woman crafting christmas decorations at home

Christmas crafts

27 christmas craft projects that will wow your friends

By Eleanor Finch

Published: 20 May 2025

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” – Buddy the Elf. Okay, okay, maybe belting out tunes isn’t everyone's cup of tea (my neighbor Carol gives me the look every time I try), but crafting? Now that’s a universal language of Christmas joy! This year, let's ditch the same old store-bought trinkets and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of DIY Christmas magic. We’re talking handmade ornaments that’ll make your tree sing, personalized gifts that scream 'I put thought into this!', and decorations so unique, they'll have your guests saying, 'Wow, did you make that?!'
woman smiling surrounded by christmas craft supplies

woman smiling surrounded by christmas craft supplies | Image: Supplied

1. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments: Aromatic Simplicity

Query: cinnamon stick ornaments on a christmas tree

Okay, who doesn't love the smell of cinnamon? These are crazy easy and smell divine. Grab some cinnamon sticks (the more the merrier!), twine, and any little embellishments you fancy – think dried orange slices, star anise, or even tiny pinecones. Tie 'em together with the twine, add your decorations, and bam! Instant rustic charm. I messed up one time and glued a whole star anise on crooked – honestly? It gave it character! Don't aim for perfection; aim for 'uniquely you'.

cinnamon stick ornaments

cinnamon stick ornaments | Image: Supplied

2. Salt Dough Ornaments: Childhood Nostalgia

Query: kids making salt dough ornaments

Remember making these in elementary school? Let's bring back the magic! It's just flour, salt, and water – seriously, that's it. Roll out the dough, use cookie cutters to make festive shapes, bake 'em 'til they're hard, and then let your inner artist loose with paint and glitter. My niece always manages to get glitter everywhere, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?

salt dough ornaments on a tree

salt dough ornaments on a tree | Image: Supplied

3. Pinecone Christmas Trees: Miniature Forests

Query: miniature pinecone christmas trees

Forage for pinecones on your next walk (or, you know, buy them at the craft store – no judgment here!). Glue them to a base (cork works great!), paint them green, and then sprinkle with glitter or tiny beads to mimic snow. These are seriously adorable, and you can cluster them together to create a tiny Christmas village on your mantel.

diy pinecone christmas trees

diy pinecone christmas trees | Image: Supplied

4. Wine Cork Reindeer: Upcycled Cuteness

Query: wine cork reindeer ornaments

Don't toss those wine corks! Glue three together to form the body, add googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a red pom-pom nose. These little guys are irresistibly cute and a great way to upcycle. I once tried to make an entire reindeer army...let's just say I needed a lot more wine corks.

handmade wine cork reindeer

handmade wine cork reindeer | Image: Supplied

5. Paper Plate Angels: Simple and Sweet

Query: paper plate angel craft

Perfect for crafting with kids! Cut a paper plate in half, shape one half into a cone for the body, and use the other half for the wings. Add a painted face, yarn hair, and maybe a halo made of gold glitter cardstock. These angels are wonderfully whimsical and look adorable hanging from the tree.

paper plate angel christmas ornament

paper plate angel christmas ornament | Image: Supplied

6. Beaded Garland: Sparkly Elegance

Query: christmas tree with beaded garland

String together colorful beads to create a shimmering garland. Use different sizes and textures of beads for added visual interest. This is a great project to do while watching your favorite Christmas movie – just try not to spill the beads!

diy beaded christmas garland

diy beaded christmas garland | Image: Supplied

7. Button Christmas Tree Ornaments: Colorful Charm

Query: christmas tree button ornament

Glue colorful buttons onto a felt triangle to create a miniature Christmas tree ornament. Add a star button at the top for extra flair. These are great for using up those spare buttons you have lying around.

diy button christmas tree

diy button christmas tree | Image: Supplied

8. Painted Mason Jar Snow Globes: Winter Wonderland in a Jar

Query: mason jar snow globe

Paint the inside of a mason jar with white paint to create a snowy backdrop. Glue a miniature Christmas tree or figurine to the lid, add glitter and water, and then screw the lid on tightly. Shake it up and watch the snow fall!

diy painted mason jar snow globe

diy painted mason jar snow globe | Image: Supplied

9. Fabric Scrap Christmas Tree: Patchwork Perfection

Query: fabric scrap christmas tree

Cut fabric scraps into small squares and rectangles, then sew or glue them onto a foam cone to create a patchwork Christmas tree. This is a fantastic way to use up leftover fabric from other projects.

handmade fabric scrap christmas tree

handmade fabric scrap christmas tree | Image: Supplied

10. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes: Frosty Fun

Query: popsicle stick snowflake

Glue popsicle sticks together to form a snowflake shape, then paint them white and sprinkle with glitter. These are simple, classic, and always a hit.

diy popsicle stick snowflakes

diy popsicle stick snowflakes | Image: Supplied

11. Knitted Christmas Stockings: Cozy Comfort

Query: hand knitted christmas stockings

If you're a knitter, create personalized Christmas stockings for your family. Use festive colors and patterns for a truly unique touch. I once tried to knit a stocking and accidentally made it way too long – my dog ended up using it as a blanket!

