Quick and Simple Christmas Ornaments Tutorial | Natalie Elphinstone

I love Christmas crafting, it's got to be my favorite kind! Scrapbook layouts, cards, tags, advent calendars and decorations are all on my to-do list this year. Of course, the only problem with Christmas crafting is that I often don't have a lot of time to do it in, so keeping projects quick and simple is the way to go. Especially if it's something I need to make in multiple quantities, and/or something the kids want to be involved in! With that in mind, today I want to share with you 3 easy techniques for making Christmas ornaments that just use the basic scrapbook supplies you already have in your stash.

Bauble:

1. Cut a length of paper 4" by 5" and cut it into 0.5" strips so that you have 10 of them. You might cut more strips if you prefer your bauble to be 'fuller' or if you were making it bigger. If your patterned paper has an irregular design like the one I'm using then make sure to keep the strips in the right order so they line up at the end. Pierce a hole through the middle of each of the strips at both the top and the bottom.

2. Cut a length of craft wire and create a very small loop at one end, just so the sequins and button that you're about to thread on won't fall off.

3. Next is to thread on each strip of paper onto the wire. First thread on all 10 at one end, and then loop each one around in order and thread on the top end.

4. Secure it all in place by popping on another button and a couple of sequins and then creating a larger loop in the wire so you can hang your bauble.

Christmas Tree
5. Cut three squares of patterned paper in progressively larger sizes. Mine are 2x2", 2.5x2.5" and 3x3" but this can be adjusted to any size you'd like.

6. Fold each square in all 4 directions to create creases, meaning from corner to corner to create triangles, and then from edge to edge to create rectangles. Unfold them again so they're relatively flat.

7. Next is manipulating them into triangle tree shapes by folding in opposite sides of the square. This is a bit difficult to explain in words, best to look at the photo!

8. Stack each triangle on top of one another and glue together. Decorate it if you like with small embellishments such as enamel dots. Thread a wire loop through the top of the tree to hang it.

Star:

9. Punch or cut out 5 or 6 stars the same size from patterned paper.

10. Fold each star in half lengthways.

11. Glue one half of a star to the back of half of the next star, and continue doing this until all the stars are used.

12. Glue the last two remaining halves together so you've created a full circle. Decorate with small embellishments such as these chipboard stars and thread a wire loop through the top for hanging.

Supplies:

Bauble:

Christmas Tree:

Star:

Have you made any cool ornaments or other holiday projects this season? Share in the comments!

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

13 comments

  1. kathyv says…
    12/02/2014

    Thank you so much for this post! These ornaments are just so creative. My daughter was just asking last night to make some homemade ornaments!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  2. toribissell says…
    12/02/2014

    Okay I love this sooo much! I totally want to make paper ornaments now!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  3. all_that_scrapbooking says…
    12/02/2014

    Wow this is beautiful! I love that stars! Definitely wanna try!!!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  4. christinepalka says…
    12/02/2014

    Just lovely! Thank you for a great idea and tutorial.

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  5. supertoni says…
    12/02/2014

    OMG you cut into the skyscraper paper. GASP!

    The ornaments are lovely Natalie, thank you for giving me some crafting ideas for my daughter and I this week.

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  6. Sarastella says…
    12/02/2014

    just wonderful. great ideas.

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  7. PunkyBear8210 says…
    12/02/2014

    Ack, the bauble ornament is adorable!!!! I think a craft day with a certain 4 year old is in my future! :)

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  8. mugsie says…
    12/03/2014

    Thanks so much!! I love that you did a tutorial. Perfect timing for cold indoor days here. Going to attempt with the toddler this week :)

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  9. AKTay says…
    12/03/2014

    oh how pretty! would be a great project to try with kids!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  10. heygillian says…
    12/03/2014

    These are so fabulous, Natalie! I'll be making some for sure!

    g

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  11. pixnglue says…
    12/03/2014

    Fabby project, Natalie!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  12. all_that_scrapbooking says…
    12/04/2014

    Done!! What a fun! And the stars look soooo wonderful!! Thank You!!

    1 Reply 0 Replies
  13. Michelle0604 says…
    12/14/2014

    I have made a bunch of ornaments this year, paper mini envelopes and diy air dried clay which I painted gold, going to try your ones this week :)

    0 Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.