How to Make a Christmas Tree Ornament

The holidays are here! That means joy, fun, and…decorating! Hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree is a favorite thing to do. You can buy them at the store. But making your own? That's something special. DIY ornaments add a personal touch. They show off your style. Plus, they're great gifts!

Why Make Your Own Christmas Ornaments?

Why bother making your own ornaments? Well, there are lots of good reasons:

• Your style: Make them exactly how you like! Pick colors and stuff that matches your home.
• Save money: DIY is cheaper! Especially if you use things you already have. Great for budget-friendly holiday crafts.
• Feels good: They mean something. Use them to remember special days. Or put family photos on them!
• Be creative!: It’s fun to make things! Do it with friends and family. Great for kids and adults.
• One of a kind: No two are the same! Your tree will be special.
• Help the Earth: Use old stuff! It's good for the planet. Lots of DIY decorations can be made with things you have.

What You'll Need

What you need depends on what you make. But here are some common things:

• Basics: Glue (hot glue, craft glue, or super glue), scissors, paintbrushes, and markers.
• Sparkle: Glitter, beads, ribbons, buttons, felt, yarn, and charms.
• The base: Wood shapes (circles, stars, hearts), clear plastic balls, cardboard, fabric, pinecones, and salt dough.
• Tools: Pliers (for wire), a hot glue gun, and a sewing machine (for fabric).
• Recycled stuff: Cardboard tubes, bottle caps, old buttons, fabric, and old jewelry.

Let's Make Some Ornaments!

Ready to make some ornaments? Here are some ideas. Change them up to make them your own!

1. Salt Dough Ornaments

A classic! Kids and grown-ups love these. Easy to make. You can decorate them any way you want!

1. What you need: 1 cup flour, 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup water.
2. What to do:
   • Heat oven to 250°F (120°C).
   • Mix flour and salt.
   • Add water slowly. Mix until it's dough.
   • Knead the dough for 5 minutes. Make it smooth.
   • Roll it out. Make it about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Use cookie cutters to make shapes. Or use stamps to make designs.
   • Poke a hole at the top for hanging.
   • Put them on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 2-3 hours. Watch them so they don't burn!
   • Let them cool.
   • Decorate with paint, glitter, and markers.
   • Spray with clear varnish to protect them.
   • Thread ribbon through the hole. Hang them up!

2. Glitter Ornaments

Want some sparkle? These are great! Use clear glass or plastic ornaments.

1. What you need: Clear ornaments, glitter, glue, a funnel, paper towels.
2. What to do:
   • Take the top off the ornament.
   • Pour a little glue inside.
   • Swirl it around to cover the inside.
   • Pour out extra glue.
   • Use the funnel to pour glitter inside. Fill it about 1/4 full.
   • Cover the opening with your finger. Shake it! Cover the inside with glitter.
   • Add more glitter if needed.
   • Pour out extra glitter.
   • Let it dry upside down.
   • Put the top back on. Add a ribbon to hang it.

3. Fabric Scrap Ornaments

Have old fabric? Turn it into something new! A great way to recycle and make DIY decorations!

1. What you need: Fabric scraps, cardboard or felt, scissors, glue, ribbon, stuffing (optional).
2. What to do:
   • Cut out a shape from cardboard or felt. Like a heart or star.
   • Cut fabric into small pieces.
   • Glue the fabric to the shape. Overlap them a little.
   • Keep adding fabric until it's all covered.
   • Trim the edges.
   • Want a stuffed ornament? Cut two shapes. Glue fabric to both. Sew or glue them together. Leave a small hole. Stuff it! Then close the hole.
   • Add a ribbon to hang it.

4. Pinecone Ornaments

Bring nature inside! Pinecones are easy to find and make beautiful ornaments. These christmas crafts are easy to do.

1. What you need: Pinecones, paint (optional), glitter (optional), glue, ribbon.
2. What to do:
   • Find pinecones in your yard or park.
   • Clean them.
   • Paint them if you want! Red, green, gold... or any color you like.
   • Sprinkle glitter on while the paint is wet.
   • Let it dry.
   • Glue a ribbon to the top.
   • Hang them on your tree!

5. Beaded Ornaments

Simple and pretty! Use beads and wire to make these.

1. What you need: Beads, wire, pliers, wire cutters, ribbon.
2. What to do:
   • Cut a piece of wire (about 12 inches).
   • Bend one end into a loop. This stops the beads from falling off.
   • Put beads on the wire. Make a pattern if you want.
   • When the wire is full, bend the other end into a loop.
   • Shape the wire into a circle or star.
   • Twist the ends together to hold the shape. Use pliers.
   • Add a ribbon to hang it.

6. Photo Ornaments

Remember good times! These are great gifts, too.

1. What you need: Photos, cardboard or wood shapes, glue, scissors, ribbon, sealant (optional).
2. What to do:
   • Pick your photos. Print them so they fit the shapes.
   • Cut out the photos.
   • Glue the photo to the shape.
   • Smooth out any bumps.
   • Let it dry.
   • Add sealant if you want to protect the photo.
   • Add a ribbon to hang it.

Tips for Success

Want your ornaments to look great? Here are some tips:

• Plan ahead: Get everything you need before you start.
• Protect your table: Use newspaper to cover your work area.
• Good stuff: Use good quality materials. They'll last longer.
• Take your time: Let glue and paint dry all the way.
• Get creative: Try new things! Have fun!
• Do it together: Make it a family activity.
• Be safe: Be careful with sharp tools and hot glue.

Keep Things Organized

It's easier to make things when you're organized. For christmas crafts, try these:

• Separate stuff: Put beads, glitter, and fabric in different containers.
• Label everything: So you know what's what.
• Clear containers: You can see what's inside!
• Use shelves: Get more space.
• Keep tools handy: Put them where you can reach them.

Have Fun Making Ornaments!

Making your own ornaments is fun! It lets you make your tree special. Use simple things to make something beautiful. Whether it's salt dough, glitter, or fabric, there are lots of choices. Enjoy making ornaments! Remember to try new things, work with people you love, and have fun! Happy crafting!