DIY holiday ornaments bring personality to your tree, making it feel warm, handmade, and full of charm.
They’re easy to create, kid-friendly, and budget-friendly, and you can personalize each style to match your winter décor.
This list brings creative ideas that use simple materials, everyday tools, and quick steps so anyone can make beautiful ornaments at home.
Whether you want rustic, elegant, colorful, or natural styles, these projects make your tree look thoughtful and festive.
1. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
Dried oranges add warm color and a sweet old-fashioned charm.
Slice oranges thin, then bake on low heat until fully dried.
Let them cool, then string with twine.
These ornaments look amazing with rustic or natural décor.
Pair them with cinnamon sticks and pine branches for a cozy winter feel.
Kids can help arrange slices before drying.
If you want extra sparkle, brush edges with a tiny bit of gold paint.
A very budget-friendly project—one bag of oranges makes dozens of ornaments.
They last all season and store well if kept dry.
2. Salt Dough Keepsake Shapes
Salt dough is classic and simple.
Mix 1 cup salt, 2 cups flour, 1 cup water.
Roll it out and cut with cookie cutters.
Make a small hole at the top before baking.
Let them cool fully, then paint or leave natural.
You can press pine needles, lace, or stamps into the dough for texture.
Write names or dates to turn them into keepsakes.
Hang with ribbon for a soft handmade look.
These are great for family crafting because everyone can design their own.
3. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon sticks bring scent and charm.
Wrap two or three sticks with twine and tuck in tiny pieces of greenery.
Add a small ribbon if you like a festive touch.
These ornaments look beautiful on rustic or natural trees.
They also make cute gift accents if you tie them to packages.
Budget tip: buy cinnamon sticks in bulk or at a discount store.
They last for years when stored in a dry place.
4. Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are simple and lovely.
Use white or pastel paper for a soft winter feel.
Fold, cut small shapes, and unfold to reveal patterns.
Punch a small hole at the top and string with thread.
Hang them low or high on the tree for movement.
Kids love making these—each snowflake turns out one of a kind.
For a shimmering look, dust edges with silver paint.
You only need scissors and paper, making this the most affordable project on the list.
5. Clay Star Ornaments
Air-dry clay creates clean, modern ornaments.
Roll clay flat and cut stars, circles, or trees.
Use a toothpick to make the hanging hole.
Let the ornaments dry fully.
Leave them matte white or paint them gold.
Press lace or pine needles onto the clay before cutting for natural patterns.
These ornaments fit Scandinavian, minimalist, or modern holiday styles.
They look beautiful grouped in sets of three or scattered across the tree.
6. Beaded Snowflake Ornaments
Wire snowflakes are elegant and simple.
Use craft wire and clear beads to create sparkling shapes.
Bend the wire into six equal arms.
Slide beads on each arm for a soft shimmering effect.
Twist ends tightly so beads stay secure.
Hang with ribbon or silver thread.
These ornaments catch the lights beautifully and make the tree shimmer.
A great option for anyone wanting a brighter, crystal-inspired holiday style.
7. Felt Gingerbread People
Felt makes soft, cute ornaments.
Cut two identical gingerbread shapes from brown felt.
Sew edges with simple stitches and stuff lightly.
Add buttons, ribbon, or small felt shapes for decoration.
Kids can glue pieces instead of sewing.
These look adorable on any tree, especially with other felt ornaments.
Use red and white thread for a candy-cane look.
You can also make felt mittens, hats, or stars to match.
8. Mini Wreath Ornaments
Mini wreaths add timeless charm.
Use small craft rings or twist a thick pipe cleaner into a circle.
Wrap with faux greenery or small branches.
Add a mini bow or a tiny bell.
These look cute hung in clusters on the tree.
Budget tip: cut greenery from old garlands instead of buying new supplies.
A simple craft with a classic winter look.
9. Ribbon Loop Ornaments
Ribbon ornaments add softness and color.
Cut ribbon strips and loop them into teardrop shapes.
Glue or stitch the ends.
Hang with thread or tie directly to branches.
Use a mix of patterns like plaid, velvet, or satin.
These are perfect when you want pops of color without complicated crafting.
They’re also very affordable because you only need ribbon scraps.
10. Pinecone Snow Ornaments
Pinecones create cozy, natural ornaments.
Collect pinecones or buy a small bag cheaply.
Dust tips with white paint for a snowy effect.
Tie twine or ribbon around the top.
These pair well with greenery and other rustic ornaments.
Add a tiny bell or bead for extra detail.
Let kids help paint the pinecones—they dry quickly and look great.
11. Paper Heart Garlands
Paper hearts are simple and sweet.
Use patterned scrapbook paper or pages from old books.
Fold strips into heart shapes and staple the ends.
Add a thread loop for hanging.
These ornaments bring cottage-style charm and soft color.
You can make dozens quickly, even with kids helping.
Use subtle patterns like snowflakes or gingham for a softer look.
12. Mini Photo Frame Ornaments
Photo ornaments bring meaning to your tree.
Use mini frames from the craft store or thrift shop.
Print small photos and secure them inside.
Tie ribbon around the frame to hang.
These become yearly favorites because they tell your family story.
Switch photos each year or keep a growing collection.
13. Glittery Snowball Ornaments
Snowball ornaments shine on the tree.
Use foam balls or rolled cotton balls.
Brush lightly with glue and sprinkle glitter.
Hang with ribbon or thread.
