The holiday season is often associated with excess—wrapping paper, shiny store-bought ornaments, plastic decorations, and countless other items that contribute to waste. But what if you could decorate for Christmas in a way that’s not only beautiful but also good for the planet? Enter upcycled holiday ornaments—a fantastic way to craft eco-friendly, unique, and meaningful decorations while reducing waste.
Upcycling not only gives old materials a second life, but it also allows you to create personalized, one-of-a-kind ornaments that tell a story. Whether you’re looking to create a rustic farmhouse vibe or a more whimsical, colorful tree, upcycled ornaments can fit any aesthetic.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make your own eco-friendly DIY Christmas ornaments by upcycling everyday items you may already have lying around your house. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of sustainable holiday décor!
1. Why Choose Upcycled Ornaments?
1.1 Reduce Waste and Save Money
Upcycling is all about giving new life to things that would otherwise be thrown away. By using old materials, you reduce the need for new resources, helping to decrease overall waste. Not to mention, upcycled ornaments cost little to nothing—so you can save money while creating a beautiful, sustainable holiday display.
1.2 Uniqueness and Personalization
One of the best parts about upcycled holiday ornaments is their individuality. Each ornament can be customized to your taste, adding a personal touch to your tree. From vintage fabric scraps to old newspaper, upcycled items tell a story and offer something more meaningful than store-bought décor.
1.3 Supporting Sustainability
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to think about our environmental footprint. By upcycling, you’re helping reduce waste, save resources, and minimize your impact on the planet—all while making your Christmas décor more meaningful.
2. Materials to Upcycle for DIY Christmas Ornaments
2.1 Old Cardboard
Cardboard is one of the most versatile materials you can upcycle. Whether you use cereal boxes, packaging, or even old greeting cards, cardboard can be transformed into stunning ornaments with just a few simple steps.
What to Make:
- Star-shaped ornaments
- Circular or heart-shaped baubles
- 3D trees or animals
Pro Tip: Layer pieces of cardboard together to create thicker, more durable ornaments.
2.2 Jar Lids
Don’t toss those old jar lids just yet! You can use them to make beautiful rustic or vintage-style ornaments. Paint them, wrap them in twine, or even turn them into snow globe-like creations.
What to Make:
- Snow globes with faux snow and mini figurines
- Framed photo ornaments (simply glue a family picture to the inside of the lid)
- Mini wreaths decorated with tiny ornaments or greenery
2.3 Fabric Scraps
Got leftover fabric from a DIY project or old clothes you no longer wear? Fabric scraps are perfect for upcycling into soft, eco-friendly ornaments. You can create little ornaments, garlands, or even use them to add texture to your tree.
What to Make:
- Fabric-wrapped baubles
- Mini fabric stockings
- Patchwork star ornaments
Pro Tip: Use fabric glue or a hot glue gun for quick and secure adhesion.
2.4 Old Wine Corks
Wine corks are a great material for making rustic, natural-looking ornaments. They can be carved, glued, or strung together to create a variety of designs.
What to Make:
- Reindeer shapes
- Mini trees or snowmen
- Cork garlands
2.5 Paper and Magazines
Old magazines, newspapers, and scrap paper are perfect for upcycling. They’re easy to cut, fold, and manipulate into intricate designs.
What to Make:
- Paper snowflakes
- Rolled paper trees or wreaths
- Paper stars or bells
Pro Tip: Vintage magazine pages add a unique, nostalgic charm to your ornaments.
3. DIY Upcycled Christmas Ornament Ideas
3.1 Cardboard Stars and Shapes
Creating a simple yet stunning star ornament from cardboard is both easy and cost-effective. Cut the cardboard into star, circle, or heart shapes, and decorate with:
- Glitter paint or gold leaf for a metallic look
- Fabric scraps for a textured feel
- Ribbons or twine to add charm
How To:
- Cut the cardboard into your desired shape.
- Paint or cover with fabric.
- Punch a hole at the top and thread a piece of twine to hang.
Pro Tip: Layer different shapes together to create a dimensional, eye-catching ornament.
3.2 Wine Cork Reindeer
Wine corks make excellent materials for a rustic, charming reindeer ornament. This one is great for kids to help with, too.
How To:
- Glue together 2 corks to form the body and head.
- Attach small twigs or sticks for antlers.
- Paint or use markers to add eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
Pro Tip: Add a red pom-pom for a classic Rudolph nose!
3.3 Jar Lid Snow Globes
Upcycled jar lids can become whimsical snow globes that give your tree a magical touch. You can easily create a snowy scene inside the lid with a few simple materials.
How To:
- Glue a tiny Christmas figurine or scene (think snowmen, trees, or reindeer) inside the jar lid.
- Fill with faux snow or glitter.
- Seal with a hot glue gun and add a ribbon to hang.
Pro Tip: Use clear resin or glue for a more professional snow globe effect.
4. Eco-Friendly Ornament Finishes and Additions
4.1 Natural Elements
To enhance your eco-friendly ornaments, consider using natural elements like pinecones, dried flowers, or cinnamon sticks. These materials not only add texture but also bring a wonderful natural fragrance to your home.
- Pinecones make great mini trees or rustic tree toppers.
- Cinnamon sticks can be used as miniature wreaths or bundled with twine as a rustic ornament.
- Dried flowers like lavender or baby’s breath can be hot-glued to your ornaments for a fresh, natural look.
