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70 DIY Christmas Ornaments for a More Personal Touch to Your Tree

They make really sweet gifts, too!

By Shelby Deering
diy christmas ornaments
Persia Lou

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When it comes to decorating your Christmas tree, the ornaments are definitely the main attraction. This is where our own unique style tends to shine. Ree Drummond, for example, is all about those meaningful, homespun ornaments over uniform store-bought sets. "The ones on my tree are a mix of crafted childhood ornaments and sentimental ornaments we've been gifted through the years," she says.

It makes sense that Ree's partial to DIY Christmas decorations—they're one of a kind, imbued with care (even if they don't turn out how you imagined! 😂), and often have a retro Christmas ornament feel. Plus, DIY Christmas ornaments make sweet heirlooms to give to loved ones. So if you need more DIY Christmas gift ideas or just want a fun Christmas craft, give these homemade ornaments and baubles a try. They're exactly what your tree needs this holiday season.

Here, you'll find a list of curated projects in hopes that they'll make your Christmas that much more wonderful. Try crafting chalkboard ornaments—you'll be able to personalize each gift with your recipient's initials or a special message. Or take a look at ornaments that up-cycle household items such as mason jar lids and baking tins. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or rustic, there's a homemade Christmas ornament on this list that's perfect for you.

Get even more ornament inspo:

1

Beaded Wreaths

diy christmas ornaments
The Craft Patch

Wreaths are entirely too cute to hang exclusively on doors. So, spread the Christmas spirit by making a few beaded versions to hang from your tr branches, too. A holiday ribbon adds the merriest finishing touch.

Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.

SHOP BEADS

2

Salt Dough Frames

diy christmas ornaments
A Beautiful Mess

There's hardly anything more special than a handmade ornament—except maybe a handmade ornament featuring a sweet family photo! This blogger has step-by-step instructions to make the dough for festive ornament frames, then shows you how to get the picture attached as well.

Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.

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3

Popsicle Stick Sled Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments
Sustain My Craft Habit

Oh, what fun it is to make these charming little sleighs! It's easier than it looks to craft them with popsicle sticks and the paint color of your choice. Adorning them with winter greenery is optional.

Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.

4

Snowman Handprint Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments
Little Red Window

These adorable frosty friends featuring your kids' handprints won't melt off your tree—promise! In fact, with some acrylic paint and sealer, they'll last season after season. Talk about a memory made to last.

Get the tutorial at Little Red Window.

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5

Glitter Scallop Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments
Sarah Hearts

Merry, bright, and so simple to create, you'll want to paint a whole set of these ornaments in every color of the rainbow! Along with paint, you'll need a foam pouncer, decoupage, and glitter to make the lovely, scalloped top.

Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.

SHOP GLITTER

6

Gnome Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments gnome ornaments
One Little Project

It really doesn't get much cuter than this Scandinavian-inspired gnome ornament! Here's how it's made: A fluffy yarn beard and bead nose gets topped off with an adorable terra cotta pot hat. Don't forget to attach a fun ribbon to hang it.

Get the tutorial at One Little Project.

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7

Hand Painted Pastel Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments hand painted pastel ornaments
Alice & Lois

Add a pastel pop of color to your branches with these whimsically painted ornaments. Combine that shape with those abstract doodles and they're the perfect mix of vintage and modern style for so much Christmas cheer hanging from your tree.

Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois.

8

Candy Cane Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments candy cane ornaments
DIY Candy

It's not Christmas without candy canes—and these decorative versions will be the sweetest additions to your tree! You'll just use a few craft items to complete the easy project, like red and white fabric scraps and wire.

Get the tutorial at DIY Candy.

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9

Paper Honeycomb Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments paper honeycomb ornaments
The House That Lars Built

You may have seen honeycomb ornaments at your favorite home design store, but you can make equally beautiful ones yourself. These oversized versions make for the perfect visual counterbalance to small ornaments on your tree. Bonus: You can choose any color to match your décor.

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.

10

Avocado Toast Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments avocado toast ornaments
DIY in PDX

This one almost looks good enough to eat! Avocado toast fanatics won't be able to resist the incredible felt recreation of their favorite snack. The little salt beads add the cutest finishing touch!

Get the tutorial at DIY in PDX.

SHOP CRAFT FELT

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11

Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments salt shaker snow globe ornaments
Mason Jar Crafts Love

For a creative twist on the classic snow globe, try these sweet little salt shaker ornaments. To make them, you'll place glittery bottle brush trees atop a bed of salty "snow." How nifty!

Get the tutorial at Mason Jar Crafts Love.

12

Paper-Covered Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments papercovered ornaments
The Turquoise Home

Book lovers, this idea is for you! Grab an old novel or newspaper you're finished with to make the sweet paper-covered ornament. With neutral hues and a minimalist look, it will work well with any Christmas tree color scheme.

Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.

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13

Pine Snow Globe Ornament

diy christmas ornaments pine snow globe ornament
The Crazy Craft Lady

You can bring a bit of the outside in with this snow globe ornament that's filled with natural elements like pinecones, snow, and pine needles. It's essentially a whimsical winter wonderland on display in a ball!

Get the tutorial at The Crazy Craft Lady.

14

Retro Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments retro ornaments
The House That Lars Built

Hello, vintage Christmas décor! Anyone else swooning over these paper ornaments in fabulous colors and funky shapes? Better yet, they're easy to make with a little help from a printable. Once you've printed and cut them out, it's time to attach the beads, bells, and tassels.

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.

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15

Winter Floral Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments winter floral ornaments
Persia Lou

Ree is a big fan of florals, which means there's no doubt she'd give these pretty ornaments her stamp of approval! They're bright and colorful, and you can easily customize the colors and design to fit the lo0k of your home.

Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.

SHOP CRAFT VINYL

16

Cat Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments cat embroidery hoop ornaments
Polkadot Chair

Calling all cat parents! One of these purr-fect embroidery hoop ornaments deserves a spot in the center of your Christmas tree. Your furry friend will definitely approve!

Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.

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17

Wool Felt Mitten Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments wool felt mitten ornaments
Polkadot Chair

These tiny felt mittens are too cute! Hang a few around your tree or string them up to create a sweet little garland. They're sure to create the coziest feel in your space.

Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.

18

Macrame Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments macrame ornaments
Lovely Indeed

Macramé decorations are incredibly charming and easy to make, even if you're a beginner. Trust us! And these particular woven Christmas tree ornaments keep things extra simple by only using one knotting technique.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

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19

Leather Ornaments

diy christmas ornaments leather ornaments
Delia Creates

If you want a warm, modern look for your tree, try making these simple leather ornaments. The clean design means they will complement and not clash with your other decorations.

Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.

20

Painted Nut Ornaments

painted nut diy christmas ornaments
Handmade Charlotte

Instead of roasting chestnuts, you can paint them! These darling painted treasures will bring a touch of whimsy to your tree. The little ones are sure to love them, too!

Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte.

SHOP CRAFT PAINT

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