15 DIY Christmas Ornaments Your Family Will Treasure for Years

We’re sure you’ll reach for the dependable ornaments you’ve been using for years when it comes time to assemble and deck your Christmas tree this year—after all, the memories they evoke are priceless. And while they’re a guaranteed way to add some, well, spruce, pine, or cedar to your home, we believe that homemade Christmas decorations can have just as much significance. (Especially if you can make crafting homemade ornaments an enjoyable family Christmas project where you all get to make memories!) There’s never a bad time to make them, whether you want to wait until you’ve chosen your tree or you’re already in the spirit of the holidays and can’t wait to get your hands dirty and glittery It’s never too early to start planning the handmade Christmas decorations you want to make this year.

We’ve gathered some of our best simple DIY Christmas ornaments to help you get inspired. Making salt dough Christmas decorations is a lot of fun, and the kids will enjoy getting their hands dirty in the process. Once you’ve finished cutting out the ornaments with the cookie cutters, turn them into adorable ornaments covered in string. There are a tonne of DIY Christmas decorations available, so you’re sure to discover one that you like. There’s a Christmas project in here for everyone, ranging from options that are ideal for rustic trees, such as little ornaments made of twine, to modern, metallic clay ornaments and even Christmas cookie decorations. Therefore, we advise you to add a festive twist to your tree this year Look at a few of these handcrafted decorations.

1. Wooden Rudolph Ornaments

Wooden Rudolph ornaments are charming and festive decorations, especially popular during the holiday season. These ornaments often feature a hand-carved or painted depiction of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a beloved character from the classic Christmas story.

Typically made from various types of wood, such as pine, oak, or birch, these ornaments can be simple or intricately detailed. Some might be painted with bright colors and glitter, while others may have a more rustic, natural finish that highlights the wood’s grain.

Wooden Rudolph ornaments can be used to adorn Christmas trees, wreaths, or even as part of holiday centerpieces. They also make great gifts or keepsakes, capturing the warmth and joy of the season in a timeless, handcrafted form.

2. Twine Tree Ornaments

Twine tree ornaments are a delightful and rustic addition to holiday decorations. These ornaments are typically crafted from natural jute, burlap, or other types of twine, which is then shaped and decorated to resemble Christmas trees or other festive designs.

Here’s how twine tree ornaments are commonly made and used:

1. Basic Structure: Twine is often wrapped around a cone-shaped form or layered in a triangular pattern to create the shape of a Christmas tree. The structure can be left simple or enhanced with additional details.
2. Decorations: Once the basic tree shape is formed, the ornaments are decorated with various embellishments. These can include tiny wooden stars, beads, glitter, or miniature bows. Some might be adorned with small pieces of fabric or ribbon for added texture and color.
3. Finishing Touches: A loop of twine is usually attached to the top of the ornament, allowing it to be hung on a Christmas tree, wreath, or garland.
4. Uses: Twine tree ornaments are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They make charming additions to holiday trees, can be strung together as a garland, or used as part of a holiday centerpiece. They also serve as thoughtful and unique gifts or handmade keepsakes.

The natural, rustic look of twine tree ornaments adds a touch of warmth and simplicity to holiday decorations, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate handmade and eco-friendly crafts.

3. Blue Marble Ornaments

Blue marble ornaments are elegant and striking decorations, often used during the holiday season to add a touch of sophistication and color to Christmas trees or other festive displays. These ornaments are typically made from glass or ceramic and feature a swirling blue pattern that mimics the appearance of marble.