4.2 Paint and Glitter
While it’s important to use eco-friendly supplies, a little bit of craft paint or glitter can add extra sparkle. Look for biodegradable glitter or eco-friendly paints to minimize your impact on the environment.
Eco-Friendly Paint Options:
- Acrylic paints with non-toxic, water-based formulas
- Soy-based paints
- Natural mineral paints
5. Upcycled Christmas Tree Garlands
Garlands are an easy way to transform your tree and give it a personalized touch. Here are a few ways to make garlands from upcycled materials:
5.1 Paper Garlands
Use old magazines, newspapers, or scrap paper to create paper garlands. You can cut out circles, stars, or hearts and string them together with twine or string.
5.2 Cork and Button Garland
Make a charming garland using old wine corks and buttons. Simply thread the corks and buttons onto twine or string for a rustic, eco-friendly look.
5.3 Fabric Scraps Garland
Cut fabric scraps into strips and tie them onto a long piece of twine. This fabric garland adds a rustic, bohemian touch to your tree or mantel.
6. Sustainable Wrapping and Gift Tags
Wrapping presents in an eco-friendly way also contributes to your sustainable holiday spirit. Instead of buying wrapping paper, consider using upcycled materials for gift wraps and tags.
6.1 Newspaper Wrapping
Use old newspaper or old maps for an eco-friendly gift wrap. It’s unique, charming, and perfect for a rustic holiday look.
6.2 Fabric Wraps (Furoshiki)
Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in fabric. You can use fabric scraps or old scarves to wrap your presents, which can be reused year after year.
6.3 Recycled Card Gift Tags
Instead of purchasing new gift tags, use old greeting cards. Cut them into small rectangles or circles, punch a hole, and tie them to your gifts with twine.
7. Where to Find Materials for Upcycled Ornaments
7.1 Thrift Stores and Yard Sales
Thrift stores are a goldmine for upcycling materials. Look for old ornaments, vintage fabric, buttons, jars, and much more. Yard sales and flea markets can also provide unique materials that can be transformed into holiday décor.
7.2 Around Your Home
You’d be surprised at the items you can upcycle from around the house. Keep an eye on:
- Old packaging (cardboard, tin cans)
- Broken jewelry or trinkets
- Old toys or figurines
- Bottle caps, ribbons, and strings
7.3 Online Platforms
Websites like Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist are great places to find free or low-cost materials for your upcycling projects.
8. Tips for Creating Eco-Friendly Holiday Décor
8.1 Keep it Simple
When creating upcycled ornaments, less is often more. Focus on simple, clean designs that showcase the beauty of the materials you’re working with.
8.2 Think Long-Term
Upcycled ornaments are meant to last. Ensure that your creations are durable enough to be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come. Use sturdy materials and secure the items well with hot glue or craft wire.
8.3 Get Creative
The best part about upcycled décor is the freedom to experiment. Mix different materials, textures, and colors to create something entirely unique.
Conclusion
Upcycled holiday ornaments are a perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season while being kind to the planet. By repurposing old materials, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating personalized, meaningful decorations for your home. From cardboard stars to wine cork reindeer, the possibilities are endless. Plus, crafting your own ornaments is a fun way to spend time with family, save money, and make your holiday décor truly one-of-a-kind.
So, this holiday season, embrace sustainability, creativity, and charm by making your own eco-friendly DIY Christmas ornaments!
FAQs
1. What are upcycled ornaments?
Upcycled ornaments are decorations made from materials that would otherwise be thrown away, such as cardboard, fabric scraps, wine corks, or old buttons.
2. Can I make upcycled ornaments without craft experience?
Yes! Upcycling is perfect for beginners. Simple projects like wine cork reindeer, paper garlands, or fabric-wrapped baubles are easy to make with minimal crafting skills.
3. Where can I find materials for upcycled ornaments?
Look around your home for old packaging, broken jewelry, fabric scraps, or even visit thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces to find free or low-cost materials.
4. Are upcycled ornaments safe for kids to make?
Many upcycled ornaments, such as wine cork reindeer or paper snowflakes, are safe for kids to make. However, be cautious with hot glue guns or small parts that could be choking hazards.
5. How can I add a personal touch to upcycled ornaments?
You can add a personal touch by painting or decorating your ornaments with family photos, initials, or meaningful symbols like hearts or stars.
6. What are some easy upcycled ornament ideas for beginners?
Start with simple ideas like paper snowflakes, wine cork reindeer, or fabric-wrapped baubles. These are quick, easy projects that require minimal supplies.
7. How can I make my upcycled ornaments durable for years to come?
Use sturdy materials like metal, thick cardboard, or strong glue to ensure your ornaments last. Also, store them carefully after the holiday season to keep them in good condition.
8. Can I use upcycled ornaments for outdoor décor?
Yes! If you’re making outdoor décor, make sure your materials are weather-resistant. For example, use spray paint to coat cork or cardboard ornaments and keep them safe from the elements.
9. How can I ensure my upcycled ornaments are eco-friendly?
Use natural, biodegradable materials like fabric, twine, or wood. Also, avoid using plastic glitter or paint with toxic chemicals, opting for non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives.
10. Can I gift upcycled ornaments?
Yes! Upcycled ornaments make unique, thoughtful gifts that carry a personal touch. You can even create a whole set of ornaments as a Christmas gift for someone special.