This year, I decided I wanted us to have a bigger Christmas tree. Luckily, my mom had an extra one which she didn’t want to use anymore. So from our tiny little 3-foot tree, we now have a 7-footer! The girls and I are quite happy about this upgrade but we realize we needed more ornaments to fill it up, so much more than what our former tree could hold!
So, the last few weeks, my daughters and I have been busy making our own ornaments, using things we had at home. If you’re like me and you’re looking for cheap but creative ways to fill up your tree or you simply want something fun to do with your kids this season, I’m sharing here five different ornaments you can make at home. The first three are new projects while the last two are my favorites from three years ago.
Tassels are what’s its all about these days! I don’t know if these babies will ever go out of style but I do know I will always have a soft spot for them. Raise those tassels if you agree! Now these fun trinkets are super easy to put together and will instantly make your tree look so much more exciting!
MATERIALS: Assorted beads, wax cords/ string, felt or fabric, ribbon, wooden rings (optional), glue gun
HOW TO: Simply string some beads, approximately 3 inches in length or longer if your tree us bigger. To create the tassel, fringe one side of a piece of cloth or felt around 3×2 inches in size. Roll it into itself and attach to the end of your string of beads. Stick a strip of ribbon or lace around the tassel for an added flair.
The easiest and the sparkliest! Your kids will surely enjoy making these!
MATERIALS: White cardboard or foam sheets, assorted sequins, white glue, string
HOW TO: Cut up white foam sheets or cardboard into snowflake shapes. Using some white glue, stick sequins all over it. Go crazy! Once done, let it dry, punch a hole, attach a piece of string and hang.
Probably my favorite new project in this list! Make use of those plastic egg boxes from the supermarket to create these quirky ornaments!
MATERIALS: Plastic egg box, cellophane, string, beads
HOW TO: Cut out the cups from the plastic egg box. Glue small cut up pieces of colorful cellophane in the inside of the cup. Let it dry until the film of glue turns completely transparent. Punch a little hole on the flat part of the cup. Insert a string with one bead through it to make it look like a bell. Add some more beads on the top part, tie a knot and voila!
And this is a classic favorite from three years ago! The original ones I made are still in great condition and I have been hanging them on my tree ever since. I do hope to have them for many more years to come!
MATERIALS: Bottle caps, fabric scraps, assorted ribbon, glue gun
HOW TO: Please read complete instructions HERE.
Also a project from three years ago, here is a great way to give those old Christmas balls a facelift!
MATERIALS: Old Christmas ball ornaments or styrofoam balls, fabric, ribbon, glue gun
HOW TO: There are several ways to make these. Please read complete instructions HERE.
Some are a little bit more complicated than the others but I’m sure there’s at least one here that you can easily make in your own home. The moms out there will find that these are great activities to keep the kids busy too! My kids helped me out with most of these projects (most specifically the first three) and it served as a great bonding and learning experience. They keep asking to make more!
Also, I’ve always wanted to have a colorful tree filled with story. I never wanted mine to look like the color coordinated ones you see in the stores, but to look more like it’s been put together by children — a mix of many different things! So these ornaments are quite perfect because they tell stories of how my kids and I made them together through the years. Our tree is far from perfect but it gives me so much joy to see how it’s shaping up.
Wishing you a happy, homemade Christmas, full of hope and life! Here’s a silly little face to close this post… ;P
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