75 Best DIY Christmas Ornaments That Double as Family Keepsakes
They make really sweet gifts, too!
When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, the ornaments are definitely the main attraction. After all, it's where your own unique style tends to shine. Ree Drummond, for example, is all about those meaningful, homespun ornaments over uniform store-bought sets. "The ones on my tree are a mix of crafted childhood ornaments and sentimental ornaments we've been gifted through the years," she says.
It makes sense that Ree's partial to DIY Christmas decorationsâthey're one of a kind, imbued with care (even if they don't turn out how you imagined! đ), and often have a retro Christmas ornament feel. Plus, DIY Christmas ornaments make sweet heirlooms to give to loved ones. So if you need more DIY Christmas gift ideas or just want a fun Christmas craft, give these homemade ornaments and baubles a try. They're exactly what your tree needs this holiday season.
Here, you'll find a list of curated projects in hopes that they'll make your Christmas that much more wonderful. Try crafting chalkboard ornamentsâyou'll be able to personalize each gift with your recipient's initials or a special message. Or take a look at ornaments that up-cycle household items such as mason jar lids and baking tins. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or rustic, there's a homemade Christmas ornament on this list that's perfect for you.
Get even more ornament inspo:
Bow Photo Ornament
Turn your favorite memories into timeless tree treasures with a photo ornament! This one comes together using a cork coaster and a festively striped bow. It's a cozy, personal way to celebrate the people who make your holidays bright.
Get the tutorial at Fynes Designs.
Poured-Resin Ornaments
Mix rich pigments and metallic flakes in clear resin, pour over wooden shapes, and swirl with a blow-dryer for marbled, high-gloss finish. The result? Sleek, modern ornaments with deep color, shimmering detail, and a professional look that'll wow.
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
Embroidery Hoop Ornament
These embroidery hoop decorations let you showcase flannel, plaid, or sentimental fabric inside a wooden ring, finishing with a ribbon or greenery for hanging. They're budget-friendly, totally customizable, and perfect for trees or as homemade gift toppers.
Get the tutorial at DIY Beautify.
Paper Ball Ornaments
With just 12-by-12 scrapbook paper, scissors, glue, and ribbon, this tutorial shows you how to fold, layer, and assemble accordion-style medallions into stunning hanging spheres. They're easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the tutorial at DIY Inspired.
Snow-Capped Ornament
Give your tree a magical winter touch with a snow-capped ornament! Start with a clear glass or plastic bulb, draw a wavy "melt line," then cover the upper half with a thick layer of Snow-Tex for texture and sparkle.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog.
Beaded Wreaths
Wreaths are entirely too cute to hang exclusively on doors. So, spread the Christmas spirit by making a few beaded versions to hang from your branches, too. A holiday ribbon adds the merriest finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
Salt Dough Frames
There's hardly anything more special than a handmade ornamentâexcept maybe a handmade ornament featuring a sweet family photo! This blogger has step-by-step instructions to make the dough for festive ornament frames, then shows you how to get the picture attached as well.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Popsicle Stick Sled Ornaments
Oh, what fun it is to make these charming little sleighs! It's easier than it looks to craft them with popsicle sticks and the paint color of your choice. Adorning them with winter greenery is optional, but extra festive!
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
Snowman Handprint Ornaments
These adorable frosty friends featuring your kids' handprints won't melt off your treeâpromise! In fact, with some acrylic paint and sealer, they'll last season after season. Talk about a unique memory made to last.
Get the tutorial at Little Red Window.
Glitter Scallop Ornaments
Merry, bright, and so simple to create, you'll want to paint a whole set of these ornaments in every color of the rainbow! Along with paint, you'll need a foam pouncer, decoupage, and glitter to make the lovely, scalloped top.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Gnome Ornaments
It really doesn't get much cuter than this Scandinavian-inspired gnome ornament! Here's how it's made: A fluffy yarn beard and bead nose gets topped off with an adorable terra cotta pot hat. Don't forget to attach a fun ribbon to hang it.
Get the tutorial at One Little Project.
Hand Painted Pastel Ornaments
Add a pastel pop of color to your branches with these whimsically painted ornaments. Combine that shape with those abstract doodles and they're the perfect mix of vintage and modern style for so much Christmas cheer hanging from your tree.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois.
Candy Cane Ornaments
It's not Christmas without candy canesâand these decorative versions will be the sweetest additions to your tree! You'll just use a few craft items to complete the easy project, like red and white fabric scraps and wire.
Get the tutorial at DIY Candy.
Paper Honeycomb Ornaments
You may have seen honeycomb ornaments at your favorite home design store, but you can make equally beautiful ones yourself. These oversized versions make for the perfect visual counterbalance to small ornaments on your tree. Bonus: You can choose any color to match your décor.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Avocado Toast Ornaments
This one almost looks good enough to eat! Avocado toast fanatics won't be able to resist the incredible felt recreation of their favorite snack. The little salt beads add the cutest finishing touch!
Get the tutorial at DIY in PDX.
Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments
For a creative twist on the classic snow globe, try these sweet little salt shaker ornaments. To make them, you'll place glittery bottle brush trees atop a bed of salty "snow." How nifty!
Get the tutorial at Mason Jar Crafts Love.
Paper-Covered Ornaments
Book lovers, this idea is for you! Grab an old novel or newspaper you're finished with to make the sweet paper-covered ornament. With neutral hues and a minimalist look, it will work well with any Christmas tree color scheme.
Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.
Pine Snow Globe Ornament
You can bring a bit of the outside in with this snow globe ornament that's filled with natural elements like pinecones, snow, and pine needles. It's essentially a whimsical winter wonderland on display in a ball!
Get the tutorial at The Crazy Craft Lady.
Retro Ornaments
Hello, vintage Christmas décor! Anyone else swooning over these paper ornaments in fabulous colors and funky shapes? Better yet, they're easy to make with a little help from a printable. Once you've printed and cut them out, it's time to attach the beads, bells, and tassels.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Winter Floral Ornaments
Ree is a big fan of florals, which means there's no doubt she'd give these pretty ornaments her stamp of approval! They're bright and colorful, and you can easily customize the colors and design to fit the lo0k of your home.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
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