DIY Ornaments to Brighten Your Holidays!
Deck the Halls with Handmade Joy!
Oh, the magic of the holidays! The twinkle of lights, the scent of pine, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. It’s a season of cheer, and what better way to celebrate than by creating something beautiful with your own two hands? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the art of DIY Christmas ornaments. Not only is it a delightful way to add personality to your tree, but it’s also eco-friendly and a charming activity to share with family and friends.
Grab a cup of cocoa (or mulled wine—we don’t judge!), and let’s get crafting!
1. Cinnamon Stick Stars
Add a touch of rustic charm and a dash of holiday spice to your tree!
What You’ll Need:
Cinnamon sticks (5 per star)
Twine or jute string
Hot glue gun
Star template (optional)
How to Make It:
Arrange five cinnamon sticks in a star shape, using a template if needed.
Glue the ends together securely.
Wrap twine around the joints for extra support and a decorative touch.
Add a loop of string to hang your fragrant masterpiece.
Why We Love It:
It smells like Christmas and looks like it stepped out of a cozy woodland cabin. Bonus points for using biodegradable materials!
2. Dried Orange Garland Ornaments
Brighten up your tree with these sunny, citrusy ornaments.
What You’ll Need:
Oranges
Knife and cutting board
Baking sheet and parchment paper
Twine or ribbon
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
Slice oranges thinly (about ¼ inch) and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through.
Once cooled, string them onto twine to create garlands or tie individual slices with ribbon for solo ornaments.
Why We Love It:
The warm glow of the dried oranges is simply enchanting against twinkling lights, and it’s a great way to use up extra fruit!
3. Salt Dough Keepsakes
Get nostalgic with classic salt dough ornaments—you’ll feel like a kid again!
What You’ll Need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
¾ cup water
Cookie cutters
Paints, glitter, or stamps for decorating
How to Make It:
Mix flour, salt, and water into a dough. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick.
Cut out shapes using cookie cutters—think stars, trees, or even your kids’ handprints!
Use a straw to poke a hole at the top for hanging.
Bake at 200°F (90°C) for 2–3 hours until dry.
Once cool, paint and decorate to your heart’s content. Finish with a loop of string.
Why We Love It:
This is the ultimate family craft. Everyone can join in, and you’ll have keepsakes to cherish for years to come!
4. Upcycled Sweater Baubles
Turn an old sweater into cozy, one-of-a-kind ornaments.
What You’ll Need:
Old sweater
Plastic or foam ornament balls
Scissors
Hot glue gun or needle and thread
How to Make It:
Cut a piece of sweater fabric large enough to wrap around an ornament ball.
Wrap the ball tightly, securing the fabric with hot glue or by stitching the edges together.
Tie the top with twine or ribbon to create a charming little tuft.
Add embellishments like buttons, mini pinecones, or glitter for extra flair.
Why We Love It:
It’s like wrapping your tree in a warm hug, and it’s a great way to give old clothes a second life!
Happy Crafting!
So there you have it—four delightful ways to deck the halls with handmade charm. Not only are these ornaments fun to create, but they’re also a wonderful reminder of the joy of crafting and the beauty of sustainability.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal here—holiday crafting is all about the memories you make and the laughter you share. Whether you’re crafting with kids, friends, or indulging in a little “me time,” we hope these ideas bring an extra sparkle to your season.
Now, go forth and create some holiday magic! And don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see your masterpieces. Tag us @CheekyMaiden and spread the cheer! 🎄
xoxo,