Ideas For Decorating With Christmas Ornaments

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75+ Unique Christmas Tree Ornaments That Are Easy Enough to DIY

Ditch the ordinary baubles for these fun creations.

Michael Partenio

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, there's nothing quite like gathering around a well-decorated tree. While you might be tempted to make use of the same Christmas ornaments you rely on year after year, it's a good idea to step outside of your comfort zone and try more creative designs this time around.

That's where homemade Christmas tree ornaments come into play. DIY ornaments aren't just an opportunity to put your creativity to the test (you can find a spot for Mom's beloved vintage finds, for instance) — they're also an easy way to fill your home with loads of holiday cheer.

Regardless of your skill level, you're sure to appreciate this roundup of affordable Christmas craft ideas, ranging from festive Santa hats to crafty angel motifs. And the best part is many of these ornaments can complement your store-bought pieces or be made by simply repurposing items you already have in your home, like yarn, pine needles or twine. The options are endless! Get ready to personalize your Christmas tree (or artificial Christmas trees!) with these impressive ornament designs.

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Vintage Paper Ornaments

Unlike real Shiny Brites, these ones are definitely shatterproof. To make, download our templates and trace onto cardstock. Once you cut out the shapes with scissors or a craft knife, use craft punches to create smaller shapes for embellishments. Using craft glue, attach pipe cleaners to your ornaments and let dry. Punch a hole in the top of your ornament and hang with string or ribbon.

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Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments

Inspired by traditional Scandinavian straw ornaments, these kid-friendly creations call for popsicle sticks, embroidery thread, and paint.

First, paint popsicle sticks white and let dry. Then arrange matching sizes into a X-shape and glue together. Once dry, arrange 2 X's diagonally on top of each other and glue in the middle, creating a snowflake. Weave colored embroidery thread around the popsicle sticks to create an X or grid pattern. Tie the thread at the back of the snowflake and trim excess. Glue a ribbon loop to the back of the snowflake to hang.

SHOP POPSICLE STICKS

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3D Paper Ornaments

Make it multi-dimensional with colored cardstock and embellishments.

To make, cut out five strips of paper: two 1.25" x 10", two 1.25" x 7," and one 1.25" x 5". Then punch a hole 1/4" from the top and bottom of each strip. Stack the papers together with the smallest in the middle sandwiched by the medium strips, followed by the largest strips. Line up all of the strips on one end and thread a piece of string or wire through the holes and tie it off. Repeat this step on the other end of the strips, which you can then fan out. Add tassels or beads to the bottom of the ornament for extra sparkle.

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Colorful Rhinestone Ornaments

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Twig Ornaments

This one's easy enough that you can make with the kids — not to mention it makes for some great nature-inspired decor. Just grab some twigs, then use glue and embroidery thread to make some creative patterns and shapes (like these cool trees or stars!).

SHOP EMBROIDERY THREAD

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Star Ornament

It might look like a sophisticated craft, but all it takes to make this surprisingly simple ornament is scrapbook paper and some great folding technique.

Get the tutorial at Woman's Day »

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3D Paper Snowman Ornaments

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Mason Jar Lid Wreath Ornaments

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Cinnamon-Scented Tree Ornament

In case you didn't think it was possible, this ornament smells even better than it looks. To make, bend a 30" piece of naturally coiled wrapped wire in half to form a loop, then gently push each end into the hollow part of a cinnamon stick. Use hot glue to attach cut sprigs of fresh rosemary for branches and small gems for ornaments.

SHOP CINNAMON STICKS

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Fluffy Santa Ornament

Santa's beard is looking a bit fluffier this year, don't ya think? It must be the pom-poms.

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Glass Snowglobe Ornaments

Clear glass ornaments double as seasonal snow globes when you fill 'em with artificial snow, mini trees and other festive accents.

SHOP GLASS ORNAMENTS

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Painted Copper Foil Ornament

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Knit Cap Ornament

Soft ornaments are a must for any pet owners or parents because, well, they don't shatter when dropped. To make, cut 50 14" lengths of yarn, plus a 1" ring from a paper towel tube. Fold a piece of yarn in half and pull the doubled end around the ring and
back through the yarn loop; pull to tighten around the ring. Repeat until the ring is covered. Gather the loose ends of yarn and feed them through the ring's center. Knot a length of yarn 10" above the ring; use the rest of the yarn to hang. Trim the top into a pom-pom, and put a cotton ball inside the hat to keep its shape.

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Sparkling Angel Ornament

Because angels are more than just tree toppers. Add a few of these sparklers to keep a watchful eye (over your presents, of course).

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Wood Bead Snowflake Ornament

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Knit Ornament

If Grandma can spare some yarn, craft this clever ornament. To make, remove the metal top from a plain ball ornament. Hot-glue two colors of yarn together inside the opening of the ornament. Once dry, wrap both around the ornament to cover completely; use hot glue to secure as you go. Apply red acrylic paint to the balls of two rock candy sticks, then trim the ends into points using scissors. Once dry, thread the knitting needles through the yarn and replace the metal top.

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Iridescent Gold Splatter Ornament

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Kissing Ball Ornament

To encourage some Christmas smooches, wrap a 4-inch styrofoam ball in a 14-inch fabric square; secure with a rubber band. Thread the end of 1 ½ yards of ribbon down through the band, around the ball, and up through the band's other side so ribbon ends match up. Wrap 14 inches of ribbon around the ball's other side (crossing first ribbon, as shown); tuck ends into band. Hide band with a shimmery bow and festive sprigs.

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Colorblocked Ornament

Give wooden ornaments new life with a cheery color scheme that you simply paint on. Hey, parents: Unlike glass baubles, these beauties can withstand a fall on the floor.

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Striking Star Ornament

All thanks to glue and creativity, wooden safety matches become a red-hot star (or any other geometric figure).

Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

Amanda Garrity Associate Lifestyle Editor As the Associate Lifestyle Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, Amanda oversees gift guides and covers home, holidays, food, and other lifestyle news.

Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers decorating ideas, home tours, gift guides and more.

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