Get beautiful and unique ideas for DIY Christmas ornaments using a variety of materials including wood, yarn, decoupage, glitter, and more!
Scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a video of some of the ideas in action. You’re going to love watching these ornaments come to life.
One of my favorite things to make with Mod Podge for the holidays – DIY Christmas ornaments! Seriously, I just can’t get enough. Where do I begin with why I love them so?
Well, you get a chance to use a variety of mediums along with your Mod Podge – paper, tissue paper, fabric, gift wrap, paint, glitter, markers, etc . . . whatever your little heart desires can be added to the surface of an ornament!
Not only that but you get the immediate gratification of completing a little sphere of wonder in a short amount of time. I can take awhile to complete a variety of decoupage projects, but ornaments I always seem to finish right up, and I love that.
Quick and easy is the name of the game when it comes to the holidays as far as I’m concerned.
(get 60+ Mod Podge Christmas crafts here!)
Tips for Making Ornaments
Before I get to the ornaments, I want to offer my tips for success. I’ve made a TON of Christmas ornaments over the years, especially with Mod Podge.
Since I’m guessing you want your Christmas tree to be beautiful, I’m guessing you also want your ornaments to be beautiful too – and hopefully last for many years. Here’s what I do to achieve ornament perfection!
1. Prepare your surface.
Make sure the ornament is clean and sanded (if desired). You don’t have to paint the wood if you don’t want to. With glass, you’ll want to clean with a mild soap and water or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.
2. Choose the correct paint for your surface.
This is if you are painting. Make sure that you check that you have the appropriate acrylic paint to use with your wood, glass, ceramic, or whatever the ornament is made of.
Glass ornaments in particular require a glass paint (or multisurface), so I like to use FolkArt Multi Surface paint for every ornament just so it’s more durable and I know it’s going to work.
3. Decide on a theme.
You can always use Pinterest – but I like to get inspired by the craft store. Scrapbook designers are great at picking current design themes and creating papers that all look great together, so you can benefit from that.
4. Prepare any photos.
If you are using scrapbook paper, fabric, or something along those lines you don’t have to do anything.
However IF you are using photocopies or printed pictures, you’ll make to make sure that you seal them with an acrylic sealer if they were printed on inkjet.
Inkjet will bleed when decoupaged unless you spray both side of the printed page with a spray acrylic sealer. You can learn more about it in my decoupage on wood article.
5. Seal your ornaments.
Whether you use a clear acrylic spray sealer or a brush on clear sealer, you’ll want to use something additional if homemade Christmas ornaments are painted or decoupaged.
This is so the ornaments last as long as possible AND so they don’t stick when you put them into storage. Obviously let them dry completely before you do so. You might even want to use wax paper to store them so that you can ensure there isn’t a sticking problem (don’t wrap it too tightly).
Are you ready for the projects?
There are over 100 ideas here (including some for kids to make, and lots of options for fabric, paper, glass, photo, and more. If you make one of these (or more because you won’t be able to stop at one), let me know in the comments!
To get all of the ideas, you’ll need to scroll down the list below. You’ll want to go to the bottom because the ideas are so good. Enjoy!
DIY Christmas Ornaments
Learn how to make homemade ornaments using these unique tutorials! These use variety of other materials: paint, glitter, buttons, fabric, Mod Podge, and more.
DIY Gnomes
Learn how to make the cutest DIY gnome ornaments for your Christmas tree! Great for beginners and includes a free beard template.
Night Light Bulbs
Don't throw away burned out night light bulbs - turn them into light bulb Christmas ornaments with Mod Podge and glitter!
Wood Beads
Learn how to make a wood bead ornament that looks beautiful on your Christmas tree! You can make this holiday craft in four simple steps.
DIY Winter Florals
Make a DIY Winter Floral Ornament for your Christmas tree using vinyl and your Silhouette. It’s easy to customize your colors and design, and Alexis will walk you through all the steps!
Paper Christmas Balls
Learn how to make these cute paper ball ornaments for your Christmas tree! These are a perfect holiday craft for kids or adults.
Photo Christmas Blocks
Create festive, personalized photo Christmas ornaments using your favorite pictures, wood blocks, and Mod Podge. These DIY photo ornaments make great gifts!
