Easy DIY Christmas Ornaments That Look Store-Bought

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creativity. As we deck the halls and trim the tree, many of us seek to add a personal touch to our decorations. DIY Christmas ornaments offer a wonderful opportunity to express your creativity while saving money and creating cherished memories with family and friends. This article will guide you through several easy DIY ornament ideas that look professional and store-bought, ensuring your tree shines bright this Christmas.

1. Painted Pine Cones

Materials Needed:

Pine cones

Acrylic paint (various colors)

Paintbrushes

Glitter (optional)

Ribbon or twine for hanging

Instructions:

Collect pine cones from your yard or local park, ensuring they are clean and dry.

Choose your favorite colors of acrylic paint and apply a base coat to each pine cone.

Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat if needed.

For a festive touch, sprinkle glitter over the wet paint or use a spray adhesive to attach glitter after the paint dries.

Attach a ribbon or twine to the top of each pine cone for hanging.

These painted pine cone ornaments add a rustic charm to your tree and can be customized in any color scheme to match your holiday decor.

2. Salt Dough Ornaments

Materials Needed:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup salt

1 cup water

Cookie cutters

Rolling pin

Acrylic paint or markers

Ribbon for hanging

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then gradually add water, mixing until it forms a dough.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to create various shapes.

Use a straw to make a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.

Bake the ornaments on a baking sheet for about 2 hours or until hard.

Once cooled, paint or decorate the ornaments with markers.

String a ribbon through the hole for hanging.

Salt dough ornaments are not only easy to make but also allow for endless creativity. Personalize them with names, dates, or festive designs.

3. Clear Ornament Fillers

Materials Needed:

Clear plastic or glass ornaments

Fake snow, glitter, or small ornaments

Ribbon or string for hanging

Instructions:

Carefully remove the top of the clear ornaments.

Fill each ornament with your choice of fake snow, glitter, or small decorative items like mini pine cones, berries, or sequins.

Replace the top of the ornament securely.

Add a decorative ribbon or string to the top for hanging.

These clear ornaments can be filled with anything that inspires you, creating a beautiful display that showcases your personal style.

4. Personalized Photo Ornaments

Materials Needed:

Clear plastic or glass ornaments

Printed photos (small enough to fit inside the ornaments)

Ribbon or string for hanging

Craft glue or Mod Podge (optional)

Instructions:

Print your favorite holiday photos on thin paper.

Carefully remove the top of the ornament.

Roll the photo and insert it into the ornament. Use craft glue or Mod Podge to secure the photo inside if desired.

Replace the top and add a ribbon or string for hanging.

These personalized photo ornaments make wonderful gifts for family and friends, capturing special memories from the year.

5. Beaded Ornaments

Materials Needed:

Assorted beads (in holiday colors)

Wire or sturdy string

Wire cutters (if using wire)

Instructions:

Cut a length of wire or string, about 12 inches long.

String beads onto the wire or string, alternating colors and shapes as desired.

Once you've filled the wire or string, twist or tie the ends securely to form a loop.

Create a loop at the top for hanging.

Beaded ornaments add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your tree and can be customized in countless ways.

6. Fabric Scrap Ornaments

Materials Needed:

Scrap fabric (in holiday colors or patterns)

Scissors

Hot glue gun

Cardboard or felt for backing

Ribbon for hanging

Instructions:

Cut your fabric scraps into festive shapes such as stars, trees, or hearts.

Cut a piece of cardboard or felt slightly larger than the fabric shape to use as a backing.

Use a hot glue gun to attach the fabric shape to the cardboard or felt.

Cut a small piece of ribbon and glue it to the back for hanging.

These fabric scrap ornaments are not only eco-friendly but also add a cozy, homemade feel to your holiday decor.

7. Dried Fruit Ornaments

Materials Needed:

Oranges, lemons, or apple slices

Oven or dehydrator

Ribbon or twine for hanging

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).

Slice the fruit into thin, even pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).

Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally, until dried and slightly shriveled.

Once cooled, use a ribbon or twine to hang the dried fruit slices.

Dried fruit ornaments not only look beautiful but also emit a delightful scent, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Creating DIY Christmas ornaments is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season while adding a personal touch to your decor. Whether you choose to paint pine cones, create salt dough shapes, or fill clear ornaments with cherished memories, these crafts can be both simple and elegant. Not only do they save money, but they also foster creativity and family bonding. So gather your supplies, invite your loved ones, and start crafting these beautiful ornaments that will make your tree look store-bought without the hefty price tag. Happy crafting and Merry Christmas!