or leave them natural for a rustic farmhouse look.

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, perfect for first-time crafters
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament using pantry staples
• Lifespan: 5+ years when sealed with clear coating

2. Handprint Keepsake Ornaments

Press your child’s hand into rolled salt dough to capture their tiny prints forever. Add the year with a toothpick before baking, then paint the background in metallics or traditional Christmas colors for a sentimental treasure.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for toddlers and preschoolers
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: Keepsake quality, lasts decades with proper care

3. Cinnamon-Scented Dough Ornaments

Replace half the flour in your salt dough recipe with cinnamon for ornaments that smell amazing. These fragrant DIY Christmas ornaments fill your home with the cozy scent of the holidays and look beautiful with simple ribbon hangers.

• Skill Level: Beginner with basic baking skills
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament due to cinnamon
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, scent fades after the first season

4. Stamped Clay Ornaments

Use air-dry clay and rubber stamps to create elegant patterns and designs. Press sprigs, lace, or geometric stamps into the clay before it dries for graceful ornaments that look store-bought.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Cost: $1-3 per ornament, depending on clay brand
• Lifespan: 5+ years with careful handling

5. Personalized Clay House Ornaments

Form clay into tiny house shapes and carve family names or dates into the surface. These make thoughtful housewarming gifts or “new home” commemorative ornaments that celebrate special milestones.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, requires shaping skills
• Cost: $2-3 per ornament
• Lifespan: Keepsake quality, lasts indefinitely

6. Cookie Cutter Imprint Ornaments

Press cookie cutters into salt dough to create decorative borders and shapes within circles. The layered effect creates visual interest, and kids love choosing which shapes to combine for different designs.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for kids
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years when properly sealed

7. Minimalist Black and White Clay Discs

Roll clay into simple circles and add clean geometric patterns with black paint or markers. These modern homemade Christmas ornaments complement any decor style and look stunning clustered together on the tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner with a steady hand for painting
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, becomes more valued with age

8. Textured Salt Dough Ornaments

Use household items like burlap, lace, or textured rolling pins to create patterns in your dough. The imprinted textures add depth and visual interest without requiring any painting or decorating skills.

• Skill Level: Beginner, no artistic skills needed
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years with protective coating

9. Initial Stamped Clay Ornaments

Stamp family members’ initials into clay circles using alphabet stamps or carved designs. Finish with metallic paint around the edges for personalized ornaments that make wonderful gifts for teachers, neighbors, and loved ones.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: Keepsake quality, lasts 10+ years

Natural and Rustic Ornaments

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with ornaments made from foraged and natural materials.

These rustic DIY Christmas ornaments add organic texture and warmth to your tree while celebrating the simple beauty of the outdoors.

10. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments

Slice oranges thinly, dry them in a low oven for 3-4 hours, and thread twine through for hanging. Add cinnamon sticks or wooden beads for extra farmhouse charm that looks and smells wonderful on your tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner, requires patience for drying
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 1-2 seasons, color fades naturally

11. Pinecone Ornaments

Collect pinecones from your yard and attach ribbon or twine for instant rustic ornaments. Spray with white paint for a snowy effect, leave natural, or dust with glitter for sparkle.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for nature walks with kids
• Cost: Free if foraged, under $1 with paint
• Lifespan: 5+ years, virtually indestructible

12. Birch Wood Slice Ornaments

Purchase pre-cut wood slices or cut your own from fallen branches. Paint winter scenes, stencil snowflakes, or wood-burn designs onto the smooth surface for charming woodland-style decorations.

• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, depending on decoration
• Cost: $1-3 per ornament if purchased
• Lifespan: 10+ years, becomes rustic with age

13. Cinnamon Stick Bundle Ornaments

Tie 5-7 cinnamon sticks together with twine or ribbon for fragrant ornaments. These aromatic bundles look perfect on rustic trees and can double as package toppers for homemade gift wrapping.

