The holidays are the perfect time to unleash your creativity and personalize your décor with handmade ornaments. These small creations add a unique charm to your tree and often become keepsakes that are brought out year after year. Whether you're experienced or a beginner, here are six accessible ideas for making original decorations with simple materials found at DeSerres.
Ready to create ornaments that reflect your style?
Discover our 6 ornament ideas to make
1- Air-dry clay
Air-dry clay is perfect for shaping personalized decorations: stars, snowflakes, festive silhouettes, or small figurines. After drying, a coat of gesso prepares the surface, allowing you to apply vibrant acrylic colours or soft watercolour tones. A few metallic accents and a coat of varnish are enough to give a durable and professional look.
Tip: Pierce a hole before drying to easily add a ribbon.
Recommended materials: air-dry clay, rolling pin, cookie cutters, gesso, acrylic or watercolour paint, brushes, acrylic markers, varnish.
2- Fuse beads
Fuse beads allow you to create graphic and colourful shapes: snowflakes, mini trees, stars, or geometric patterns. A simple activity that kids love, for a modern and playful result.
Tip: Vary the colours to achieve contrasting effects and add a ribbon to hang your creations.
Recommended materials: fuse beads, pegboards, ironing paper, ribbons.
3- Polymer clay
Polymer clay offers endless possibilities: mini figurines, 3D shapes, decorative pendants, or textured elements. After baking, your creations become solid and durable. You can then paint or varnish them for an even more personalized finish.
Tip: Combine multiple colours to achieve beautiful gradients and add metallic touches for a luminous effect.
Recommended materials: polymer clay, sculpting tools, cookie cutters, rolling pin, acrylic paint, acrylic markers, varnish.
4- Knitting and crochet
With yarn, a crochet hook or knitting needles, you can create soft and cosy ornaments: stars, snowflakes, mini pompoms, or small textured hangings. The possibilities are numerous and allow you to play with both colours and volumes.
Tip: Add beads or small bells to bring a light festive jingle.
Recommended materials: yarn, crochet hook, knitting needles, yarn needles, beads.
5- Embroidery
Small embroidery hoops are perfect for creating delicate decorations. Embroider small Christmas motifs: trees, stars, wreaths, letters, or short messages. This project is relaxing and creates lovely ornaments to give as gifts.
Tip: Use metallic or glittery threads to add dimension and a festive touch.
Recommended materials: embroidery hoops, fabric, embroidery thread, needles, scissors.
6- Objects to decorate
For a simple activity accessible to everyone, opt for objects to decorate. Clear fillable baubles, wooden figurines, mini houses, or mini wood slices to paint become unique with paint, felt, glitter, or decorative accessories.
Tip: Combine paint, paper, felt, and varied textures to create original ornaments.
Recommended materials: clear baubles, wooden/plastic figurines, mini wood slices, paint, glue, Mod Podge, felt, glitter, decorative accessories.
Get started on your creations
Making your own ornaments means taking the time to create, share, and personalize your holiday décor. Whether you choose clay, yarn, or polymer clay, each piece becomes a keepsake to preserve and bring out year after year. Let these ideas inspire you and have fun creating a tree that reflects you!