So, last Christmas, I spent maybe... three hours? Trying to make these gorgeous salt dough ornaments I saw on Pinterest. Picture perfect reindeers, right? Mine looked like lumpy potatoes with antlers. Total fail. That mess taught me a lot. Making your own Christmas ornaments shouldn’t feel like a battle. It should be fun, maybe a little messy, and leave you with decorations you actually love looking at year after year. Forget the overly complicated stuff. Let’s talk real DIY Christmas tree ornaments you can actually make without losing your mind.

Why Bother Making Your Own Ornaments Anyway?

Look, store-bought is easy. I get it. But there’s something about pulling out that slightly wonky star your kid made in preschool, or the cinnamon stick bundle from your first apartment. It’s pure nostalgia. DIY ornaments add soul to your tree. They become heirlooms. Plus, let’s be real, it’s way cheaper than buying a bunch of fancy new ones every year. And involving the kids? Keeps them busy for an afternoon. Win-win. But what if you're not crafty? Don't sweat it. We're starting simple.

Getting Started: Stuff You Probably Already Have

Seriously, don’t rush out to buy supplies. Raid your cupboards first:

• Paper & Cardboard: Old cards, cereal boxes, scrapbook paper? Perfect. Cut shapes, layer them, glue.
• Fabric Scraps: Felt is a dream to work with (won’t fray!). Old sweaters? Felted wool ornaments are cozy.
• Kitchen Staples: Cinnamon sticks (smell amazing!), cloves, dried orange slices (okay, you need to dry these), popcorn, cranberries for garlands.
• Nature’s Bounty: Pinecones (bake them first to kill bugs!), acorns, twigs, interesting seed pods.
• The Junk Drawer: Buttons! Old keys? Scrabble tiles? Bottle caps? Get creative.

See? You’re halfway there. Now, let’s talk about specific materials and how to turn them into awesome homemade Christmas ornaments.

My Top DIY Ornament Categories (Pick Your Fave)

Naturally Beautiful Ornaments

These bring the outdoors in. That pinecone you found on a walk? Make it sparkle.

Upcycled & Thrifty Finds

Turn trash (or treasures) into tree magic. Got old costume jewelry? Make it shine again.

• Button Snowflakes: Seriously, just glue buttons in a snowflake pattern onto cardboard or felt backing. Simple, colorful, charming. My grandma’s button tin is my goldmine.
• Scrabble Tile Initials: Find old Scrabble games at thrift stores. Glue tiles together to spell names or “JOY,” “NOEL.” Drill a tiny hole or glue a loop on top. Looks expensive, costs pennies.
• Fabric Scrap Ornaments: Cut simple shapes (stars, hearts, circles) from old sweaters or felt. Stuff lightly with cotton balls or scrap fabric if you like. Sew or glue edges, add a ribbon. Instant cozy charm. That ugly Christmas sweater? Now it’s a star ornament.

Honestly, sometimes the best DIY Christmas decorations come from the weirdest stuff. Found a rusty key? Spray paint it gold, add a ribbon.

Classics That Never Die

Salt dough and paper chains. They’ve been around forever because they work.

Paper chains? Don't knock 'em. Use old magazines, sheet music, or even colorful junk mail. Cut strips, glue or staple. Pure nostalgia. Kids can handle this one solo.

Essential Tools You Actually Need (No Fancy Craft Room Required)

You don’t need much. Promise.

• Scissors: Sharp ones for paper/fabric. Cheap ones will fray felt.
• Glue: A good all-purpose craft glue (like Tacky Glue) for most things. A hot glue gun is SUPER handy for quick bonds (pinecones, buttons, ribbon), but be careful – burns sting! Super glue for tiny bits.
• Hole Punch: For paper/card ornaments or tags.
• Paint & Brushes: Acrylic paint works best on most surfaces (dough, wood, paper). Cheap kids' watercolors? Not so much.
• Ribbon/String/Twine: For hanging loops. Raffia looks rustic.
• Pliers & Wire Cutters: Only if you get into wire wrapping ornaments.

