These easy to make ornaments are great for the tree, for gifts, for Sunday School class, for package decorations and more! All complete with photos.
Craft Stick Photo Ornament
Here’s a terrific classroom project! Use markers on a craft stick tree for quick drying time or paints for brighter colors. Add a photo to personalize your creation!
You need:
- Christmas Woodsies One and/or Christmas Woodsies Two
- Star Woodsie
- Three Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Paint or Markers
- Kid’s Choice Glue, Low Temp Glue Gun, or Tacky Glue
- Glitter
- Photo
- Cord
Instructions:
Paint woodsies and craft sticks. Let dry. Glue three jumbo craft sticks into a triangle shape. Squeeze out some glue to decorate tree. Sprinkle on glitter. Tap off excess. Decorate tree with woodsies. Cover a star woodsies with glue. Sprinkle on glitter. Tap off excess. Glue on tree top. Cut photo into a triangle to fit within the tree. Glue into place. Glue a loop of cord on the back for a hanger.
Bible Ornaments
Make brightly colored ornaments… enough to cover your entire tree. Great for Sunday schools. No glue or scissors needed. Just a hole punch.
You Need:
- Foamie Circles and Ovals
- Foamie Bible Stickers
- Metallic Cord
- Hole Punch
Instructions:
Punch a hole near the edge of each circle and oval. Decorate with bible foamie stickers. Cut 6″ of cord. Loop the cord through ornament and tie off with a double knot.
Beaded Snowman Ornaments
Beaded snowmen make pretty tree ornaments or use them to decorate your packages.
You need:
- Snowman Wire Frame
- Small Bow
- 8mm Crystal Faceted Beads
- Silver Tinsel Pipe Cleaner
- Scrap of Black Craft Foam
- Low Temp Glue Gun
- Scissors
- Pliers
Instructions:
String crystal beads to fill preformed wire frame. Pinch end closed with pliers. Add a bow by twisting the end wires around the neck of the snowman. Cut a snowman hat out of black foam. Hot glue to head. Cut a 3″ piece of pipe cleaner into a loop and hot glue to the back for hanging.
Safety Pin Tree
Another terrific safety pin project! Generous 4″ tree in just right for an ornament or a backpack decoration.
You need:
- 5 Safety Pins, 3″
- 32 Translucent Green Pony Beads
- 11 Metallic Pony Beads
- White Glue
- 30″ Metallic Cord
- One 5/8″ Jingle Bell
Instructions:
Cut cord to 30″. Stiffen ends with white glue. Let dry. Choose your bead colors for the ornaments. Open five 3″ safety pins. Three pins will have nine beads and two will have eight beads. String on green beads with two beads on each pin for ornaments. Close the pins.
String a large jingle bell to the center of your metallic cord. String one end of your cord through the coil of the safety pins — stringing first a nine-bead pin, then an eight-bead pin, a nine-bead, etc.
String the other end of your cord through the coils in the opposite direction and down through the beads on the last pin. Add a metallic bead, string it through the head of the pin. Add two metallic beads. String through the head of the next pin. String two more metallic beads, then through the head of the middle pin.
Repeat for other side. Add a final bead to bottom, stringing each end through the bead in opposite directions. