Adding festive charm to your holiday décor doesn’t need to cost much. With a few scraps of ribbon, fabric, beads and cardboard you can create attractive, homemade Christmas ornaments that give your tree a personal, handcrafted feel. These simple DIY ornaments are budget-friendly, eco-conscious and a fun family project.
Adding a Homemade Touch to Your Tree
Right now my house is in full holiday mode: the sparkling Christmas tree is up, boxes are stacked around the work area, and there’s delightful chaos as we decorate. To speed things along I recruit my daughters and a friend to help—otherwise I’d still be decorating at New Year’s. One of my favorite traditions is making simple ornaments from everyday materials. They’re quick to assemble, customizable, and perfect for displaying on the tree or giving as thoughtful, handmade gifts.
Below I’ll walk you through a basic scrap ribbon ornament and share ideas for variations, embellishments and gift-ready finishes so you can make a whole set that suits your style—vintage, modern, rustic or glam.
Materials Needed to Make These Simple Ornaments
- Cardboard (recycled boxes work well)
- Scissors
- A cup or bowl for tracing circles
- Stapler or hot glue gun
- Scrap fabric and ribbon
- Beads, buttons, pearls or other small embellishments
- Thin ribbon or twine for hanging
How to Make Scrap Ribbon Ornaments
Start by cutting out donut-shaped rings from cardboard—the size is up to you, but 2–4 inches across makes a nice ornament. Use a cup or small bowl to trace the outer and inner circles for even shapes.
Next, cut long strips of fabric or ribbon. If your fabric has fraying edges, fold them or use a bit of glue so the final piece looks neat. Attach one end of the strip to the cardboard ring with a staple or a dab of hot glue.
Wrap the strip tightly and evenly around the ring until the cardboard is fully covered. Tuck or glue the end on the back for a seamless finish. You can alternate different fabrics or ribbons to create striped effects.
Once wrapped, add decorative touches. Tie a small bow, glue on vintage buttons, secure a strand of beads or glue on faux pearls to create texture and sparkle. Old jewelry that’s missing a partner is perfect for upcycling as ornament embellishment.
Finish by attaching a loop of thin ribbon or twine at the top so the ornament can be hung on the tree. For a more polished look, trim any stray threads and press the fabric gently so it lies flat and even.
This basic technique is a great foundation. From there you can experiment with shapes—stars, hearts or simple discs—or layer multiple materials for more dimension. Use burlap and twine for a rustic theme, metallic ribbon and sequins for a glam tree, or delicate vintage fabrics and pearls for a romantic, nostalgic look.
One of my favorite ornaments mixes vintage cloth with modern beads—a lovely contrast that looks special on the tree. Because each one is handmade, every ornament is unique, and they make cherished, low-cost gifts for teachers, neighbors or friends.
Safety tip: if small children will handle the ornaments, avoid loose beads or small parts that could be a choking hazard. For kid-friendly versions, use glued-on felt shapes and wide ribbon loops instead.
Look around your home for materials that can be repurposed—old scarves, leftover ribbon from gifts, damaged costume jewelry, and fabric scraps all make perfect ornament supplies. The creative possibilities are endless, and making ornaments is a wonderful way to personalize your holiday décor while reducing waste.
Need Additional DIY Ornament Ideas?
Try hand-painted canvas ornaments, macramé feather ornaments, or mason jar lid ornaments to expand your collection. Mix and match styles for a tree that feels collected and meaningful.
Additional Christmas Decorating Ideas You Might Like
Now go on a scavenger hunt through your home and see what scraps, ribbons and forgotten trinkets you can transform into homemade ornaments. With a little time and imagination, you’ll have a beautiful, personalized tree full of memories.