Wood Bead Snowman
Learn how to make a wood bead snowman ornament for your Christmas tree using simple craft supplies! Easy for both adults and kids.
Embroidery Hoops
Make these simple and easy embroidery hoop Christmas ornaments in less than an hour! You can use them on your tree, or any other place you'd like to spruce up a festive area.
Crochet Angel
Follow along with this step-by-step tutorial to create a beautiful crochet angel ornament that will be a treasured keepsake for years to come. There is also a tutorial for a crochet bell ornament!
Mini Tealights
Tealight ornaments remind me of mini baskets and are definitely small-budget friendly! These would also be pretty attached to a gift to add a personal touch.
Santa Wood Slices
Wooden ornaments provide a lovely rustic charm to the holiday season. Use this tutorial to make Santa wood slice ornaments for your tree this year.
Rustic Candles That Clip On
I can't believe these cute little candles are made from twigs and almonds! You may already have all the supplies to make these cute clip on ornaments for your home. They're great for rustic holiday decorating.
Gingerbread Houses
These gingerbread house ornaments are super easy to make with chipboard, chalk markers, and a Cricut. But don’t worry, they can also be made without a cutting machine.
Felt Coffee Cups
Do you have any friends that are Starbucks obsessed? Make them a cute ornament or gift tag with this felt coffee cup craft!
Painted Gold Leaf
These beautiful DIY painted gold leaf ornaments are one of Cyd's most popular posts of all time! These are perfect for tree trimming or gift giving this holiday season. Make them with glass ornaments, paint, and gold leaf sheets.
Fabric Scrap Balls
Are you looking for fun and easy decoupage ornaments to make for Christmas? These are so fun and sparkly - any age can try them!
Frosty the Snowman
This adorable snowman ornament DIY is super cute and is so simple to make! His little hat is perfect, and you’ll cherish him for years to come.
Glitter with Dimensional Magic
These ornaments were made using old jewelry trays, magazine printouts, glitter, and Dimensional Magic. They make me want to raid my stash and see what I can come up with!
Wood Snowflakes
Grab a wood pole from your local thrift market or home improvement store - and make the cutest little snowflakes! All you need is a drill, saw, and woodburner.
Bottle Cap Snowmen
What can you craft with bottle caps? So many things! One of them being these darling little snowman ornaments. They're easy enough for kids.
Vintage Car
This DIY red car ornament is absolutely darling! If you're a sucker for anything vintage and festive around the holidays, these do-it-yourself ornaments are a must make.
Five Minute Snowman
Make the most darling DIY snowman ornaments in under five minutes with this quick and easy snowman craft tutorial! You won’t believe how simple and inexpensive these ornaments are to make.
Rustic Mickey Mouse
Not only are these DIY Mickey Mouse ornaments adorable, they were also really easy to make. Perfect for using as gift tags or a Christmas tree - I'd love to see the Minnie version too!
Beaded Letters
Learn how to make a beaded letter monogram ornament with this tutorial. Beaded letter ornaments are perfect for Christmas and weddings! Just start with any size wood letter.
Up! Disney Movie
Up! is one of my favorite kids' movies ever! Celebrate the house floating away with pom pom balloons on this cute ornament.
Beaded Star
Learn how to make a beautiful beaded star ornament that will look awesome in your Christmas home! Hang on your tree, in a window, and more.
DIY Harry Potter Ornaments
Learn how to make Harry Potter ornaments using vinyl and gold paint. It's really easy to do with a Silhouette or Cricut!
Pastel Rudolphs
If you can use paint and a hot glue gun, you'll easily be able to make these darling Rudolph Christmas ornaments. So modern and cute!
Faux Concrete
Create modern, unique concrete ornaments for Christmas without the weight of actual cement! These are so easy to make and look great on your tree.
Vintage Woodland
Trim your tree with these beautiful, timeless glass ball ornaments. They combine very simple painting with vintage bird images for a pretty touch to your tree.
Salt Dough
Use this recipe to make salt dough ornaments that double as personalized gift tags - both kids and adults will love this EASY craft. Preserve the ornaments with Mod Podge.
