10 Easy DIY Christmas Ornaments for a Personalized Holiday Tree

Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s nothing like a beautifully decorated tree to bring that festive feeling home! While store-bought ornaments are great, adding a few DIY ornaments can make your tree extra special and uniquely yours. Plus, making ornaments can be a fun holiday activity for the whole family.

From rustic to glamorous, here are 10 easy DIY Christmas ornament ideas that anyone can make to give their tree a personalized touch.

1. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are classic, easy, and fun to make, especially if you have little ones who love to get creative. All you need is flour, salt, and water to make the dough, then shape it with cookie cutters and bake.

• Instructions: Mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/2 cup water to make a dough. Roll it out and use holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, gingerbread men). Poke a hole at the top for hanging, then bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours. Once cooled, paint and seal with clear varnish to protect.
• Tip: Use glitter paint or add names and dates for a personalized touch.

2. Clear Bauble Ornaments Filled with Festive Items

Clear baubles are super versatile! You can fill them with almost anything to create a custom ornament that suits your holiday decor style.

• Instructions: Buy clear plastic or glass baubles and fill them with items like fake snow, small pinecones, tiny ornaments, tinsel, or even mini Christmas lights. Screw the cap back on, and add a ribbon to hang.
• Tip: Add a small tag with the year to turn these into keepsakes that capture memories of each holiday season.

3. Cinnamon Stick Bundles

If you love the cozy, spicy scent of cinnamon, these DIY ornaments are perfect. They’re simple to make and look charming on a rustic or farmhouse-style tree.

• Instructions: Gather a few cinnamon sticks, tie them together with twine, and add a sprig of greenery or small red berries for a festive look.
• Tip: Dab a bit of hot glue between the sticks to keep them secure, and add a tiny bow or a mini pinecone for extra charm.

4. Mini Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

Embroidery hoops aren’t just for fabric—they can make adorable, mini frame ornaments for your tree.

• Instructions: Use small embroidery hoops (about 3 inches). Cut a piece of festive fabric slightly larger than the hoop, stretch it inside, and trim any excess. You can also add small embroidery stitches or hot-glue on embellishments.
• Tip: Add names, initials, or holiday-themed words like "joy" or "peace" with fabric markers for a personalized touch.

5. Wood Slice Ornaments

Wood slice ornaments are perfect for rustic or nature-inspired holiday decor. They’re simple, natural, and can be customized in endless ways.

• Instructions: Buy pre-cut wood slices or cut your own if you have access to a saw. Use acrylic paint or permanent markers to decorate with holiday designs, names, or messages. Drill a small hole at the top and add a ribbon for hanging.
• Tip: For a festive twist, paint a small snowy scene or a Christmas tree on each slice!

6. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments

Dried orange slices are beautiful and have a natural, old-fashioned feel. Plus, they’re super easy to make and add a warm glow to your tree lights.

• Instructions: Slice oranges about 1/4 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through until they’re completely dry. Thread a piece of twine through each slice for hanging.
• Tip: Pair with cinnamon sticks and greenery to create a natural, fragrant ornament.

7. Mini Pinecone Christmas Trees

Pinecones are readily available in winter, and with a little creativity, they make adorable mini Christmas tree ornaments.

• Instructions: Find small pinecones, paint the tips green, and add tiny beads or small dots of paint as “ornaments.” Hot glue a small loop of ribbon to the top for hanging.
• Tip: Add a sprinkle of glitter on the edges to make your mini pinecone trees sparkle on the tree.

8. Glittery Snowflake Clothespins

Turn ordinary clothespins into sparkly snowflakes! These DIY ornaments are easy and look lovely on any tree, adding a touch of shine.

• Instructions: Take wooden clothespins, remove the metal springs, and glue the flat sides together to form a snowflake shape. Paint with white or silver paint, add glitter, and let dry. Glue a small loop of ribbon to the back.
• Tip: Mix and match colors or add little gems in the center for an extra-festive look.

9. Paper Star Ornaments

Paper stars are lightweight, easy, and can be made in different colors and patterns to match your theme.

• Instructions: Cut strips of patterned or plain paper, fold into star shapes, and glue them together. Attach a piece of string or ribbon for hanging.
• Tip: Use glitter or metallic paper for a holiday sparkle, or write holiday messages on plain paper stars for a personal touch.

10. Button Snowman Ornaments

These charming little snowmen are made from white buttons and are a fun project for both kids and adults.

• Instructions: Thread three white buttons of different sizes onto a piece of twine or string to create a snowman shape. Add small black buttons or beads for the eyes, an orange bead or bit of felt for the nose, and a tiny scarf made from ribbon.
• Tip: Glue the buttons to keep them secure, and add a small hat or earmuffs for extra cuteness.

Making your own ornaments adds a personal touch to your Christmas tree and gives you the chance to create meaningful memories with family and friends. These DIY ornaments are fun, inexpensive, and customizable—so get creative, and let your holiday spirit shine!

Whether you’re going for a rustic, modern, or classic theme, there’s something here for everyone. Happy crafting, and may your tree be filled with love, joy, and handmade charm this holiday season!

FAQs

1. How do I preserve homemade salt dough ornaments?
   Seal them with a clear varnish or mod podge to protect them from moisture and help them last longer.
2. What’s the best way to dry orange slices for ornaments?
   Bake them at a low temperature (around 200°F) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they’re completely dry.
3. Can I make these ornaments with kids?
   Absolutely! Many of these DIY ornaments are kid-friendly, like salt dough, glitter clothespins, and button snowmen. Just supervise when using hot glue or sharp tools.
4. Where can I find clear baubles for filling?
   You can usually find clear plastic or glass baubles at craft stores or online, especially during the holiday season.