Ornament Making Techniques

Do it yourself ornaments using decoupage, fabric and glittering techniques.

All About

Product Ideas

The ornaments on the tree in Blue Room of the White House are decorated with a theme from each of America's national parks for 2007. With nearly 400 parks, that's a lot of ornaments! Here is how they were made.

Decoupaged Ornament

Decoupage Technique

Materials and Tools:

store-bought ornaments with matte finish
decoupage glue
wrapping paper scraps
scissors
paintbrush

Steps:

Cut the scraps of wrapping paper into strips. Brush the ornament with decoupage glue and then randomly apply the strips. Brush more glue on top of the paper.

Once saturated, use your hands to form the paper around the ornament until it is completely covered. You might need to add an additional coat of glue to seal any rough edges. It's a messy, fun project the kids are sure to love! Allow 24 hours to dry before displaying.

Fabric Scrap Ornament

Fabric Scrap Technique

Materials and Tools:

store-bought ornaments with matte finish
decorative fabric trim scraps
scissors
hot glue and glue sticks

Cut up pieces of decorative fabric trim and hot glue them as desired to the ornament. The ornament goes from bland to stylish with one simple step, plus it's a great way to put your old materials to good use.

Glitter Ornament

Glitter Technique

This is another project that's great to do with the kids.

Materials and Tools:

store-bought ornaments with matte finish
glitter in color(s) of choice
school glue
paintbrush

Steps:

First, decide on a design — simple ones work best. A poinsettia design is in the example. Brush school glue onto the ornament in the shape of the design. Before the glue can harden, sprinkle glitter over it.

Lightly tap the ornament to remove the excess glitter. If you are using multiple colors, allow time between colors for the glue to harden.