Adding a personal touch to your Christmas tree doesn’t require an art degree or a fully equipped workshop. From rustic wood slices to industrial-chic metal creations, these DIY and salvage ornament ideas offer a perfect blend of creativity and simplicity for crafters of all skill levels. Let’s explore 16 ingenious ornament ideas that will infuse your holiday decor with homemade charm.
Message Wood-Slice Ornaments
Wood-slice ornaments bring a rustic, natural feel to your Christmas tree. To create these charming ornaments, start with thin slices of wood, which can be purchased or cut from a small log. Use a wood-burning tool or paint markers to personalize them with names, holiday messages, or a favorite quote. Get the full tutorial on The Simply Crafted Life.
Seal the ornament with polyurethane for longevity. This project is perfect for involving children in holiday crafting, allowing them to create personalized gifts for family members. Use extra slices in a matching DIY wood-slice wreath.
Birch-Cottage Ornaments
Add a touch of woodland whimsy to your tree with miniature birch cottages—a unique alternative to traditional gingerbread houses.
To create these tiny dwellings, use thin sheets of birch bark, which can often be found at local nurseries or craft stores. Cut the bark into small panels for the walls and roof, then assemble using wood glue. Add charming details like windows, doors, and even tiny wreaths.
These ornaments not only serve as beautiful decorations but also make unforgettable gifts. You might even consider adding a touch of snow-like glitter for an extra festive appearance.
Hex Nut Snowflake Ornaments
Transform ordinary hardware store finds into extraordinary ornaments with hex nut snowflakes.
This project is an excellent way to repurpose spare nuts or put new ones to creative use. To create these industrial-chic decorations, arrange hex nuts in a snowflake pattern and secure them with strong adhesive or wire. For extra sparkle, consider spray painting the finished snowflakes in metallic colors. Add a ribbon for easy hanging and watch how they catch the light on your tree.
These ornaments are not only visually striking but also durable, making them perfect for households with curious pets or young children. They will fit in perfectly alongside other easy upgrades to create a festive holiday home.
Salvage Hose-Bib Handle Ornament
Salvaged hose-bib handles, with their distinctive wheel shape, make for intriguing tree decorations.
Track down these old plumbing fixtures at a salvage yard, or look for similar trinkets in your basement. Clean the piece thoroughly, then add a ribbon or twine for hanging. For a more festive look, consider painting the piece in holiday colors or adding glitter accents.
This project is an excellent way to incorporate a bit of vintage charm and industrial aesthetic into your Christmas decor. Adding small decorative elements such as mini bells or holly leaves can enhance their festive appeal. If you need more ideas, check out the other salvage-ornament ideas on The Homeless Finch.
Salvage Chandelier-Drop Ornament
Add a touch of elegance to your tree with repurposed chandelier crystals—another idea from The Homeless Finch.
To transform a chandelier drop into an ornament, simply attach a small hook or ribbon to the top. For added flair, consider grouping several drops of varying sizes and shapes.
This project not only upcycles discarded materials but also brings a touch of vintage glamour to your holiday decor. These sparkling ornaments catch and reflect light beautifully, creating a magical effect on your Christmas tree. They even double as beautiful sun catchers when the holiday season is over.
Paintbrush Santa Ornament
Turn old paintbrushes or inexpensive new ones into whimsical Santa Claus ornaments.
Paint the brush handle red for Santa’s body, add a flesh-toned face at the base of the bristles, and use the bristles themselves as Santa’s beard. Add details like eyes, a nose, and a small hat to complete the look.
These ornaments are not only adorable but also serve as a nod to DIY enthusiasts and painters. This fun project can be a great activity for kids, allowing them to showcase their creativity. See the full paint transformation on My Creative Days.
Minimalist Leather Ornament
Create sleek, sophisticated ornaments using leather scraps—perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist style.
Cut simple shapes like stars, circles, or triangles from leather pieces, following the instructions on Delia Creates. For a more intricate look, consider using a leather punch to create patterns. Attach a ribbon or leather cord for hanging.
These durable ornaments are ideal for homes with pets or young children, as they won’t shatter if knocked off the tree. Experiment with various leather textures and colors for an even more unique collection of ornaments.
Industrial Wood and Fasteners Ornament
Combine the warmth of wood with the cool gleam of metal fasteners for unique, industrial-style ornaments.
Start with small wooden discs or squares and arrange various metal fasteners like screws, washers, and nuts in interesting patterns. Secure the fasteners to the wood using a strong adhesive. For a cohesive look, consider painting all elements in a single metallic shade.