Holiday Shadow Box
Use Mod Podge, holiday minis, and a paper mache box to create unique Christmas shadow box ornaments. So fun and very satisfying to make!
Vintage Bells
It's hard to believe but these ornaments are made from recycled soda cans! I love this simple craft, and the beautiful bells that result.
Farmhouse Christmas Sign
These DIY farmhouse ornaments are not only super cute, they are insanely fast and easy to make. Plus there's a free printable available at the blog post!
Upcycled Lid Snow Globe
Do you have a cabinet full of lids without a match? Repurpose those lids and create the cutest upcycled lid snow globe ornaments.
Pretty Poinsettias
This felt Christmas ornament inspired by poinsettias was a lot of fun to make, and it was really easy too! No sewing machine required.
Personalized Letters
Use wood or paper mache to create these fun, personalized decoupage letter ornaments. These initial ornaments are easy to make with Mod Podge Gloss.
Family Photos
I love the idea of taking old black and white photos, turning them into ornaments, then adding colorful embroidery. These are the coolest ornaments ever!
Wood Slice Snowman
Learn how to make the cutest little Christmas ornaments using wood slices! I love their little flannel scarves. Kids will love making these too!
Pretty Painted Clay
These DIY clay Christmas ornaments are kid friendly but still look great on your tree! They are so easy to make using your favorite paint colors. One of these clay ornaments also makes a great Christmas gift.
Cute Little Mittens
These mitten ornaments or so adorable! These DIY Christmas ornaments are perfect for using up fabric scraps . . . and you can add the cutest details like buttons and bows.
Kids' Handprints
Make three ornaments using handprints - a Christmas tree with lights and a star, Santa, and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.
Family Photo Crystal
Learn how to make pretty family photo ornaments using crystal pendants from a chandelier! Perfect for Christmas, a wedding, or baby gift idea.
Chinoiserie with Metallic Foiling
Learn how to make metallic foiled Christmas ornaments using a heat gun, reactive foil and pretty patterned paper. They look stunning in gilded decorative frames on a Christmas tree
Vintage Postcard Shrinky Dinks
Create stunning Shrinky Dinks Christmas ornaments using artwork from vintage postcards. Learn how to make them and get the free printable Shrinky Dinks at the post!
Glitter Cardboard Stars
Glitter cardboard star ornaments are stunning when you use Glitterific paint, which looks like a mix of glitter and gold foil pieces. These Christmas star ornaments are so easy to make with just two supplies: cardboard stars and glitter paint!
Primitive Scrap Christmas Tree
This scrap fabric ornament boasts irresistible texture, warmth, and color; it looks beautiful hanging on the Christmas tree or dangling from a holiday present.
Metallic Keys
Make easy metallic key Christmas ornaments using supplies from the craft store – they cost just $1 to make and a little spray paint!
Mod Podge Photo Ornaments
The most special ornaments on my parents' tree are the photo ones from when me and my brothers were little. Start a tradition of making photo ornaments each year . . . such a fun way to decorate your Christmas tree!
Wood Scraps
These scrap wood ornaments are seriously the cutest holiday craft that you will make this year. Grab whatever you can from your stash as well as some scrap wood to make these.
Red Front Door
These red front door Christmas ornaments will add a colorful pop to your tree. Made from recycled legal pads, they take just 15 minutes to create.
Yarn Wrapped Stars
Can you wrap yarn? Then you can make these simple ornaments! These stars are perfect both for children and adults.
Pottery Barn Knockoff
Amy was inspired by some ornaments she saw at Pottery Barn - but she didn't love the price tag! It was after that she set off to make her own version.
Baking Soda Chickens
Kids will have fun painting these chicken ornaments and they look ADORABLE on a tree!
Easy Snow Globe
Craft your own magical winter wonderland with this DIY snow globe ornament. Perfect for Christmas tree decorating or unique gift-giving.
Peaceful Doves
Using stamps on wood slice ornaments is simple, fun and a great way to decorate. Learn how to use stamps on wood slices, along with glitter and some other simple supplies!
Cactus Baubles
These cactus Christmas ornaments have a vintage vibe and were retro inspired with a nod to the mid-century modern era’s love of cacti. Perfect if you live in the desert or just love cacti yourself.
