Hey friends! Today, I’m sharing two super simple ways to create your own Christmas ornaments. These are perfect for a cozy evening with the kids, where a little creative chaos adds to the holiday fun. Now, I’ll be honest—store-bought ornaments? They’re fine. But the ones you make yourself? They’ve got heart. There’s just something magical about pulling out handmade decorations year after year, remembering the laughs, the glitter spills, and those “oops” moments. Whether you’re crafting with family or enjoying some solo creative time, these projects are all about making something personal and unique.
But before we dive in, I’ve got a confession: in my previous project, the Christmas wreath, I already showed how to make one of these ornaments. However, I ended up with so many extra clay circles that I had to come up with a second method! So we’ll start with that one, and at the end, I’ll give a quick nod to the wreath project.
What You’ll Need For Golden Glitter Ornaments
Let’s start with the glittery ornament because, well, who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle during the holidays? This one’s super straightforward, even if you’re not typically a “crafty” person.
- White air-dry clay (the kind you don’t have to bake—thank you, modern crafting)
- A sturdy glass for cutting circles
- A drinking straw (don’t skip this, trust me)
- White twine or cord
- A sprig of cedar, pine, or whatever evergreen you can snip from your yard
- Glitter (gold looks especially festive)
- Red jingle bells
- A strip of gold ribbon
Making These Golden Ornaments
Start by rolling out your air-dry clay to about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t stress about it being perfect—if the edges are a bit rough, that just adds character! Use a sturdy glass to cut out neat circles. If you’ve got kids helping, expect a few… abstract shapes. They might surprise you with their creativity!.
Gently place your sprig on top of the clay and use a rolling pin or smooth glass to roll over it, pressing the design evenly into the surface. It’s like a mini nature print—so cool. Quick tip: don’t push too hard, or you’ll end up with a twig stuck in your clay (yep, been there).
Here comes the satisfying part: grab your straw and punch a hole near the top of each circle for hanging. Then, press your evergreen sprig gently into the clay to leave a detailed imprint.
Patience, my friend. Let the ornaments dry for at least two days. If you’re like me and hate waiting, set them near a sunny window to speed things up just a bit. Once dry, brush a thin layer of glue onto the evergreen imprint.
Sprinkle that gold glitter on glue. Be generous—you can always shake off the excess later. (Also, do this over a piece of paper unless you want to be vacuuming glitter till next Christmas.).
Yes, cleaning afterwords won't be as easy as you think.
Thread your twine through the hole, tie on two cute little jingle bells, and finish it off with a shiny gold bow.
And there you have it: a chic, glittery ornament that’s ready to dazzle your tree!.
Btw, they could become a perfect gift for your friends.
What You’ll Need For Painted Evergreen Ornaments
This second method is for those who love a pop of color. It’s a bit more involved, but the results are worth it. These ornaments have a brighter, more vibrant look, and honestly, they kind of steal the show on the tree.
- The same air-dry clay, glass, and straw setup as before
- Green and brown acrylic paint
- A fine-tipped paintbrush (for all the tiny details)
- Wooden beads
- Red ribbon
Making These Imprinted Ornaments
Just like the first method, roll out your clay and press your evergreen sprig using a rolling pin. Cut circles, punch holes, and let them dry for a couple of days. This part’s repetitive, but hey, it’s also kind of therapeutic! Once dry, carefully paint the evergreen imprints with green acrylic paint. Use a tiny brush to really get into the grooves—this step takes a little patience but makes the design pop beautifully. Add a touch of brown to the stem for that natural, earthy vibe.
For a slightly different look, string three wooden beads onto your twine instead of bells. The neutral tones of the beads add a modern, minimalist touch. Finish with a bold red bow, and you’ve got yourself a colorful, festive masterpiece!.
Yes, you can simply glue the bow on. It's much easier...
You won't be disappointed in any of these ornaments.
Why Handmade Ornaments Are a Must
These ornaments aren’t just decor—they’re memory makers. It is more than a fun holiday activity; it’s a way to create pieces of your family’s story. So, grab some clay, get rolling, and let the holiday magic begin.