Here’s a closer look at blue marble ornaments:

1. Material: Most blue marble ornaments are crafted from glass or ceramic. The glass versions can have a shiny, reflective surface, while ceramic ones might have a matte or semi-gloss finish.
2. Design: The blue marble effect is achieved by incorporating various shades of blue in a swirling, veined pattern, reminiscent of natural marble. This design can range from subtle, understated hues to bold, vibrant blues.
3. Finishing Touches: These ornaments often come with a metallic or satin-finished cap at the top along with a loop or hook for hanging. Some might be adorned with additional decorations like silver accents or glitter to enhance their visual appeal.
4. Uses: Blue marble ornaments are versatile and can be used in several ways. They are commonly hung on Christmas trees, but they can also be used in wreaths, garlands, or as part of holiday table settings. Their elegant design makes them suitable for both modern and traditional holiday themes.
5. Variety: Blue marble ornaments come in various shapes and sizes, including round baubles, teardrops, and stars, allowing for a coordinated look throughout your holiday decor.

These ornaments bring a touch of luxury and a pop of color to holiday decorations, making them a popular choice for those looking to add a refined and stylish element to their festive displays.

4. Christmas List Ornament

A Christmas List ornament is a whimsical and heartwarming decoration that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This type of ornament typically features a design that resembles a list, often mimicking a handwritten letter or note. It serves as a charming reminder of the festive traditions and excitement of Christmas.

Here’s what you might find in a Christmas List ornament:

1. Design: The ornament usually resembles a scroll or a list and may include elements such as decorative writing, illustrations of Christmas items, or festive patterns. Some designs might have spaces to write down personal wishes or holiday to-dos.
2. Material: Christmas List ornaments can be made from various materials, including wood, glass, ceramic, or metal. Wooden versions might be hand-painted or engraved, while glass or ceramic versions might feature printed designs or decals.
3. Personalization: Many Christmas List ornaments can be personalized with names, dates, or special messages. Some versions even have small chalkboard areas or writable surfaces where you can add your own notes or wishes.
4. Finishing Touches: These ornaments often come with a ribbon or hook for easy hanging on a Christmas tree, wreath, or garland. They might also be embellished with glitter, small bells, or other festive decorations.
5. Uses: Beyond being a lovely decoration for your tree, a Christmas List ornament can also be a thoughtful gift. It can be a fun way to involve children in the holiday spirit by letting them write their own Christmas wishes or track their holiday activities.

Overall, a Christmas List ornament adds a playful and nostalgic touch to your holiday decor, reminding everyone of the joy and anticipation that characterize the Christmas season.

5. Flannel Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

Flannel embroidery hoop ornaments are a cozy and charming addition to holiday decorations, combining the warmth of flannel fabric with the elegance of hand-stitched embroidery. These ornaments often feature intricate designs within a small embroidery hoop, creating a delightful and personalized touch for your festive decor.

Here’s a closer look at flannel embroidery hoop ornaments:

1. Material: The base of these ornaments is typically made from flannel fabric, which has a soft, warm texture. The fabric is stretched over a small embroidery hoop, which serves as the frame for the ornament.
2. Design: The embroidery on these ornaments can range from simple patterns to detailed, seasonal designs. Common themes include snowflakes, Christmas trees, reindeer, or holiday greetings. The designs are often hand-stitched with colorful threads, adding a handcrafted touch.
3. Personalization: Many flannel embroidery hoop ornaments can be personalized with names, dates, or special messages. This makes them a thoughtful and unique gift or keepsake.
4. Finishing Touches: These ornaments usually come with a small ribbon or loop at the top for hanging. The hoop itself might be left in its natural wood finish or painted in a festive color. Some designs might include additional embellishments like tiny buttons, beads, or fabric bows.
5. Uses: Flannel embroidery hoop ornaments are versatile and can be used in various ways. They make lovely additions to Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands. They can also be used as gift tags or hung in windows to add a touch of holiday cheer.

Overall, flannel embroidery hoop ornaments offer a blend of warmth and elegance, bringing a handcrafted, homey feel to your holiday decor. They are perfect for those who appreciate the charm of handmade crafts and the cozy aesthetic of flannels.

6. Wrapped Yarn Ornaments

Wrapped yarn ornaments are a delightful and versatile craft that adds a cozy, handmade touch to holiday decorations. These ornaments are made by wrapping yarn around various shapes or forms, creating a textured and visually appealing effect.