• Skill Level: Beginner, takes 5 minutes
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, scent gradually fades

14. Mini Grapevine Wreath Ornaments

Wrap twine around small grapevine wreath forms and hot glue foraged greenery and star anise. These miniature wreaths bring outdoor charm indoors and work beautifully on farmhouse or traditional trees.

• Skill Level: Beginner with hot glue gun skills
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, greenery may fade

15. Acorn Cap Ornaments

Paint foam balls brown and press acorn caps into the surface with hot glue. Dust with glitter and add ribbon hangers for fancy woodland ornaments that kids will love making.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for kids
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years with gentle handling

16. Twig Star Ornaments

Collect fallen twigs and hot glue them into star shapes. Leave natural for rustic charm, or spray paint white or gold for a more polished look that still celebrates nature.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Cost: Free if foraged, under $1 with paint
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, may become brittle

17. Preserved Ornaments

Bundle small sprigs of pine, cedar, or fir with wire and hot glue to wooden circles. Add a loop of twine, and these fresh-looking ornaments will keep their green color throughout the season.

• Skill Level: Beginner with basic wreath-making skills
• Cost: Free to $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 1 season for a fresh look, 3-5 if preserved

18. Pine Needle Ornaments

Gather long pine needles and weave them into stars or bundle them into simple shapes. These lightweight homemade Christmas ornaments cost nothing to make and show the intricate beauty of nature.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, requires weaving technique
• Cost: Free when foraged
• Lifespan: 1-2 seasons, fragile but beautiful

Fabric and Felt DIY Christmas Ornaments

Soft, colorful, and kid-safe, fabric ornaments add cozy texture to your Christmas tree. These no-break options are perfect for families with young children, and many require no sewing skills at all.

19. Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments

Cut tree shapes from green felt and decorate with buttons, sequins, or embroidered details. Stack multiple layers for dimension or keep it simple with single-layer trees topped with star buttons.

• Skill Level: Beginner, no sewing required
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament from felt scraps
• Lifespan: 10+ years, extremely durable

20. Mini Felt Wreath Ornaments

Cut small donut shapes from felt and embellish with tiny felt berries and bows. These adorable wreaths are perfect for kids to craft since felt won’t fray, and mistakes are easily fixed.

• Skill Level: Beginner, kid-friendly
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, won’t break or shatter

21. No-Sew Fabric Ball Ornaments

Wrap fabric scraps around foam balls and secure with pins or hot glue. Mix patterns and textures for a scrappy, cottage-style look that uses up leftover materials from other projects.

• Skill Level: Beginner, no crafting experience needed
• Cost: Under $1 using fabric scraps
• Lifespan: 5+ years, depending on fabric quality

22. Sweater Scrap Ornaments

Cut shapes from old sweaters and fill with batting for soft, cozy ornaments. The chunky knit texture adds warmth to your tree and gives new life to outgrown or damaged sweaters.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, basic sewing helpful
• Cost: Free from upcycled sweaters
• Lifespan: 5+ years, very durable

23. Felt Gingerbread Ornaments

Create half-eaten gingerbread shapes from tan felt with white embroidery floss details. These playful ornaments look good enough to eat and won’t shatter if they fall from the tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate for embroidery
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, kid-proof design

24. Yarn-Wrapped Star Ornaments

Cut star shapes from cardboard and wrap colorfully with yarn until fully covered. Use hot glue to secure the ends, and these textured ornaments work up quickly in any color scheme.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for kids ages 5+
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, can be refreshed with new yarn

25. Pom-Pom Garland Ornaments

String homemade or store-bought pom-poms onto ribbon or twine for playful ornaments. Kids love these soft, colorful decorations, and they’re nearly impossible to break during decorating sessions.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for toddlers
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, extremely child-safe

26. Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

Frame festive fabric in mini embroidery hoops for Scandinavian-inspired ornaments. Add wooden trees, felt shapes, or holiday prints for customizable decorations that showcase your favorite fabrics.

