Festive Favorites: Easy DIY Ornaments to Brighten Your Holidays

Crafting Christmas Cheer: Decoupage Delight

As the holidays approach, the urge to deck the halls with festive decor grows strong. One of the most delightful ways to express your yuletide spirit is to craft your own Christmas ornaments. If you’re looking for a fun, personalized project that can add a touch of holiday charm to your home, easy DIY decoupage ornaments are the perfect solution.

Decoupage is a versatile technique that allows you to transform simple materials into stunning ornaments that reflect your unique style and holiday cheer. With just a few basic supplies and some straightforward steps, you can create one-of-a-kind decorations that will dazzle your family and friends.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a beginner seeking a new holiday project, these DIY decoupage ornaments are sure to inspire.

Gathering Your Supplies

To get started, you’ll need:

• Clear plastic ornament halves
• Patterned napkins or paper towels
• Mod Podge (in a gloss finish)
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Ribbon or twine for hangers

The great thing about this project is that many of the supplies can be found around your home or picked up easily at your local craft store. The key is finding napkins or paper towels with an overall pattern that aligns with your holiday color scheme.

Decoupage Delights: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Separate the Layers: Carefully separate the top decorative layer of the napkin or paper towel from the backing. This is the layer you’ll be using for your ornaments.

2. Apply the Mod Podge: Brush a thin, even layer of Mod Podge onto the “bowls” of the plastic ornament halves. Be sure to cover the entire surface.

3. Adhere the Napkin: Carefully center the decorative napkin layer onto the Mod Podge-coated ornament half. Starting from the bottom, gently press the napkin against the surface, smoothing out any creases or folds as you work your way up the sides.

4. Seal with Mod Podge: Once the napkin is in place, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top, sealing the design and smoothing any remaining wrinkles.

5. Trim the Excess: Use sharp scissors to carefully trim away any excess napkin material around the edges of the ornament half.

6. Assemble the Ornament: Match the “female” and “male” ornament halves, applying a thin bead of craft glue around the rim to secure them together. Hold for 10-20 seconds until the bond is firm.

7. Add the Hanger: Cut a length of ribbon, twine, or decorative thread and loop it through the ornament’s hanging loop, securing it with a dab of glue.

8. Finish with a Bow: For an extra touch of holiday charm, glue a small ribbon bow to the top of the ornament.

And there you have it – a beautiful, personalized decoupage ornament that’s sure to make your Christmas tree sparkle!

Naturally Festive: Dried Orange Slice Wreaths

Looking to add a touch of natural elegance to your holiday decor? Consider crafting a stunning dried orange slice wreath. This easy DIY project not only brings a warm, inviting aroma to your home but also creates a stunning visual centerpiece that celebrates the simple beauty of the season.

Drying the Orange Slices

The key to this project lies in the preparation of the orange slices. Begin by slicing several oranges into thin, even rounds, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, typically around 175°F (80°C), and bake the orange slices for 4-6 hours, flipping them occasionally, until they are completely dried and leathery in texture. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the slices are fully dried, allow them to cool completely before assembling your wreath.

Assembling the Wreath

To create the wreath, you’ll need a sturdy wreath form, such as a bamboo or grapevine ring. Start by applying a bead of hot glue to the wreath form and pressing the first orange slice into place. Continue adding the dried slices, slightly overlapping each one, and securing them with the hot glue.

For added depth and visual interest, you can tuck in smaller, more tightly-curled orange slices between the larger ones, creating a layered effect. The natural variations in the orange hues will add to the charm of your dried citrus wreath.

To complete the look, consider adding a festive bow made from satin ribbon or natural twine. This simple finishing touch will elevate your wreath and make it the perfect addition to your holiday decor.

The natural beauty and captivating aroma of a homemade dried orange slice wreath are sure to bring a touch of seasonal charm to any space.

Sparkling Snowfall: An Anthropologie-Inspired DIY Wreath

Are you captivated by the enchanting holiday displays at Anthropologie but deterred by the steep price tags? Bring the magic of their festive creations into your own home with a stunning DIY Christmas wreath inspired by the retailer’s alpine-inspired designs.

This project features a snowy wreath adorned with charming miniature houses, bottle brush trees, and a generous sprinkling of holiday sparkle. By combining these whimsical elements, you can create a one-of-a-kind decoration that will be the envy of your friends and family.

Gathering Your Supplies

To recreate this Anthropologie-inspired wreath, you’ll need:

• A green wreath form
• Small wooden houses (you can find these as stacked puzzle pieces)
• Acrylic paint in desired colors (think deep pinks, blues, and greens)
• White paint pen
• Spray adhesive
• Fake snow or “Diamond Dust” glitter
• Bottle brush trees in various sizes
• White batting or polyester fill
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Crafting Your Snowy Alpine Scene

1. “Frost” the Wreath: Using a paper towel dipped in white acrylic paint, dab the tips of the wreath form to create a snow-dusted effect. Apply a second coat if desired for a more dramatic wintery look.

2. Paint the Wooden Houses: Unleash your creativity and paint the exterior of the wooden houses in vibrant, festive colors. A mix of deep pinks, blues, and greens will give your wreath a modern, yet cozy alpine feel.

3. Add Snowy Details: After the house paint has dried, use a white paint pen to outline the windows and doors, adding charming details that evoke a snowy village.

4. Glitter the Houses: Spritz the painted houses with spray adhesive and immediately cover them in fake snow or “Diamond Dust” glitter. This will soften the bold colors and give the houses a magical, snow-dusted appearance.

5. Arrange the Wreath: Carefully place the glittered houses around the wreath form, arranging them to create a whimsical winter scene. Use hot glue to secure the houses in place.

6. Tuck in the Bottle Brush Trees: Fill in the empty spaces between the houses with various sizes of bottle brush trees, creating a miniature forest.

7. Finish with Snowy Accents: Add wisps of white batting or polyester fill to the rooftops and bases of the houses, mimicking fresh fallen snow.

The result is a breathtaking wreath that captures the charming, snow-covered appeal of an Anthropologie display – but at a fraction of the cost.

Bringing Your Holidays to Life with DIY Ornaments

Whether you’re drawn to the elegant simplicity of decoupage, the warm, natural appeal of dried orange slices, or the whimsical winter wonderland of an Anthropologie-inspired wreath, these DIY holiday projects are sure to infuse your home with festive cheer.

By crafting your own ornaments and decor, you can add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations while saving money and expressing your unique style. These projects not only make beautiful additions to your holiday display but also double as thoughtful, handmade gifts for family and friends.

As you deck the halls this season, embrace the joy of creating your own holiday magic. With a little creativity and a few simple supplies, you can transform your home into a cozy, festive oasis that reflects your holiday spirit.

Happy crafting, and Merry Christmas!