Here’s a closer look at wrapped yarn ornaments:

1. Materials: The main material for these ornaments is yarn, which can come in various colors, textures, and thicknesses. Common yarns used include wool, cotton, or acrylic. The base shapes for wrapping can be made from materials such as foam, cardboard, or wire.
2. Designs: Wrapped yarn ornaments can come in many shapes and sizes. Common designs include:
   • Balls: Simple round shapes wrapped in yarn to create a textured, colorful ornament.
   • Stars: yarn wrapped around star-shaped forms, often embellished with additional decorations.
   • Hearts: Yarn-wrapped hearts can be a sweet and sentimental addition to holiday decor.
   • Trees: Yarn can be wrapped around cone-shaped forms to create mini Christmas trees.
3. Techniques: The yarn is typically wrapped around the base form in a crisscross pattern or in layers to create a dense, textured surface. The wrapping can be done in a single color or multiple colors for a striped or patterned effect. Some ornaments might have added elements like pom-poms, beads, or small bells for extra decoration.
4. Finishing Touches: These ornaments are usually finished with a loop or ribbon at the top for easy hanging. You might also add a bow or other embellishments to enhance the overall look.
5. Uses: Wrapped yarn ornaments are versatile and can be used in several ways. They are great for decorating Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands. They also make wonderful gifts or handmade keepsakes, capturing the warmth and personal touch of handcrafted decor.

Overall, wrapped yarn ornaments are a charming and customizable addition to holiday decorations, allowing for creative expression and a cozy, homemade feel.

7. DIY Paper House Ornaments

Making DIY paper house ornaments can be a fun and creative project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create charming paper house ornaments:

Materials Needed:

• Sturdy paper or cardstock (for durability)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or liquid glue
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Craft knife (optional, for precise cuts)
• Decorative elements (e.g., markers, glitter, stickers, small buttons)
• String or ribbon (for hanging)

Instructions:

1. Design Your House Template:
   • Draw a simple house shape on a piece of paper. A basic house template typically includes a front, back, two sides, a roof, and a base.
   • For a basic house:
     • Front & Back: A rectangle (for the main part of the house).
     • Sides: Two rectangles (for the side walls).
     • Roof: Two triangles or one rectangle folded to form a roof.
     • Base: A rectangle (to keep the house standing if you want it to be a freestanding ornament).
2. Cut Out Your Template:
   • Once you’re happy with your design, cut out the shapes. If you’re using a craft knife, make sure to do this on a cutting mat or a protective surface.
3. Assemble the House:
   • Fold the rectangles for the walls and roof. Use a ruler to make precise folds.
   • Glue the side walls to the front and back pieces.
   • Attach the roof pieces, making sure they overlap the walls slightly.
   • If you’ve created a base, glue the bottom of the house to the base for extra stability.
4. Decorate Your House:
   • Use markers, stickers, or glitter to decorate the house. You can add windows, doors, and other details.
   • For added texture, you might use small pieces of fabric or paper for shingles or curtains.
5. Add a hanging loop:
   • Punch a small hole in the top of the roof or the top edge of the house.
   • Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.
6. Let It Dry:
   • Allow all glue and decorations to dry completely before handling.
7. Display your ornaments:
   • Hang your paper house ornaments on a Christmas tree, use them as gift tags, or display them on a shelf.

Tips:

• Experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a village of paper houses.
• If you want more stability, consider using thicker cardstock or even lightweight cardboard.
• Personalize each house with different colors and patterns to make them unique.

Enjoy your crafting! These paper house ornaments can add a cozy, homemade touch to your holiday decor.

8. DIY Sugar Cookie Ornaments

The finest part about making “ornament cookies” is eating a few while forgetting they’re meant for the tree. (We won’t divulge!)