These ornaments add an unexpected twist to traditional tree decor and are particularly suited to modern or industrial-themed holiday settings. Adding a touch of metallic paint can give these ornaments an extra sparkle.
“Let It Snow” Scrabble Ornament
Give old Scrabble tiles new life as charming word ornaments for word lovers and game enthusiasts.
Spell out festive phrases like “Let It Snow,” “Joy,” or “Noel” using Scrabble tiles. Arrange the tiles on a small wooden plaque or directly connect them using a strong adhesive. Add a ribbon for hanging, and your literary ornament is complete.
This craft not only recycles old game pieces but also adds a playful, intellectual touch to your Christmas tree. You can even dip the edges of the tiles in glitter for an extra festive element. Get the full how-to on Crafts by Amanda.
Tree-Bark Star Ornament
Bring a touch of nature indoors with tree-bark star ornaments.
This eco-friendly craft uses bark pieces that can be collected during walks in the woods or purchased from craft stores. Cut the bark into star shapes using a template and sharp scissors or a craft knife. For added interest, consider layering different types of bark or adding small pinecones or berries to the center of the star.
These rustic ornaments complement both traditional and woodland-themed Christmas decor. The natural texture of bark brings warmth and a special connection to the outdoors.
Cement Chocolate-Mold Ornament
Create delicate-looking yet durable ornaments using cement and chocolate molds.
Mix a small batch of cement according to package instructions and carefully pour it into plastic chocolate molds. Once set, remove the ornaments from the molds and add a ribbon or twine for hanging. For a softer look, consider painting the cement ornaments in pastel colors or metallic shades.
These ornaments add an interesting textural element to your tree and make for intriguing conversation pieces. Seal the cement with a clear coat to keep it looking fresh for years to come.
Dowel-Rod Cube Ornament
Craft geometric, Scandinavian-inspired ornaments using wooden dowel rods.
Cut dowel rods into equal lengths and arrange them into cube shapes, securing the corners with wood glue. For a pop of color, paint the cubes in festive hues or leave them natural for a minimalist look.
These ornaments are lightweight yet sturdy, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor holiday displays. They can also be stacked or arranged into alternative shapes for a unique presentation.
Twig-Tree Ornaments
Design miniature trees to hang on your full-sized Christmas tree using twigs from your yard.
Collect small twigs and arrange them in a tree shape, securing them with twine or hot glue. Add charm by decorating these twig trees with tiny ornaments or a dusting of artificial snow. For more detailed instructions, check out the tutorial on StowandTellU.
These ornaments not only add a rustic touch to your decor but also serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of the winter season. Arrange these mini-trees in various shapes and heights for a diverse and whimsical display.
Salvage Spindle Ornament
Transform salvaged spindles into eye-catching ornaments that add architectural interest to your tree.
These ornaments can be made from old staircase spindles, chair legs, or other turned wood pieces. Cut the spindles into shorter lengths if necessary, sand them smooth, and paint them in bold, festive colors. Add a ribbon or hook for hanging. Glitter or small beads can elevate their appearance even more.
These ornaments not only recycle old materials but also bring a touch of vintage charm and craftsmanship to your holiday decor. They can be a good complement to our skeleton-key snowflake ornament, too. Get the easy DIY instructions on Lolly Jane.
Corner Brackets Ornament
Turn ordinary corner brackets from the hardware store into modern ornaments with trendy geometric shapes.
Arrange the brackets into star or snowflake shapes, securing them with strong adhesive. Paint the finished ornaments in metallic shades for a sleek look, or use bright colors for a more playful approach.
These ornaments are particularly well-suited to contemporary or industrial-style holiday decor. Tiny embellishments like beads or rhinestones provide extra sparkle.
Paint-Chip Tree Ornaments
Create colorful, ombre-effect tree ornaments using paint chips from your local hardware store.
Cut the paint chips into tree shapes, arranging them from darkest at the bottom to lightest at the top for a gradient effect. Glue the pieces onto cardstock for stability and add a ribbon for hanging. Extend the creativity by making various shapes such as stars or hearts.
This project is perfect for involving children in holiday crafting and teaches color theory while creating beautiful decorations. Read the instructions on Just a Little Creativity.
Our Conclusion
DIY and salvage ornaments offer a unique way to personalize your Christmas tree while embracing sustainability. These 16 ideas demonstrate that with a little creativity, everyday items and discarded materials can be transformed into beautiful holiday decorations. Whether you prefer rustic charm or modern elegance, there’s a project here to suit every style and skill level.
Check out our smart holiday decoration storage ideas when it’s time to pack up your handmade ornaments. Proper storage will keep your new memories safe until next year—when you can revisit this list and expand your collection of holiday treasures.