• Skill Level: Beginner with basic embroidery hoop skills
• Cost: $2-3 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, fabric may fade

Upcycled and Recycled Ornaments

Turn trash into treasure with these eco-friendly ornament ideas that give new purpose to everyday items. These creative DIY Christmas ornaments prove that beautiful decorations don’t require expensive materials.

27. Light Bulb Snowmen

Paint burned-out bulbs white, add face details with markers, and wrap with fabric scraps for scarves. These charming snowmen keep old bulbs out of landfills while adding whimsy to your tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner, requires a steady hand for painting
• Cost: Free using burned-out bulbs
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, handle carefully as glass

28. Wine Cork Christmas Trees

Stack and glue three wine corks in pyramid formation for instant mini trees. Paint green, add star toppers, and these festive ornaments celebrate your favorite vintages all season long.

• Skill Level: Beginner with a hot glue gun
• Cost: Free if you save corks
• Lifespan: 10+ years, virtually indestructible

29. Puzzle Piece Reindeer

Glue puzzle pieces together to form reindeer faces and antlers, then paint them brown. Add googly eyes and red pom-pom noses for adorable ornaments that use up incomplete puzzles.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for kids
• Cost: Free from old puzzles
• Lifespan: 5+ years with gentle handling

30. Mason Jar Lid Wreaths

Wrap Mason jar rings with yarn or twine and hot glue mini ornaments or bells. These miniature wreaths are perfect for using up spare jar lids from canning projects.

• Skill Level: Beginner, takes 15 minutes
• Cost: Under $1 using jar lids you have
• Lifespan: 5+ years, very sturdy

31. Bottle Cap Snowflakes

Arrange painted bottle caps in snowflake patterns and glue them together. The metallic centers catch the light beautifully, and these sturdy ornaments can withstand years of handling.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Cost: Free if you collect caps
• Lifespan: 10+ years, extremely durable

32. Paper Towel Roll Snowflakes

Cut cardboard tubes into half-inch rings and arrange in snowflake patterns. Paint white, dust with glitter, and these light-looking ornaments cost practically nothing to make.

• Skill Level: Beginner, kid-friendly project
• Cost: Free from household items
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, surprisingly sturdy

33. Button Ornament Balls

Hot glue colorful buttons onto foam balls in overlapping layers for textured ornaments. This is a perfect way to use up stray buttons from your craft stash.

• Skill Level: Beginner, meditative, and relaxing
• Cost: Under $1 using button stash
• Lifespan: 5+ years with gentle handling

34. Cookie Cutter Ornaments

Wrap old cookie cutters with baker’s twine or spray paint them in metallic colors. These instant ornaments celebrate your love of baking and bring nostalgic charm to the tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner, takes 5 minutes each
• Cost: Free, using old cookie cutters
• Lifespan: 10+ years, metal lasts forever

35. Playing Card Ornaments

Glue two playing cards back-to-back with ribbon between for hanging. These work wonderfully for game-themed trees or as ornaments for card players in your life.

• Skill Level: Beginner, extremely simple
• Cost: Free from incomplete card decks
• Lifespan: 5+ years, laminate for longer life

36. Hardware Store Ornaments

Spray paint washers, nuts, and bolts in festive colors and string them together. These industrial-chic ornaments are perfect for the DIY enthusiast and surprisingly stylish when metallic.

• Skill Level: Beginner with spray paint experience
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, metal won’t deteriorate

Clear Glass Ornament Ideas

Start with inexpensive, clear ornaments from the craft store and customize them. These DIY Christmas ornaments are perfect for creating personalized decorations that match your exact color scheme and style.

37. Confetti-Filled Ornaments

Use a hole punch to create confetti from tissue paper or scrapbook paper. Funnel the colorful pieces into clear ornaments for festive, shakeable decorations that kids love making.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for ages 3+
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament with a glass bulb
• Lifespan: 5+ years, seal opening with hot glue

38. Glitter Swirl Ornaments

Pour craft glue inside clear ornaments and swirl to coat, then add glitter and shake. Dump out excess for gorgeous, sparkly ornaments that catch every bit of tree light.