9. DIY Wood Bead Snowflake Ornament

Creating a DIY wood bead snowflake ornament is a delightful project that adds a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decorations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your own:

Materials Needed:

• Wooden beads (various sizes for different effects)
• Craft wire or sturdy string
• Hot glue gun (and glue sticks)
• Scissors
• Paint (optional, for coloring the beads)
• Paintbrushes (if using paint)
• Decorative elements (e.g., glitter, ribbon, small gems)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Beads:
   • If you want to paint your beads, do so before you start assembling. Use acrylic paint for vibrant colors and let them dry completely.
2. Cut the Wire:
   • Cut a length of craft wire or sturdy string, about 18-24 inches long, depending on how large you want your snowflake to be.
3. Create the Snowflake Structure:
   • To form the base of your snowflake, you’ll need to create a star shape using the wire or string.
   • For a basic snowflake, twist the wire into a star shape with 6 points. Ensure the arms of the star are evenly spaced.
4. String the beads:
   • Start threading beads onto each arm of the star. You can use beads of different sizes and colors for a varied look.
   • Continue adding beads until the arms of the star are covered to your liking.
5. Secure the beads:
   • Once the beads are in place, use a hot glue gun to secure them if they seem loose. Apply a small dot of glue between the beads and the wire to keep them from shifting.
6. Add decorative touches:
   • For added sparkle, you can sprinkle glitter onto the wet glue or add small gems to the beads.
   • If you’d like a more polished look, you can glue a ribbon or a small bow to the center of the snowflake.
7. Create a Hanging Loop:
   • At the top of your snowflake, create a loop with the remaining wire or string for hanging. Secure it by twisting the wire or tying the string.
8. Final Touches:
   • Ensure all glue is dry and secure before handling. Adjust the shape of your snowflake if necessary.

Tips:

• For a more intricate snowflake, experiment with different bead sizes and colors.
• If you don’t have craft wire, a strong string or thread can work, but it may not hold the shape as well.
• You can also create multiple snowflakes in various sizes and colors to make a decorative snowflake garland.

Enjoy your crafting! These wood bead snowflakes make beautiful ornaments and can be a wonderful handmade gift or addition to your holiday decorations.

10. DIY Rudolph Ornaments

Creating DIY Rudolph ornaments is a fun and festive way to add some holiday cheer to your decorations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ornaments:

Materials Needed:

• Brown craft felt or brown construction paper
• Red pom-pom or red craft foam (for the nose)
• Black beads or small black buttons (for the eyes)
• Small brown pipe cleaners (for the antlers)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun (and glue sticks) or craft glue
• Ribbon or string (for hanging)
• Pencil
• Optional: googly eyes, glitter, and other decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Cut Out Rudolph’s Face:
   • Draw and cut out a reindeer face shape from the brown craft felt or construction paper. This should be a large oval or circle to serve as the base of Rudolph’s face.
2. Create the Nose:
   • Glue the red pom-pom or red craft foam piece onto the center of Rudolph’s face to represent his famous red nose.
3. Add the Eyes:
   • Glue the black beads or small buttons onto the face above the nose to make Rudolph’s eyes. If you prefer, you can use googly eyes for a fun, animated look.
4. Make the Antlers:
   • Cut the brown pipe cleaners into smaller segments, then twist and shape them into antlers. You’ll need two antlers, each with a forked end.
   • Glue the antennae to the top of Rudolph’s head, positioning them so they stand up.
5. Add a Mouth (Optional):
   • Use a black marker or thin strip of black felt to draw or glue on a simple mouth just below the nose if you like.
6. Attach the hanging loop:
   • Cut a piece of ribbon or string.
   • Glue the ends of the ribbon or string to the top of the reindeer’s head, creating a loop for hanging. Make sure the glue is dry and secure before using it.
7. Decorate (Optional):
   • You can add extra decorations like glitter on Rudolph’s nose, tiny felt ears, or a bow around his neck to make the ornament more festive.
8. Final Touches:
   • Check all glued parts to ensure they are securely attached and that everything is dry before handling.

Tips:

• For a sturdier ornament, you can use cardboard or foam board for the face shape instead of felt or paper.
• If you prefer, you can make a whole reindeer family by varying the antler styles and facial features.
• Consider using fabric paint or markers to add additional details and enhance the look.

