Add a personal touch to your holiday decor this year with simple handmade pieces that kids can help create—no crafting experience required!

There’s something truly magical about handmade Christmas ornaments. They carry the warmth of family traditions, the joy of creative collaboration, and the satisfaction of making something beautiful with your own hands. If you’ve always admired DIY holiday decor but felt intimidated by complex tutorials and expensive supplies, this guide is for you.

These five ornament projects are designed with busy Canadian families in mind. Each one uses common household items or inexpensive supplies you can find at any dollar store. Better yet, they’re perfect for little helpers aged 4 and up, making them ideal rainy-day activities during those long December afternoons when excitement for Christmas is building.

The best part? You can complete any of these projects in under an hour, but the memories and beautiful ornaments will last for years to come.

Transform your kitchen cookie cutters into sophisticated tree decorations with this brilliantly simple technique that requires zero crafting skills.

What You’ll Need:

  • Metal cookie cutters (any shapes work, but stars, trees, and hearts are especially festive)
  • Coloured ribbon, string, or cord
  • Optional: decorative paper, hot glue gun, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Basic Version:

  1. Choose ribbon that complements your tree’s colour scheme—classic red velvet, rustic twine, or elegant gold cord all work beautifully
  2. Thread the ribbon through the top of the cookie cutter
  3. Tie in a loop for hanging, leaving enough length for easy placement on branches
  4. Trim excess ribbon at an angle for a professional finish

Enhanced Version:

  1. Trace each cookie cutter onto decorative paper (wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or even children’s artwork)
  2. Cut out the shapes, leaving a small border for visual interest
  3. Use a hot glue gun to attach the paper backing to the cookie cutter
  4. Add ribbon as described above

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Safety first: Adults should handle the hot glue gun while kids help with tracing and ribbon selection
  • Mix and match: Combine different metals—copper, silver, and gold cutters create beautiful variety
  • Storage solution: These ornaments stack perfectly flat for easy storage after the holidays
  • Budget hack: Check thrift stores for vintage cookie cutters that add character and history to your tree

Creative Variations:

  • Photo memories: Instead of decorative paper, use family photos cut to fit inside the shapes
  • Nature theme: Fill star-shaped cutters with dried flowers or small pinecones, secured with clear contact paper
  • Kids’ artwork: Let children colour paper with crayons or markers before cutting to shape

Jingle Bell Reindeer: Whimsical and Musical

These charming ornaments bring delightful sounds to your tree while showcasing your family’s creativity. Children especially love the gentle tinkling as they help decorate.

Supplies Needed:

  • Large jingle bells (at least 2 inches for best visual impact)
  • Brown or black spray paint (optional)
  • Brown or gold pipe cleaners
  • Small googly eyes
  • Red mini pompoms
  • Red ribbon for hanging
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Newspaper or cardboard for spray painting surface

Detailed Instructions:

Preparation Phase:

  1. Paint the bells (optional): For a more realistic look, spray paint silver or gold bells with brown or black paint. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and let kids help by holding bells steady with tongs
  2. Protect your workspace: Lay down newspaper or work outdoors to avoid paint overspray
  3. Allow proper drying time: Wait at least 2 hours before handling painted bells

Assembly Process:

  1. Create antlers: Bend one pipe cleaner in half and thread it through the bell’s hanging loop
  2. Secure the base: Twist the pipe cleaner several times just above the bell to create a stable foundation
  3. Shape realistic antlers: Bend each pipe cleaner end to create branching antler shapes—encourage kids to make each reindeer unique
  4. Add the face: Use hot glue to attach googly eyes about halfway down the bell
  5. Create Rudolph’s nose: Glue the red pompom just below and between the eyes
  6. Finish with hanging ribbon: Thread ribbon through the original bell loop and tie securely

Advanced Techniques:

  • Texture variation: Wrap sections of the antlers with thin gold wire for extra detail
  • Family herd: Create different sized reindeer using various bell sizes
  • Personalization: Use alphabet beads to spell family members’ names on the ribbons

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • Antlers won’t stay shaped: Use slightly thicker pipe cleaners or double them up
  • Paint isn’t adhering: Clean bells with rubbing alcohol before painting
  • Pompom keeps falling off: Roughen the bell surface slightly with sandpaper for better glue adhesion

Not-So-Tacky Tack Ornaments: Surprisingly Glamorous

Transform humble thumbtacks into stunning metallic ornaments that look like expensive designer pieces. This project proves that sophisticated decor doesn’t require a big budget.