• Skill Level: Beginner, slightly messy process
• Cost: $1-3 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, glitter stays sealed inside

39. Faux Snow Globe Ornaments

Add artificial snow and mini figurines inside clear bulbs for DIY snow globes. Suspend figures from the cap with fishing line for scenes that appear to float magically.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, requires careful assembly
• Cost: $2-4 per ornament with figurines
• Lifespan: 10+ years if sealed properly

40. Photo Memory Ornaments

Roll photos into tubes and slide them inside clear ornaments with fake snow. These preserve precious memories beautifully and make meaningful gifts for grandparents and family members.

• Skill Level: Beginner, no special skills needed
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament plus photo printing
• Lifespan: Keepsake quality, indefinite with care

41. Dried Flower Ornaments

Fill clear ornaments with preserved petals from wedding bouquets or special occasions. These light homemade Christmas ornaments celebrate meaningful moments and look stunning catching the light.

• Skill Level: Beginner with preserved flowers
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, flowers may fade slightly

42. Coffee Bean Ornaments

Pour coffee beans into clear ornaments for a different, aromatic decoration. When hung near tree lights, the warmth releases a subtle coffee scent throughout your room.

• Skill Level: Beginner, takes 2 minutes
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, beans stay fresh-looking

43. Tinsel and Ribbon Ornaments

Stuff clear ornaments with strips of metallic tinsel or curled ribbon. The texture and sparkle create visual interest, and you can coordinate colors perfectly with your tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner, no skills required
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, materials won’t degrade

44. Sprinkle-Covered Ornaments

Coat the outside of clear ornaments with glue and roll in colorful sprinkles. These sweet decorations look like candy and add playful charm to kitchen or family room trees.

• Skill Level: Beginner, fun for kids
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, sprinkles may lose color

Paper and Cardstock Ornaments

Paper ornaments are budget-friendly, easily customizable, and surprisingly durable when properly made.

These DIY Christmas ornaments prove that simple materials can create stunning results with just scissors, glue, and creativity.

45. 3D Paper Stars

Cut star shapes from cardstock, fold strategically, and layer for dimension. These geometric ornaments look modern and graceful while costing just pennies to make.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, requires precise folding
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years with careful storage

46. Accordion-Folded Paper Medallions

Fold scrapbook paper accordion-style and glue ends to create circular medallions. String several together or hang individually for retro-inspired ornaments with significant visual impact.

• Skill Level: Beginner, simple folding technique
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years if stored flat

47. Sheet Music Ornaments

Cut circles from vintage sheet music and layer to create spheres. Music lovers will appreciate these nostalgic ornaments that celebrate favorite carols and melodies.

• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, paper may yellow beautifully

48. Paper Bell Ornaments

Download free bell templates, cut from festive paper, and fold according to instructions. These dimensional bells add a charm and are simple enough for beginners to master.

• Skill Level: Beginner with template following
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, handle gently

49. Origami Ornament Balls

Fold colorful origami paper into traditional patterns and assemble into ball shapes. These intricate homemade Christmas ornaments look complex, but follow simple repeated steps anyone can learn.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, patience required
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years with careful handling

50. Upcycled Christmas Card Ornaments

Punch shapes from old Christmas cards and layer with ribbon for hanging. This gives new life to beloved cards while preserving memories from seasons past.

• Skill Level: Beginner, uses a hole punch
• Cost: Free from the cards you have
• Lifespan: 5+ years, sentimental value

51. Paper Loop Ornaments

Cut strips of patterned paper and glue them into loops, connecting them. Kids love making these simple yet effective ornaments in rainbow colors or coordinated patterns.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for ages 4+
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, depending on paper quality

52. Cardboard Cutout Ornaments

Cut shapes from cereal boxes or cardboard and wrap with yarn or twine. Paint or leave natural, and these sturdy ornaments withstand enthusiastic decorating by little hands.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for kids
• Cost: Free from recycled materials
• Lifespan: 5+ years, surprisingly durable

53. Book Page Ornaments

Fold pages from damaged books into rosettes, trees, or angels. Literature lovers appreciate these literary ornaments that give damaged books a second life on the tree.

