Let's get one thing straight: Most of us have been DIY-ing our own Christmas ornaments since first grade. But while your mom will always proudly display that popsicle frame or that wreath made of construction paper, you may want to take your crafting game up a notch when it comes to your own tree. We're talking DIY Christmas ornaments that you'll want to use for years and will stand the test of time.
Sure, you could decorate your indoor pine with all the baubles and trinkets you can find at the store (aka, Amazon). But where's the fun in that? The holidays are the perfect time to experiment with creativity and let your imagination run wild. If you can make a DIY Christmas wreath for your front door, you can easily DIY some Christmas tree decorations. You could host an ornament-making night with friends or create a tradition out of it with your kiddos.
Whatever you make and whomever you make it with, handmade ornaments add a personal touch to your winter decor that store-bought ones just can't match.
But the internet is overflowing with ornament tutorials that promise to make your Christmas tree the talk of the town. So, we took it upon ourselves to scour the web for the most distinctive and fun DIY ornament ideas out there. And trust us — these mini little works of art are worth every second of your crafting time. Throw on a family Christmas movie and make a night of it.
So grab your hot-glue gun, glitter and a cup of hot cocoa (it's mandatory!), and check out these 15 must-try DIY ornaments.
Rusty Vintage
Credit: Sugar Maple Farmhouse
The term "rusty" may not be the first adjective you think of when it comes to tree decorating, but these faux vintage ornaments from Sugar Maple Farmhouse will change your mind.
Cottagecore Mushrooms
Credit: The DIY Mommy
Greener pastures are having a moment in the world of aesthetics, and these adorable mushroom ornaments from The DIY Mommy will have you channeling your inner woodland fairy in no time.
Faux Velvet
Credit: Alice & Lois
Bring the luxe vibes to your evergreen with these chic and simple velvet-inspired ornaments from Alice & Lois. Using simple ingredients you likely have at home (hello, baking powder?!), you'll give your tree a touch of elegance for a fraction of the cost.
Family Photos
Credit: The House that Lars Built
This genius idea from The House that Lars Built takes the family tree to a whole other level with colorful fixtures and a touch of nostalgia. Bonus: These ornaments also make great gifts!
Amber Glass
Credit: Craftberry Bush
Add a touch of warmth and vintage charm to your tree with these stunning amber glass ornaments from Craftberry Bush. The tutorial is simple, and the results are kinda magical.
Bleached Pine Cones
Credit: Stone Gable
Nothing says DIY Christmas like foraging for ornament supplies in your backyard. But these pine cones, transformed with bleach and a simple drying process from Stone Gable, look anything but homegrown.
Gold Leaf
Credit: The Honeycomb Home
The holidays are all about the glitz and glamour, and these gold leaf ornaments from The Honeycomb Home will add just that to your tree. Pro tip: Give your old ornaments a second life by repurposing them with this tutorial.
Paper Honeycomb
Credit: A Wonderful Thought
Bring a unique geometric touch to your tree with these paper honeycomb ornaments from A Wonderful Thought. The possibilities for patterns and colors are endless, and the final result is sure to make your tree pop.
Macrame
Credit: The Green Madhouse
If your vibe falls into the bohemian range, these macrame ornaments from The Green Madhouse will be right up your alley. They give you three different patterns to choose from, and the end result is a charming addition to any tree.
Hanging Planter
Credit: A Beautiful Mess
Calling all plant lovers! With the help of this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, you won't have to sacrifice your greenery for the holidays. This mini hanging planter lets you show off your succulent collection in style.
Dried Oranges
Credit: I Spy DIY
A classic for a reason, these dried orange ornaments from I Spy DIY will bring a touch of natural beauty to your tree. You can pair them with a dried orange garland for a citrusy cohesive look that just screams vintage Christmas.
Letters
Credit: A Daily Something
Want to add a personal touch to your tree? Spell out a holiday-themed message or display the first letters of your family members' names with these adorable yarn-wrapped letter ornaments from A Daily Something.
Marbled
Credit: Hip and Humble Style
Get the look of expensive marbled ornaments without breaking the bank with this tutorial from Hip and Humble Style. You can choose your own color scheme and make as many as you want without spending a fortune.
Shell Mosaic
Credit: Almost Makes Perfect
Christmas at the beach, anyone? These beautiful shell mosaic ornaments from Almost Makes Perfect are simple but stunning, and they'll add a coastal touch to your tree. Plus, you can use shells from your last beach trip for a nostalgic twist.
Toy Car
Credit Let's Do Something Crafty
Upcycling a toy car into a Christmas ornament? Yes, please! This tutorial from Let's Do Something Crafty is perfect for any car-loving kiddos, and they add a fun vintage touch to your tree.