Materials List:

  • Styrofoam balls (various sizes for visual interest)
  • Decorative thumbtacks (gold, silver, or copper work best)
  • Ribbon or cord for hanging
  • Large paper clip
  • Wire cutters (optional)

Complete Method:

Planning Your Design:

  1. Calculate tack quantity: A 3-inch ball typically requires 200-250 tacks, while a 4-inch ball needs 300-350
  2. Test your pattern: Start with a small section to establish your overlap pattern
  3. Choose your colour scheme: Monochromatic looks elegant, while mixed metals create visual interest

Construction Process:

  1. Start at the bottom: Begin pushing tacks into the ball from the bottom, working in small circular rows
  2. Maintain consistent spacing: Overlap each tack slightly with its neighbours to avoid gaps
  3. Work methodically upward: Continue in concentric circles, checking frequently for even coverage
  4. Create the hanging mechanism: When you reach the top quarter of the ball, stop to insert your hanger
  5. Prepare the paper clip: Unfold and reshape into a bobby pin configuration
  6. Attach hanging loop: Thread your chosen ribbon through the paper clip, tie ends together, and push the clip firmly into the ball’s top
  7. Complete the covering: Continue adding tacks around the hanger until the entire ball is covered

Professional Finishing Tips:

  • Consistent pressure: Push each tack to the same depth for uniform appearance
  • Handle with care: Work slowly to avoid accidentally pushing tacks too deep
  • Quality control: Step back frequently to check for missed spots or uneven areas

Cost-Saving Strategies:

  • Buy in bulk: Purchase tacks from office supply stores rather than craft stores
  • Seasonal sales: Stock up on supplies during post-holiday clearance sales
  • Group project: Organize with friends or family to split bulk purchases

Combine decoration with treats using this playful approach that kids absolutely love—just don’t expect these ornaments to last long!

Shopping List:

  • Packaged cookies with center holes (shortbread rings, linzer cookies)
  • Festive ribbon or baker’s twine
  • Small scissors
  • Optional: edible glitter or icing for decoration

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Select sturdy cookies: Choose cookies that won’t crumble easily when handled
  2. Thread carefully: Guide ribbon through the center hole, being gentle to avoid breaking
  3. Create proper hanging loops: Leave enough ribbon length for easy tree placement
  4. Add decorative touches: Brush with edible glitter or add small icing dots if desired

Creative Alternatives:

  • Canadian twist: Use maple cookies or Canadian-made brands for patriotic flair
  • Mini donuts: Substitute small cake donuts for a fun, unexpected look
  • Bagels: Day-old mini bagels create rustic, longer-lasting ornaments

Important Considerations:

  • Freshness factor: These ornaments are best used within 3-5 days of creation
  • Pet safety: Hang high enough to keep curious pets from sampling your decorations
  • Family agreement: Establish rules about when these treats can be “harvested” from the tree

Yarn Globe Ornaments: Textured Beauty

Create sophisticated, gallery-worthy ornaments using the simple technique of yarn wrapping. These ornaments work beautifully with any decor style and can be customized to match your colour scheme perfectly.

Complete Supply List:

  • Round balloons (various sizes)
  • Yarn in your chosen colours
  • White school glue
  • Water
  • Small bowl for mixing
  • Foam brush or sponge brush
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon for hanging
  • Plastic wrap or wax paper to protect work surface

Detailed Process:

Preparation Stage:

  1. Inflate balloons: Blow up balloons to desired ornament sizes—vary sizes for visual interest
  2. Prepare workspace: Cover your work area with plastic wrap or wax paper
  3. Mix glue solution: Combine equal parts white glue and water in a small bowl
  4. Cut yarn lengths: Pre-cut yarn into manageable lengths (2-3 feet work well)

Wrapping Technique:

  1. Start with anchor point: Begin wrapping yarn around the balloon, leaving a long tail
  2. Apply glue as you go: Use the foam brush to apply glue solution to each section of yarn as you wrap
  3. Create random patterns: Wrap in various directions to create an interesting web pattern
  4. Maintain even coverage: Ensure no large gaps remain, but don’t make it too dense
  5. Secure the end: Tuck the final yarn end under previous wraps and add extra glue

Finishing Steps:

  1. Allow proper drying time: Let ornaments dry completely (24-48 hours in humid conditions)
  2. Pop the balloon: Carefully puncture the balloon and remove it through one of the yarn gaps
  3. Add hanging mechanism: Thread ribbon through the top of the yarn shell and tie securely

Troubleshooting Guide:

  • Yarn keeps sliding: Add more glue solution and work in smaller sections
  • Ornament collapses: Use a thicker yarn or create denser coverage
  • Balloon won’t deflate cleanly: Use a thin needle to create a small hole rather than popping loudly

Style Variations:

  • Ombre effect: Gradually change yarn colours as you wrap
  • Metallic accent: Incorporate gold or silver thread with regular yarn
  • Natural look: Use jute or twine for rustic, farmhouse-style ornaments

Making It a Family Tradition

Age-Appropriate Task Assignment:

  • Ages 4-6: Ribbon cutting, pompom placement, yarn selection
  • Ages 7-10: Threading ribbons, painting bells, basic wrapping techniques
  • Ages 11+: Hot glue gun use (with supervision), complex wrapping patterns, design planning

Creating Lasting Memories:

  • Document the process: Take photos of each family member working on their ornaments
  • Annual tradition: Choose one new ornament style to try each year
  • Gift giving: Create extra ornaments as thoughtful, handmade gifts for teachers, neighbours, and extended family

Storage and Care Tips:

  • Proper storage: Keep handmade ornaments in individual tissue paper or small boxes
  • Labeling system: Note the year and creator on each ornament
  • Repair kit: Keep extra supplies on hand for touch-ups in future years

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

Where to Find Supplies:

  • Dollar stores: Excellent for basic supplies like ribbons, glue, and foam balls
  • Craft store sales: Stock up during weekly sales and use coupons
  • Hardware stores: Often cheaper for items like spray paint and wire
  • Thrift stores: Great source for unique cookie cutters and vintage buttons

Estimated Costs per Project:

  • Cookie cutter ornaments: $1-2 each
  • Jingle bell reindeer: $2-3 each
  • Tack ornaments: $3-5 each
  • Cookie ornaments: $1-2 each
  • Yarn globes: $1-3 each

Safety Considerations

General Safety Rules:

  • Adult supervision: Required for all hot glue gun and spray paint activities
  • Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow when using paints or strong adhesives
  • Tool safety: Keep sharp scissors and wire cutters away from young children
  • Allergy awareness: Check for food allergies before creating edible ornaments

Clean-Up Made Easy:

  • Protect surfaces: Always use newspaper, plastic, or cardboard under messy projects
  • Have supplies ready: Keep wet wipes and paper towels within reach
  • Involve kids in cleanup: Make tidying up part of the creative process

Beyond the Holidays

These ornament-making techniques aren’t limited to Christmas. Adapt them for other celebrations throughout the year:

  • Valentine’s Day: Heart-shaped cookie cutters with pink and red ribbons
  • Easter: Pastel yarn globes and bunny-shaped cookie cutters
  • Canada Day: Red and white colour schemes with maple leaf shapes
  • Halloween: Orange and black yarn with spooky cookie cutter shapes

Creating handmade ornaments with your family builds more than just holiday decorations—you’re building traditions, memories, and skills that children will carry with them into their own families someday. These simple projects prove that the most meaningful decorations aren’t necessarily the most expensive or complicated. Sometimes, the most beautiful additions to your holiday decor are the ones made with love, laughter, and a little bit of creative chaos around the kitchen table.

Start with one project this year, and you’ll likely find yourself looking forward to expanding your handmade ornament collection each December. Before you know it, your tree will tell the story of your family’s creativity and growth, one lovingly crafted ornament at a time.