These DIY Rudolph ornaments make charming decorations for your Christmas tree or a great addition to holiday gift packages. Enjoy crafting and spreading holiday cheer!

11. DIY Paper Candle Ornaments

Creating DIY paper candle ornaments is a lovely craft that adds a warm and festive touch to your holiday decorations. Here’s a simple guide to help you make your own paper candle ornaments:

Materials Needed:

• Colored paper or cardstock (for the candle body)
• Yellow or gold paper (for the flame)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or liquid glue
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Decorative elements (e.g., glitter, stickers, small ribbons)
• String or ribbon (for hanging)

Instructions:

1. Create the Candle Base:
   • Cut the Candle Body:
     • Cut a rectangle from the colored paper or cardstock. The size depends on how large you want your candle ornament to be. A good starting point is about 3 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
   • Form the candle shape:
     • Roll the rectangle into a tube shape and glue the edges together. This will be the body of your candle. Make sure the tube is well-glued and holds its shape.
2. Make the Flame:
   • Cut the flame shape:
     • Draw and cut out a flame shape from yellow or gold paper. The flame should be slightly larger at the base and taper to a point.
   • Attach the flame:
     • Glue the flame shape to the top of the candle body, positioning it so that it looks like a lit candle.
3. Add Drips (Optional):
   • Cut Drip Shapes:
     • Cut out small wavy shapes from white paper to mimic the wax drips that often appear on candles.
   • Attach Drips:
     • Glue these shapes around the top edge of the candle body to give it a more realistic, drippy effect.
4. Decorate the Candle:
   • Add Glitter:
     • You can add glitter to the flame or the candle body for extra sparkle.
   • Use Stickers:
     • Decorate the candle with holiday-themed stickers or draw designs with markers.
5. Create a Hanging Loop:
   • Prepare the Loop:
     • Cut a piece of string or ribbon about 6 inches long.
   • Attach the loop:
     • Glue or tape one end of the string to the back of the candle body, creating a loop for hanging. Make sure the loop is securely attached and dry before hanging.
6. Let Everything Dry:
   • Allow all glue and decorations to dry completely before handling the ornament.

Tips:

• If you want a sturdier ornament, consider using lightweight cardboard instead of paper for the candle body.
• Experiment with different colors and sizes to create a variety of candles.
• For added creativity, you can make a whole set of paper candles in different colors and sizes to hang together as a group.

These DIY paper candle ornaments will bring a charming and personalized touch to your holiday decorations. Enjoy your crafting!

12. DIY Cross-Stitched Sleigh Ornament

A handcrafted ornament is adorable; what could be more? Naturally, one with a charming Christmas setting! That’s what this sled full of gifts is.

13. Painted Nut Ornaments

Painted nut ornaments are a unique and charming way to decorate for the holidays. You can use various nuts as the base for your ornaments and paint them to create beautiful, personalized decorations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make your own:

Materials Needed:

• Nuts with shells (e.g., walnuts, acorns, pecans)
• Acrylic paint (various colors)
• Paintbrushes
• Hot glue gun (and glue sticks)
• String or ribbon (for hanging)
• Scissors
• Optional: glitter, small gems, decorative elements

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nuts:
   • If using walnuts, gently crack them open and remove the nut meat. You can save the nuts for snacking.
   • Clean the shells by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
2. Paint the nuts:
   • Base Coat: Apply a base coat of acrylic paint to the outside of each nut. Choose colors that suit your theme—classic red and green for Christmas, or more vibrant colors for a playful touch.
   • Design: Once the base coat is dry, use smaller brushes to add designs. You can paint patterns like stripes, polka dots, or even small scenes. Let the paint dry completely between layers if adding multiple colors or details.
   • Optional: Add glitter or small gems to your painted designs for extra sparkle. Apply a coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect your designs and make them shine.
3. Attach the hanging loop:
   • Prepare the Loop: Cut a piece of string or ribbon about 6-8 inches long.
   • Attach the Loop: Use a hot glue gun to apply a small amount of glue to one end of the string. Press the glued end into the top center of the painted nut shell. Hold it in place until the glue dries. This will create a loop for hanging.
4. Add Decorative Touches (Optional):
   • You can glue small decorative elements like tiny bows, beads, or other embellishments to enhance the look of your ornament.
5. Let Everything Dry:
   • Allow all glue and paint to dry completely before handling the ornaments.
6. Display your ornaments:
   • Hang your painted nut ornaments on your Christmas tree, use them as gift tags, or display them on a holiday wreath.