• Skill Level: Intermediate, requires careful folding
• Cost: Free from damaged books
• Lifespan: 5+ years, vintage look improves

Kid-Friendly DIY Christmas Ornaments

Get children excited about holiday crafting with these simple projects designed for small hands and short attention spans.

These homemade Christmas ornaments create lasting memories and give kids pride in decorating the family tree.

54. Popsicle Stick Trees

Glue three popsicle sticks in a triangle formation and paint it green. Add button ornaments, sequin garland, and star toppers for trees that look adorable and stay intact.

• Skill Level: Beginner, great for ages 4+
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, very sturdy

55. Beaded Candy Canes

Thread red and white beads onto pipe cleaners bent into candy cane shapes. These are perfect for preschoolers’ learning patterns and developing fine motor skills.

• Skill Level: Beginner, teaches pattern recognition
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years with gentle handling

56. Painted Wooden Shapes

Purchase unfinished wooden ornaments from craft stores and let kids paint freely. Set them up with washable paints and brushes for independent creating that parents won’t stress over.

• Skill Level: Beginner, any age with supervision
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, sealed wood lasts

57. Thumbprint Reindeer

Press brown paint-covered thumbs onto paper or wooden circles for reindeer bodies. Kids add googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and red pom-pom noses for adorable results.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for toddlers
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years if on wood, 3 years on paper

58. Sequin-Covered Foam Balls

Pin or glue sequins onto foam balls in patterns or randomly. The sparkly results delight young crafters, and dropped ornaments won’t break or shatter.

• Skill Level: Beginner, ages 5+ with pins
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years, kid-proof design

59. Painted Pinecone Ornaments

Let kids paint collected pinecones in bright colors or whites. Add glitter while wet for extra sparkle, and attach ribbon hangers when completely dry.

• Skill Level: Beginner, nature craft for all ages
• Cost: Free if foraged, under $1 with paint
• Lifespan: 10+ years, won’t break

60. Crayon Melted Ornaments

Place crayon pieces inside clear ornaments and carefully heat with a hairdryer. Kids watch amazed as crayons melt into colorful abstract designs inside the glass.

• Skill Level: Beginner, adult supervision required for heat
• Cost: $1-2 per ornament
• Lifespan: 5+ years if the glass doesn’t break

61. Yarn Ball Ornaments

Wrap foam or plastic balls completely with colorful yarn. Kids can make these independently, and the soft texture means no worries about breakage under the tree.

• Skill Level: Beginner, perfect for ages 4+
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 10+ years, extremely durable

62. Paper Chain Mini Wreaths

Cut colored paper into strips and loop them into small chain circles. Glue ends together to form wreath shapes, and add tiny bows for simple ornaments that teach sequencing skills.

• Skill Level: Beginner, teaches fine motor skills
• Cost: Under $1 per ornament
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, gentle handling needed

Tips for Making Perfect DIY Christmas Ornaments

These simple tips help make your Christmas ornaments look polished and last longer. They are helpful for beginners and experienced crafters alike.

• Use lightweight materials so branches do not bend
• Let the paint and glue dry thoroughly before hanging
• Test colors together before decorating multiple ornaments
• Keep a paper towel nearby for quick cleanups
• Store finished ornaments in padded boxes
• Label handmade ornaments with the year

Bringing Handmade Magic to Life

The beauty of DIY christmas ornaments lies in their imperfection. Each piece crafted at home carries a story, whether it’s made during a cozy weekend afternoon or as part of a cherished family tradition.

Starting with just one or two homemade christmas ornaments this season can spark a creative hobby that lasts for years.

The materials are accessible, the techniques are forgiving, and the results always add genuine charm to any tree.

Now’s the perfect time to gather some supplies and create something memorable. You will find yourself returning to the craft season after season as well!