Every year, Christmas time brings with it a special feeling, and decorating a Christmas tree is the perfect way to show the spirit. Store-bought decorations are pretty, but the Christmas ornaments that are made by hand will give your holiday decor a unique and personal touch. You can really make wonderful memories with your loved ones by creating your own ornaments.
This article will discuss the advantages of DIY decorations, share ideas for being creative, and provide a step-by-step tutorial for making adorable salt-dough Christmas ornaments by yourself.
Why Make Your Own Christmas Ornaments?
When you decide to make your own decorations, you get a lot of benefits that are really worth your while.
- Save Money: Holidays can be expensive. It is an economically sound decision to make your own Christmas ornaments and thus, decorate your tree without your wallet screaming for help. Most of the time, you can use basic household items for your DIY projects.
- Create Lasting Memories: Doing it yourself projects give you unlimited creative freedom. You can make ornaments that signify a special moment, a joke family members share, or simply your family tradition. In this way, your ornaments will actually tell the stories of your life.
- Be Eco-Friendly: In case you want to be more environmentally friendly, then making your own ornaments is definitely the way to go. The things that you use, like old pieces of fabric, lids of jars, and twigs from the garden, can be turned into lovely Christmas decorations when you combine them with some creativity. You will be surprised by the results.
Inspirational DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas
If you need a spark of creativity, here are some different types of Christmas ornaments that anyone can easily make.
Salt Dough Ornaments
This work has been loved for quite some time, as salt dough is very easy to make, and so is the variety of shapes and figures that you can create. All you need is to combine salt, flour, and water, then proceed to use cookie cutters for your shaped dough. After baking, you can paint and decorate them as you wish.
Photo Ornaments
You can convert a special moment into a cherished gift that will be kept and treasured for a long time. Print out a tiny photograph and put it in a transparent glass or plastic bauble. Also, you can use small wooden slices or cardboard to make them look more rustic. These Merry Christmas ornaments will be an excellent present for the grandparents.
Beaded Ornaments
If you want to have a little sophistication, you might give bead ornament making a try. You can use a wire or pipe cleaners and thread different colored beads through them to make shapes such as snowflakes, candy canes, or wreaths. It is an excellent workout for the muscles of your fingers, and the end products are sparkling decorations that beautifully catch the light.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Salt Dough Ornaments
Nothing can be easier and more fun than salt dough Christmas ornaments when it comes to the entry-level of DIY Christmas ornaments. There is no extra equipment needed for this project, and the ingredients are most likely those found in your pantry. Follow the step-by-step directions below to make your lovely salt dough ornaments.
Materials You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- Cookie cutters
- A rolling pin
- A straw or skewer
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough: Take a big bowl and add flour and salt to it. Pour the warm water gradually and mix very well until you get a smooth and flexible dough.
- Roll and Cut: Spread some flour on the work surface and roll your dough into about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from your dough.
- Make a Hole: Insert a straw or skewer to make a hole in the upper part of the ornament where your spoon will go through.
- Bake: Put your lined parchment paper with ornaments on a baking tray and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours or till your ornaments become hard and dry. The actual bake time will depend on how thick your ornaments are.
- Cool and Decorate: The dough pieces have to cool off completely. When the ornaments are cool, you can use any painting, coloring, and decorating techniques that you like. Once dry, seal them with varnish or spray sealer for durability.
- Add a Hanger: Take a piece of ribbon or string, pass it through the hole, tie a knot, and hang your really cool Xmas ornament!
Tips for a Successful Crafting Session
Make sure that your Christmas widgets are ready in time for the holidays by following these simple rules:
- Get Organized: Have everything at hand to start your work. This will help you to fully concentrate on the artistic part and not let you be disturbed.
- Stay Safe: Always make sure that if you are working with children, they are supervised by an adult, especially when handling sharp tools or using the oven.
- Let Your Creativity Flow: Feel free to come up with whatever colors, styles, and ideas you want, using whatever materials you want. The greatest thing about DIY works is that you are free to make a unique product.
Final Thoughts
Imagine the scene, you are throwing a party and your friends gather around a big, cozy Christmas tree, which is full of the ornaments you made together. Such an experience cannot be bought for any amount of money; it is something that can only come from the heart, and a story can be told around it for many years. So, take your materials, get rid of the dining table’s clutter, and initiate a tradition that will be delightful for years to come.
