DIY Christmas Ornaments: Holiday Decor On a Budget
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with unique, homemade ornaments. Crafting your own DIY Christmas ornaments brings a personal touch to your decorations and creates lasting memories with family and friends. Plus, it’s a sustainable, cost-effective way to get into the holiday spirit! At ThriftSmart, we love thrifty living, so we’re excited to share our top tips and ideas for creating beautiful DIY ornaments that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Why DIY Christmas Ornaments?
Personal Touch and Unique Designs
When you make your own Christmas ornaments, each piece tells a story. Whether you’re crafting solo or with loved ones, the creative process allows you to design ornaments that reflect your personality and traditions. Perhaps you’ll want to create a “first Christmas” ornament for a new baby or make a set that celebrates your favorite holiday memories. Personalizing your holiday decor adds extra warmth to your home, making it feel even more special during this magical time of year.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable Holiday Decor
DIY Christmas ornaments offer an affordable alternative to store-bought decor. By choosing to make ornaments yourself, you can avoid the high price tags often found at retailers. Even better, creating your own decorations allows you to embrace sustainability by using repurposed or thrifted materials. We’re passionate about sustainability here at ThriftSmart, and with a little creativity, you can transform everyday items into festive decorations, all while saving money. It’s a win-win for you and the environment!
To learn more about our dedication to sustainability and how we operate to make an impact, visit our Our Story page.
DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas for Every Style
Rustic and Natural Ornaments
For a cozy, rustic vibe, try using materials from nature. Pinecones, twine, and cinnamon sticks make lovely, woodsy ornaments that smell as good as they look! To make a simple pinecone ornament, gather a few pinecones, some red or green ribbon, and twine. Paint the edges of the pinecones in white for a snow-dusted effect, then tie a ribbon to the top for hanging. Add twine loops, and voila—you have beautiful, nature-inspired ornaments perfect for any tree.
Glam and Glitter Ornaments
If you prefer a more glamorous holiday look, glitter is your best friend. Clear glass ornaments offer a blank canvas for creativity. You can fill them with sequins, glitter, or metallic confetti for an instant sparkle. Another option is to coat the inside of the glass baubles with adhesive spray, then swirl the glitter inside to coat it. Hang these glitzy ornaments on your tree for a pop of shine that catches the light beautifully.
Family-Friendly Ornaments for Kids
One of the joys of the holiday season is creating memories with family. Crafting ornaments with kids can be a fun, rewarding experience. Salt dough ornaments are perfect for little hands and easy to make! Mix salt, flour, and water to create a dough, then roll it out and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake the shapes, let them cool, and then have the kids decorate them with paint, markers, or glitter. These ornaments make wonderful keepsakes and are perfect for gift-giving too!
Repurposed and Upcycled Ornaments
For those who love to upcycle, using thrifted items to create ornaments is both fun and eco-friendly. Look for old buttons, fabric scraps, or even vintage jewelry at your local thrift store to turn into unique ornaments. Buttons can be glued together to make mini Christmas trees or wreaths, while fabric scraps can be cut and wrapped into tiny gift shapes. ThriftSmart offers an amazing selection of materials that are perfect for upcycling, and you’ll be supporting a sustainable mission with each purchase.
Essential Materials for DIY Christmas Ornaments
Basic Craft Supplies
Before diving into your DIY projects, make sure you have some essential craft supplies on hand. A glue gun, paint, and paintbrushes will be helpful for a variety of ornament styles. Scissors, craft wire, and stencils are also good to keep nearby for cutting shapes and adding details. With these basic tools, you’ll be prepared to tackle almost any ornament idea.
Thrift Store Finds for Unique Ornament Materials
Thrift stores like ThriftSmart are a treasure trove of affordable and unique crafting materials. From fabrics to vintage jewelry, there’s no shortage of items you can repurpose into holiday decorations. Shopping second-hand gives you the chance to find one-of-a-kind pieces that will make your ornaments stand out. Plus, all proceeds from our sales go directly to local charities, so you’re helping the community while you shop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Popular DIY Ornaments
Painted Pinecone Ornament
- Gather Supplies: Pinecones, paint, and ribbons.
- Paint the Pinecones: Using a small brush, paint the tips of the pinecones in your chosen colors—white for a frosty look, red for a classic holiday feel, or even gold for a touch of glam.
- Attach Ribbon: Once the paint is dry, tie a ribbon around the top of the pinecone for hanging.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of salt. Gradually add 3/4 to 1 cup of water, mixing as you go, until the dough comes together. Adjust the water amount as needed to achieve a smooth, pliable texture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it’s well mixed and easy to handle. For more detailed instructions, check out this guide from Better Homes & Gardens.
Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, and make a small hole at the top of each ornament with a straw or skewer for hanging. For tips on rolling and cutting salt dough, see this step-by-step tutorial from Sarah Maker.
Bake and Decorate: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying. This low-and-slow baking method will help the ornaments harden without browning. Once the ornaments are completely cool, you can decorate them with acrylic paint and seal them with a layer of Mod Podge or clear spray sealer for extra durability. Get more decoration ideas at Mod Podge Rocks.
Tips for Displaying Your DIY Christmas Ornaments
Tree Decorating Tips
When it comes to decorating your tree, layering is key. Start with lights, then add garlands or ribbon before hanging your ornaments. Position larger ornaments first to create a balanced look, then fill in with smaller decorations. By arranging your ornaments thoughtfully, you’ll ensure your tree looks cohesive and beautiful.
Other Creative Display Ideas
If you have more ornaments than tree space, try displaying them in other ways around your home. Hang them on wreaths or garlands, place them on your mantel, or arrange them in a bowl for a festive centerpiece. DIY ornaments aren’t just for trees—they can bring holiday cheer to any part of your home.
How ThriftSmart Supports a Sustainable Holiday Season
Shop for DIY Supplies at ThriftSmart
ThriftSmart is your go-to spot for finding unique, affordable supplies for your DIY holiday projects. By choosing thrifted items, you’re supporting sustainable practices while finding treasures you won’t see anywhere else. With each purchase, you’re not only saving money but also contributing to our community-focused mission. Check out our Our Story page to learn how we make a positive impact.
Donate to ThriftSmart After the Holidays
Once the season is over, consider donating any unused holiday decorations or leftover crafting supplies to ThriftSmart. Your donations help support local charities and give others the chance to find holiday items at a great price. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep the spirit of giving alive year-round. You can learn more about our donation program on our donation page.
Creating DIY Christmas ornaments is a joyful way to add a personal touch to your holiday season. Whether you’re crafting alone or with loved ones, the process is fun, creative, and cost-effective. At ThriftSmart, we’re proud to support your DIY projects by offering sustainable, affordable materials that make every ornament special. As you plan your holiday decor, remember that small choices, like repurposing thrifted items, can make a big impact. Happy crafting, and Merry Christmas from all of us at ThriftSmart!