handmade knitted christmas stockings

handmade knitted christmas stockings | Image: Supplied

12. Crochet Christmas Coasters: Festive Sips

Query: crochet christmas coaster

Crochet festive coasters in Christmas colors to protect your furniture from spills. Use patterns like snowflakes, stars, or even miniature Christmas trees.

diy crochet christmas coaster

diy crochet christmas coaster | Image: Supplied

13. Felt Christmas Banners: Cheerful Greetings

Query: felt christmas banner

Cut felt into festive shapes like stars, trees, and stockings, then string them together to create a cheerful Christmas banner. Hang it across your mantel or doorway for a festive touch.

handmade felt christmas banner

handmade felt christmas banner | Image: Supplied

14. Pom-Pom Christmas Wreath: Fluffy Festivity

Query: pom pom christmas wreath

Glue colorful pom-poms onto a foam wreath form to create a fluffy and festive Christmas wreath. Use different sizes and colors of pom-poms for added texture and visual interest.

diy pom pom christmas wreath

diy pom pom christmas wreath | Image: Supplied

15. Personalized Photo Ornaments: Cherished Memories

Query: personalized photo christmas ornament

Print out small photos and glue them onto wooden or cardboard ornaments. Add glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments for a personal touch. These make wonderful gifts for family and friends.

diy photo christmas ornament

diy photo christmas ornament | Image: Supplied

16. Candy Cane Reindeer: Sweet Treats

Query: candy cane reindeer craft

Attach googly eyes and pipe cleaner antlers to a candy cane to create a cute reindeer treat. These are perfect for giving as small gifts or hanging on the tree.

handmade candy cane reindeer

handmade candy cane reindeer | Image: Supplied

17. Glitter Pinecones: Sparkly Nature

Query: glitter pinecones christmas

Spray pinecones with glue and sprinkle them with glitter for a sparkly natural decoration. Place them in a bowl or use them as part of a Christmas centerpiece.

diy glitter pinecones christmas

diy glitter pinecones christmas | Image: Supplied

18. Burlap Christmas Stockings: Rustic Charm

Query: burlap christmas stocking

Sew burlap fabric into Christmas stockings and embellish them with lace, buttons, and other rustic accents. These stockings add a touch of country charm to your holiday décor.

handmade burlap christmas stocking

handmade burlap christmas stocking | Image: Supplied

19. Chalkboard Christmas Ornaments: Customizable Fun

Query: chalkboard christmas ornament

Paint wooden ornaments with chalkboard paint and use chalk to write festive messages or draw Christmas designs. These ornaments can be customized year after year.

diy chalkboard christmas ornament

diy chalkboard christmas ornament | Image: Supplied

20. Tea Light Snowmen: Glowing Warmth

Query: tea light snowman

Paint tea lights white and add a face, hat, and scarf to create miniature snowmen. These are perfect for adding a warm glow to your holiday decorations.

diy tea light snowmen

diy tea light snowmen | Image: Supplied

21. Seashell Christmas Ornaments: Coastal Christmas

Query: seashell christmas ornaments

Glue seashells onto wooden or cardboard ornaments to create a coastal-themed Christmas decoration. Add glitter, beads, and other embellishments for a touch of sparkle.

handmade seashell christmas ornaments

handmade seashell christmas ornaments | Image: Supplied

22. Recycled Cardboard Christmas Trees: Eco-Friendly Festive

Query: recycled cardboard christmas tree

Cut cardboard into Christmas tree shapes and decorate them with paint, glitter, and other recycled materials. These eco-friendly trees are a great way to reduce waste during the holidays.

diy recycled cardboard christmas tree

diy recycled cardboard christmas tree | Image: Supplied

23. Wine Glass Snow Globes: Elegant Centerpiece

Query: wine glass snow globe

Turn wine glasses upside down and glue a miniature Christmas figurine to the base. Add glitter and faux snow for an elegant snow globe centerpiece.

diy wine glass snow globe

diy wine glass snow globe | Image: Supplied

24. Paper Straw Ornaments: Modern Minimalism

Query: paper straw christmas ornaments

Cut paper straws into small pieces and glue them together to create geometric ornaments. These minimalist ornaments add a modern touch to your Christmas tree.

handmade paper straw christmas ornaments

handmade paper straw christmas ornaments | Image: Supplied

25. Twine Ball Ornaments: Rustic Elegance

Query: twine ball christmas ornaments

Wrap twine around a balloon covered in glue, let it dry, and then pop the balloon to create a rustic twine ball ornament. Add glitter or beads for extra sparkle.

diy twine ball christmas ornaments

diy twine ball christmas ornaments | Image: Supplied

26. Coffee Filter Snowflakes: Delicate Beauty

Query: coffee filter snowflakes

Fold and cut coffee filters to create delicate snowflakes. These are easy to make and look beautiful hanging from the ceiling or on the Christmas tree. Pro tip: slightly crumple them first for a more natural, textured look!

handmade coffee filter snowflakes

handmade coffee filter snowflakes | Image: Supplied

27. Dried Orange Slice Garland: Aromatic Beauty

Query: dried orange slice garland

Dry orange slices in the oven and string them together to create a fragrant and beautiful garland. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for extra festive scents. Honestly? The smell alone is worth the effort!

diy dried orange slice garland

diy dried orange slice garland | Image: Supplied

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge

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