This project is cheap and quick.
Use soft white glitter for a snowy feel or mix in pastels for fun color.
Snowball ornaments pair nicely with metallic and glass décor.
14. Scrap Fabric Stars
Fabric stars add texture and charm.
Cut two star shapes from scrap fabric.
Sew edges together and stuff lightly.
Mix patterns like plaid, gingham, linen, or velvet.
Add a button or bow for detail.
This is a great way to use leftover fabrics without waste.
Soft ornaments also look beautiful in children’s rooms.
15. Twine-Wrapped Ornaments
Twine gives a rustic, handmade style.
Wrap old ornaments or foam balls in twine.
Secure ends with glue.
Add a sprig of greenery or a tiny wooden bead.
These work beautifully on farmhouse-themed trees.
Make several sizes for variety.
They’re simple, cheap, and calming to create.
16. Snowy Twig Stars
Twig stars add natural beauty.
Collect small twigs and cut to equal lengths.
Tie together into star shapes with twine.
Spray with faux snow or white paint.
Hang with simple thread.
These ornaments look gorgeous on rustic or woodland-inspired trees.
They’re also free to make using yard twigs.
17. Button Tree Ornaments
Buttons make adorable ornaments.
Stack green buttons from largest to smallest on a wire.
Add a star button at the top.
Twist the wire to secure and add a ribbon.
This creates a cute tree shape with lots of charm.
Use mismatched buttons for a quirky look.
Kids love this craft because it’s easy and colorful.
18. Paper Fan Ornaments
Paper fans look delicate and pretty.
Fold long strips of paper accordion-style.
Glue ends to form a circle.
Add a small bead or button in the center.
Hang with thread for a floating feel.
These ornaments work well with Scandinavian or neutral décor.
Use sheet music paper for a vintage style.
19. Mini Bell Cluster Ornaments
Bell clusters bring a soft holiday sound.
Tie three or more mini bells together with ribbon.
Add a loop for hanging.
Choose gold, bronze, or silver bells.
These add sparkle and movement to the tree.
A quick craft that looks polished with minimal effort.
20. Lace-Wrapped Ornaments
Lace creates a soft, romantic holiday look.
Wrap clear ornaments in lace scraps.
Secure with glue or tie with ribbon.
These look beautiful on white or gold-themed trees.
Mix lace designs for variety.
A budget-friendly option if you use leftover lace or thrifted fabric.
21. Snowflake Wood Slice Ornaments
Wood slices give a warm, natural holiday style.
Buy pre-cut slices or cut branches if you have tools.
Paint simple snowflakes using white acrylic paint.
Keep patterns minimal for a clean winter look.
Drill a small hole at the top or glue a loop of twine.
These ornaments look great with rustic décor or simple Scandinavian styling.
To add texture, outline the snowflake with tiny dots of paint.
Kids can paint their own designs, making this a fun family craft.
Wood slice ornaments also make great gift tags or stocking markers.
22. Burlap Ribbon Stars
Burlap adds texture and softness.
Cut two star shapes from burlap ribbon or fabric.
Glue them together with a light stuffing between.
Trim the edges for a clean shape.
Tie a simple twine bow on the front.
These ornaments fit farmhouse, neutral, or rustic trees beautifully.
Use lace or buttons for added detail if you prefer a softer style.
They’re inexpensive, quick, and cozy—perfect for filling empty tree spots without clutter.
23. Pom-Pom Snowball Ornaments
Pom-poms make adorable ornaments.
Use yarn wrapped around your fingers or a pom-pom tool.
Clip, fluff, and shape into soft spheres.
Attach a ribbon loop or tie directly to branches.
Make several sizes for a playful look.
These ornaments give your tree a snowy, whimsical charm.
Use white for a winter feel or mix pastel colors for fun variety.
Pom-poms are soft, lightweight, and child-friendly—great for homes with kids or pets.
24. Painted Glass Ball Ornaments
Clear ornaments can be transformed easily.
Remove the metal top.
Pour acrylic paint inside and swirl until the glass is coated.
Let the paint drip out, then dry upside down in a cup.
Replace the top and add ribbon.
Mix metallics like gold, copper, or silver for a pretty shimmer.
These look elegant on modern, glam, or minimalist trees.
Budget tip: use inexpensive craft paint and dollar-store glass ornaments.
25. Winter Branch Baubles
Nature-inspired ornaments feel timeless.
Use clear plastic or glass ball ornaments that open.
Fill them with tiny pine sprigs, dried berries, or mini pinecones.
Close and tie with twine or ribbon.
These bring winter forest charm to your tree.
You can create a whole set using different natural pieces.
They’re simple, budget-friendly, and look beautiful with warm lights.
Conclusion
DIY ornaments create a tree filled with charm, personality, and handmade warmth.
These projects use simple materials, quick steps, and easy crafting ideas that anyone can try at home.
You can mix styles—rustic, modern, natural, colorful—to build a tree that reflects your holiday mood.
Whether you craft alone, with friends, or with family, these ornaments help make your holiday season feel thoughtful and cozy.
Emily Parker is a home décor enthusiast and design blogger who believes every space deserves a touch of warmth and personality. With a love for cozy neutrals, modern textures, and DIY styling, she shares simple, beautiful ways to make your home feel like you. When she’s not rearranging throw pillows, you’ll find her hunting vintage finds or sipping coffee while planning her next room refresh.
Leave a Reply