Tips:

• Ensure that the nuts are thoroughly dry before painting to avoid any issues with the paint adhering properly.
• If you want to make the ornaments more durable, you can coat the painted nuts with a layer of mod podge or clear acrylic spray.
• Experiment with different types of nuts and paint techniques to create a variety of ornaments.

These painted nut ornaments are a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor and can also make thoughtful, handmade gifts. Enjoy your crafting!

14. Pom-Pom Christmas Character Ornaments

Creating pom-pom Christmas character ornaments is a delightful and fun craft project. These ornaments are not only cute but also easy to make with just a few materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own pom-pom Christmas character ornaments, such as Santa, snowmen, or reindeer:

Materials Needed:

• Pom-poms (various sizes, preferably in colors like red, white, black, brown, and green)
• Craft glue or hot glue gun (with glue sticks)
• Small beads or buttons (for eyes and buttons)
• Pipe cleaners (for antlers or accessories)
• Felt or construction paper (for additional features like hats or scarves)
• Scissors
• String or ribbon (for hanging)
• Optional: markers or glitter for extra details

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Character:
   • Decide on the Christmas character you want to make (e.g., Santa Claus, a snowman, or a reindeer).
2. Make the Pom-Pom Body:
   • Santa Claus: Use a large red pom-pom for the body and a smaller white pom-pom for the hat’s brim. For Santa’s beard, use small white pom-poms or cotton balls.
   • Snowman: Use a large white pom-pom for the body and a smaller orange pom-pom or a piece of orange felt for the nose.
   • Reindeer: Use a brown pom-pom for the body and smaller red or brown pom-poms for the nose and antlers.
3. Assemble the Character:
   • Santa Claus: Glue the large red pom-pom to a smaller white pom-pom to create Santa’s hat. Add small white pom-poms around the face area for his beard and glue on tiny beads or buttons for the eyes. Use a piece of red felt to create Santa’s hat if you prefer.
   • Snowman: Glue a small orange pom-pom or cut-out orange felt to the center of the large white pom-pom for the nose. Add small black beads or buttons for the eyes and mouth. You can also glue on a tiny piece of black felt or pipe cleaner for the hat.
   • Reindeer: Glue two small brown pom-poms or pipe cleaner pieces to the top of the larger brown pom-pom for the antlers. Add a red pom-pom for the nose and small black beads for the eyes.
4. Add the hanging loop:
   • Cut a piece of string or ribbon about 6 inches long.
   • Attach it to the top of the pom-pom character by gluing the ends of the string or ribbon to the top of the pom-pom. Make sure it’s securely attached so it can hold up the ornament.
5. Add finishing touches:
   • Santa Claus: Add additional details like a small piece of felt for a belt or glitter on the hat.
   • Snowman: Add a small scarf made from felt or fabric and maybe a small top hat.
   • Reindeer: Use pipe cleaners or felt to make tiny accessories like a bow or small bells.
6. Let Everything Dry:
   • Ensure that all glue and decorations are completely dry before handling the ornaments.
7. Display your ornaments:
   • Hang your pom-pom Christmas character ornaments on your tree, use them as gift tags, or hang them on a holiday garland.

15. Wood Slice State Ornaments

With these decorations, which have painted state decals on each wood slice, you may commemorate your family’s trips. These, in our opinion, also make the ideal presents for loved ones who travel frequently—and the possibilities are endless!