Three Rustic, Unfussy Handmade Ornaments for a Simply Beautiful Tree

These handmade ornaments will add beauty and creativity to any holiday display, whether you're DIYing solo or crafting with the whole family.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Every elementary art class graduate remembers the fun of creating handmade holiday ornaments. While these ornaments usually consisted of hastily glued-together construction paper, Popsicle sticks and far too much glitter, they brought fun and festivity to the holiday season—and there was nothing better than marching home to proudly add a new colorful creation to the tree. But who says ornament making is only for kids? You can revisit your elementary school glory days by making beautiful handmade ornaments that are just ‌slightly‌ more fine-tuned than the construction paper variety.

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To help spark inspiration, we designed three Christmas tree ornament tutorials: Floral Baubles, Macrame Trees and Brass Geometric Diamonds (also known as himmeli diamond sculptures). Each craft calls for different supplies and skills, so there's something for everyone in this collection.

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It's worth noting that these DIY Christmas decorations double as amazing gifts. Simply make multiple ornaments and box them up with tissue paper or tinsel. For a full gift set, pair your homemade pieces with store-bought decorations.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with keeping DIY projects for yourself—after all, you've put in the work. With these stunning ornaments, you'll be admiring a perfectly personalized tree in no time. Let's kick off the holidays with some crafty fun!

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Idea 1: Floral Bauble Ornaments

Things You'll Need

  • Clear plastic or glass fillable ball ornaments

  • Dried flowers and stems

  • Scissors

  • Twine or cord

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

How to make Floral Bauble Ornaments:

1. Prep dried flowers and stems

Cut the dried flowers and stems into shorter pieces. They should be small enough to fit into the baubles.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

2. Fill plastic or glass ornaments

Add dried flowers and stems to each clear ornament. Try not to overthink it, as this Christmas craft is meant to have a natural and organic look!

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Replace the top of the bauble and add a strand of twine through the loop. Your DIY Christmas ornament is ready to display!

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

To style these floral baubles, pair them with ornaments that include natural elements. Ideas include pine cones, cinnamon sticks and wooden ornaments, such as wood slice ornaments.

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Tip

For a quick and easy keepsake, print out a photo and add it to a clear glass ornament. We recommend sticking two photos together (back to back) for visibility from both sides. Voilá! Instant photo ornament gifts.

Idea 2: Macrame Tree Ornaments

Things You'll Need

  • Macrame cord

  • Wooden beads with large holes

  • Scissors

  • Masking tape (optional)

  • Ribbon or baker’s twine (optional)

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

Macrame beads are best because they typically have larger holes.

How to make Macrame Tree Ornaments:

1. Prepare macrame cord

Cut a strand of macrame cord measuring about 20 inches long. Fold it in half and tie a knot near the fold so it creates a loop.

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Next, string on a wooden bead and place it near the knot. If you can't fit both strands through the bead, tape the ends together first.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

2. Tie a lark knot

Cut two strands of macrame cord measuring about 8 inches each. Fold one strand in half and place it underneath the center cord, as pictured. The ends of the first strand should be on the right side.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Fold the second strand in half to create a loop. Place it around the ends of the first strand and lay it on top of the center cord. The ends of the second strand should be on the left side.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Insert the ends of the second strand through the loop of the first strand, as pictured.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Pull the ends of both strands to tighten the knot.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

3. Continue tying lark knots

Repeat with another two strands of cord but switch the direction of each one. The strand underneath should have its ends on the left side, while the strand on top should have its ends on the right side.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Pull the ends of both strands to tighten the knot.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Repeat the process until you have six lark knots.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

4. Finish the macrame tree decoration

Use scissors to trim the fringe on each side, cutting at an angle. Trim the bottom.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

This Christmas ornament idea can be displayed as is. Alternatively, add a piece of ribbon or baker's twine to the top loop or attach it with clothespins for an extra-rustic touch.

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Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

If you love the idea of macrame holiday decor, try your hand at macrame-wrapped Christmas baubles. Simply take old ball ornaments and hot glue macrame cord around each one.

Idea 3: Geometric Diamond Ornaments

Things You'll Need

  • Brass himmeli metal tubes

  • 24- or 26-gauge jewelry wire

  • Pliers with wire cutters

  • Scissors

  • Ribbon or twine

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

You can purchase brass himmeli tubes on Etsy. We used 2.5 millimeter tubes, but you’re welcome to use slightly wider ones. Another option is to use paper or plastic straws for this DIY project. Add spray paint or acrylic paint to switch up the color scheme.

How to make Geometric Diamond Ornaments:

1. Prepare the brass tubes

Cut the tubes into pieces measuring about 2 inches each. You'll need nine pieces in total.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Tip

When cutting a brass tube, the hole will flatten. To open it back up, squeeze it with the flat sides of the pliers.

2. Make a geometric diamond

Cut a strand of jewelry wire measuring about 24 inches long. Add three tubes to the wire, leaving a few inches of wire at one end.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Twist the wire together so that the tubes create a triangle.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Add two tubes to the longer end of the wire.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Twist the wire around the bottom corner of the first triangle. It should look like two triangles are attached together.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Add two more tubes.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Again, twist the wire around the corner of the triangle you just created. Now it will look like there are three triangles.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Repeat once more, adding the last two tubes and twisting the wire to the corner of the bottom triangle. Trim the excess wire.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

Join the two pointed ends, attaching them with a piece of wire. This will create a diamond shape.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

3. Add ribbon and display on your tree

To finish your handmade Christmas ornament, add a strand of ribbon to the diamond. You can also use pipe cleaners, leather cord, scrap fabric or even a strand of beads.

Image Credit: Kirsten Nunez

These geometric decorations work especially well with other minimalist pieces, like candy canes or salt dough ornaments. However, if you love the metal look, try pairing them with vintage metal cookie cutter ornaments. Simply attach a strand of ribbon to cookie cutters and hang them up.

Tip

If you want to elevate your geometric ornaments, consider adding embellishments. For example, you can attach charms or tassels with jump rings.

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