How to Make Christmas Tree Ornaments Yourself: 10 Festive Ideas

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of Christmas ornaments – they’re readily available at any supermarket or online marketplace. However, store-bought decorations often look simple and uninspired. If you want a unique tree this holiday season, try making ornaments yourself. Here are some creative ideas and tips.

1. Velvet Balls
You don’t need to create ornaments from scratch; you can simply revamp the ones you already have. Take cheap plastic balls as a base, remove the hooks, clean the surface with a degreaser, and paint them with acrylic paint in your preferred color. While the paint is still wet, generously sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it dry completely. Finally, brush off the excess soda with a soft brush and reattach the hooks – you’ll have unique velvet-finish ornaments.

2. 3D Paper Decorations
For this, you’ll need regular office or craft paper and templates for shapes, preferably made from cardboard. Fold the paper in half and trace the template about 20 times, then cut out the shapes. Glue the folded pieces along the crease and assemble them into a 3D form, adding a loop for hanging. These ornaments work well not just on the tree but also for wreaths or window decorations.

3. Plaster Figurines
Mix plaster with water in a 1:1 ratio and pour it into molds. Let the plaster set, remove the ornaments, and smooth the edges with sandpaper. If using non-specialized molds, insert a stick at the top to create a hole for hanging. You can also use air-dry clay or modeling dough for similar results.

4. Stars from Paper Tubes
Transform empty toilet paper rolls into stars. Cut the roll into equal strips, flatten them, and snip triangular notches on each end. Interlock three strips to form a star or snowflake. Decorate with paint splatters or glitter, and add a string for hanging.

5. Miniature Hats
Using yarn and cardboard tubes, create tiny hats for the tree. Cut the tubes into 1cm rings and yarn into 10–15cm pieces. Fold a piece of yarn in half, loop it through the ring, and pull the ends through. Repeat until the ring is covered, then tie the loose ends together to form a pom-pom.

6. Felt Ornaments
Cut shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes from felt or fabric. Sew two identical pieces together, leaving a small gap to stuff them with cotton or batting before sealing. Add a loop for hanging.

7. Paper Mâché Mushrooms
Using paper mâché made from tissues or toilet paper, sculpt mushrooms. Shape a cap and stem, let them dry, paint, and attach the pieces together.

8. Painted Glass Balls
Customize plain glass balls with hand-painted designs. Use markers or paints specifically designed for glass to draw winter scenes, and fill the ornaments with faux snow made from foam or cotton for an extra touch.

9. Twine Stars
Create rustic twine stars by wrapping glue-soaked twine around nails hammered into a star shape on a wooden base. Let the glue dry, remove the nails, and add extra twine for volume if desired.

10. Macrame Gnomes
With a small stick as a base, tie red and white yarn in alternating patterns to create a macrame gnome. Form a red hat by knotting the yarn and comb out the white strands to form a beard. Add a wooden bead for the nose.

Get creative and bring a unique touch to your Christmas decorations this year!