Vinyl Cross Stitch
A cross stitch ornament looks complicated to put together - but the thing is, you're actually not doing any cross stitching! Use a cutting machine and vinyl to make this.
Knitted Christmas Balls
Give your home a touch of a little something special magic to capture the season by knitting your own decor. These quick-knits make a great holiday decoration for yourself, as well as gifts for family and friends!
Fabric Scrap Candy Canes
Make these DIY candy cane ornaments out of fabric scraps! You can reuse these year after year. So perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree, a holiday garland, or decorating gifts.
Christmas Tree Pinatas
These mini pinatas will brighten up any tree or package. They’re great to give to little guests that stop by during the holidays . . . what’s not to love about a mini pinata full of candy?
Felt Polaroid
Here's a free felt polaroid ornament pattern if you want to add some 90’s flair to your tree this year – I think they’d make great gift tags too!
Hot Chocolate Mug
Learn how to make hot chocolate ornaments from recycled toilet paper tubes! Aren't these cute? And they are so easy to make too!
Jingle Bells
I love jingle bells, especially pretty blue and glittery ones! Learn how to take those bells and turn them into simple DIY ornaments.
Scrabble Tiles
Follow this tutorial to make your own scrabble tile Christmas ornaments – they make beautiful gifts at the holidays that can be personalized to the recipient!
Pinecone Gnomes
Rustic, farmhouse-y, and so much fun to make with the family! These pinecone gnome ornaments bring a little bit of the outside in and turn it into Christmas magic.
DIY Rustic Carved Wood Ornaments
I love that you get to try out an angle grinder in this fun Christmas ornament idea! It's very easy to make these out of wood, and I love the rustic look.
Salt Shaker Snow Globes
This cute snow globe ornament is perfect to make in the classroom as a take-home gift for parents or at crafting parties!
Cross Stitch Home Alone
Are you familiar with Home Alone? This cross stitch Christmas ornament is based on the now-classic film! Have fun stitching, and Merry Christmas – ya filthy animal!
Glitter Seashells
Make holiday decorations the easy way! These seashell ornaments are simple . . just use glitter and Mod Podge to make pretty Christmas decor.
Toilet Paper Roll
Are you searching for the perfect handmade ornament to commemorate the past few years? Melissa couldn’t help herself with this funny DIY toilet paper ornament! You can put any year on it.
Buddy the Elf Mini Hoops
Do you love the movie ELF? Here are two fun quotes on embroidered ornaments. These are so simple and so fun to stitch up! I love how the double layer of pom pom trim looks too.
Clothespin Santa
A clothespin Santa ornament is a fun craft to make for the Christmas tree. Isn’t this adorable? It's easy for both kids and adults to make!
Simple Evergreen Sprig
Make this evergreen sprig polymer clay ornament for your holiday decor. Great pretty farmhouse ornaments DIY for your tree or gift wrapping! Just bake and hang.
Felt Mittens
These Christmas mitten ornaments are easy to make, economical and fun at the same time. You can use these mittens as package or gift toppers or favor bags too.
Button Snowman
For whatever reason this ornament has a British feel to me? Maybe it's the brown plaid. Anyway, I love it - the snowman is the icing on the cake!
Confetti Christmas Balls
These confetti ornaments pack a visual punch for Christmas decor, and are easy enough that kids and adults alike can make them. Use confetti in any colors that you like!
Mason Jar Lids
Make the coolest Christmas ornaments using mason jar lids! These are perfect for rustic or farmhouse decorating.
Rustic Ornaments
Make your own rustic glitter ornament using twine and Mod Podge! This is so easy - you'll want a whole tree of these. So pretty!
Gingham and Polka Dots
Life is too short not to use cute fabrics! Pick some cute red and green gingham and polka dots and Mod Podge onto a paper mache base.
Silent Night
These hoop ornaments are unique, easy to make, the supplies are easy to find, and you can personalize them according to your own taste and creativity!
Sugar Christmas Mitten
Learn how to make these sugar ornaments for Christmas - using things you already have on hand! Easy, inexpensive, and kids will love them.
Kraft Paper
Make these EASY brown paper bag ornaments in minutes with some basic craft supplies! These look so unique on your Christmas tree.