Making Ornaments With Kids: Survival Mode Activated

I love crafting with my nieces. I also love sanity. Here’s the real deal:

• Pick SIMPLE projects: Pipe cleaner candy canes, finger-painted salt dough shapes, big bead garlands. Skip the tiny sequins unless you enjoy vacuuming them up for weeks.
• Prep is EVERYTHING: Cut shapes beforehand. Set up work areas covered in newspaper or a cheap plastic tablecloth. Have wipes ready. Put glue in small containers (egg cartons work) with brushes or popsicle sticks - less spillage than bottles.
• Focus on Fun, Not Perfection: That blob with glitter? It’s a masterpiece. Embrace the chaos. Their wonky ornaments will be your favorites.
• Safety First: Keep hot glue guns, sharp tools, and choking hazards (tiny beads!) far away from little ones. Use non-toxic, washable everything.

Seriously, managing expectations is key. Aim for messy fun and maybe one or two usable ornaments. Success!

Storing Your Handmade Treasures

You put effort into these! Don't let them get crushed. Here’s how I avoid the ornament graveyard (aka the smashed box in the garage):

Label your boxes! Future you will be grateful.

DIY Ornament FAQ - Real Questions I Get Asked

My salt dough ornaments get soft or moldy. What gives?

Ah, the bane of DIY ornaments. Usually means they weren't baked long enough or sealed properly. Bake LOW and SLOW until completely hard all the way through (no soft spots!). Let them cool fully BEFORE painting. Seal them thoroughly with Mod Podge (multiple coats) or a clear acrylic spray sealer (do this outside!). Store in a DRY place with silica gel packets.

Is hot glue enough to hold heavy ornaments together?

Depends. For a big pinecone with sticks? Probably not long-term, especially if kids handle it. Reinforce it! Use craft glue first for a strong bond, then hot glue around the edges for quick hold and extra security. For really heavy stuff, consider wire or strong twine wrapped and glued.

What glue REALLY works for felt?

Tacky Glue (like Aleene's Original) is the champ for felt-on-felt. Hot glue works fast but can leave shiny spots and isn't as flexible. For tiny details, a tiny dot of super glue (gel type) can work, but test it first – it can melt some synthetics.

How do I make ornaments safe for toddlers?

Focus on large items they can't choke on (big wooden beads, thick felt shapes). Avoid small buttons, beads, googly eyes, or anything that could snap off easily. Use non-toxic paints and glue. Make sure hanging loops are secure but won't accidentally form a noose (short loops are better). Honestly, maybe put their masterpieces higher up the tree the first few years!

My cinnamon sticks won't stay bundled! Help!

Twine slipping? Try this: Tie a KNOT around one stick first. Tightly wrap the bundle, crossing over itself. Finish with another knot and maybe a dab of clear glue under the knot. Thicker ribbon or raffia grips better than thin string. Or, cheat: use a small rubber band first, then wrap ribbon/twine over it to hide it.

Okay, But How Much Will This Cost Me Really?

Let's bust the myth that DIY is always cheaper upfront. Sometimes you need supplies. But compare:

The real savings kick in year after year when you aren’t buying new decorations. Plus, the sentimental value? Priceless.

Finding Inspiration That Doesn't Overwhelm

Pinterest is a blessing and a curse. So many ideas! So much pressure! My strategy:

1. Start Simple: Search “easy DIY ornaments” or “5 minute Christmas ornaments.” Ignore anything requiring a pottery wheel.
2. Look Around You: What do you already have lots of? Buttons? Old books? Twigs from the yard? Search “button ornaments” or “twig star ornament.”
3. Pick ONE New Thing: Maybe this year you try dried oranges. Or salt dough (properly!). Don’t try ten new techniques at once.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Your ornaments might not look like the blog photos. Mine never do. They have character!

Sometimes the best homemade Christmas tree ornaments come from just playing around. Glue some beads on a pinecone. Wrap some twine around cardboard. See what happens.

Let's Wrap This Up (Pun Intended)

Making your own DIY Christmas tree ornaments isn’t about creating a magazine-worthy tree (unless that's your jam, no judgment!). It’s about connection. It’s that moment unpacking them each year, remembering who made what, laughing at the messes. It’s the smell of cinnamon sticks and the feel of salt dough under your fingers. It’s cheaper, more meaningful, and honestly, more fun than fighting crowds at the mall.

Don't overthink it. Grab what you have. Try one thing from this guide. Keep it simple. Embrace the wonky. That’s where the real magic is. Now go make some memories (and maybe a slightly lumpy reindeer or two).