Recycled with Rhinestones
These rhinestone ornaments use can lids (but you'd never know it!), and they look blingy and fabulous on my tree! So easy to make.
Glittered Mirrors
Use white glitter and adhesive stencils to make these pretty and simple mirror ornaments for your Christmas tree! So striking in person.
DIY Mini Plaques
You'll love this project in which I turned mini wood plaques into DIY mini ornaments for Christmas. Use Mod Podge and holiday scrapbook paper.
Baker's Twine Spools
These simple wood spool ornaments are as cute as can be, and are so easy to make with baker's twine and Mod Podge. So cute on your Christmas tree!
Glass Balls with Paper Scraps
Learn how to Mod Podge glass Christmas ornaments with paper scraps - no crafting skills required! Such an easy holiday project that everyone in the family will love.
Painted Wood
Learn how to paint wooden ornaments using adhesive stencils, glitter, and Mod Podge! This Christmas decor is easy to personalize, and these are perfect for handmade gifts.
Temporary Tattoos
These temporary tattoo ornaments are so cute! They are one of my favorite Christmas projects ever and the possibilities are endless.
Last Minute Paper
This last minute decoupage project can save you from a sad looking home during the holidays. You'll love these paper ornaments - with a free template!
Cute Cookie Cutters
Turn four cookie cutters from the dollar bin into cookie cutter ornaments for Christmas! This is a fun and easy craft for the whole family.
Half Eaten Gingerbread
These gingerbread ornaments make me squeal every time I see them! So cute and made of felt with basic supplies - easy for kids.
Glitter Balls
Do you love the look of sparkle and bling on your tree? These pretty Mod Podge glitter ornaments are EASY to make - and like a million bucks.
Playing Cards
Do you love playing card games? Why not bring that love to your Christmas tree this year? I love how these turned out!
Macrame Christmas Ball
Get 3 different ways to add macrame to a clear ball ornament. These would also look cool if you adding color to the ornaments first!
Faux Mexican Pottery
Inspired by Mexican burnished pottery ornaments she saw online, Julia decided to create her own version. They are much less expensive, and look great!
Speckled Crayon
Put crayon shavings in a clear ball ornament and apply heat. Leave them speckled like this, or heat longer and create a marbled look.
Baby Sock Mouse
Use one of your baby's outgrown socks to commemorate the first Christmas. I love the felt mouse sleeping in the sock!
Knit Basket Of Yarn
Do you knit or know someone who knits? Then this adorable knitting bag ornament is for you!
Multicolored Pom Poms
This is a great way to use up some extra yarn and get a splash of color on your Christmas tree!
Snowman/Gal
Take a wood craft ornament and turn it into a snowman. You can make them this way, or add a photo on one or both sides like the other one shown here. So cute!
Ready for a visual? Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video in this post. I’d also love for you to visit these other Christmas posts:
Advent Calendars • Christmas Card Decor • Crafts for Adults • DIY Candle Holders • DIY Signs • Dollar Tree Crafts • Door Decor • Free Printables • Mason Jars • Mod Podge Ornaments • Napkin Rings • Recycled Decorations • Rustic Printables • Wall Decor • Wood Crafts
cindy cox
Saturday 10th of June 2023
i a looking for your hot chocolate cup ornament instructions using recycle toilet paper tubes that i saw last year. cannot find. could you send instructions to my email or tell me where to find the instructions?
Amy
Tuesday 20th of June 2023
Yes Cindy! http://www.megacrafty.com/2011/12/turn-pt-tubes-into-hot-chocolate.html
Monday 16th of December 2019
These all are so cute and beautiful ornament, very easy to choose from. Thanks for the share.
Lisa
Wednesday 4th of November 2015
Awesome. Love having so many to choose from. Thank you!
Ginger Ratzlaff
Tuesday 3rd of November 2015
Thank you for compiling this wonderful list. I immediately thought of people I wanted to give these to and things I could make with my grandchild. I also thank you for thinking ahead so we can make and give some of these by Thanksgiving for those who decorate right away.
Danielle
Monday 2nd of November 2015
Just found your blog and wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I'm enjoying it. Thanks for sharing this roundup!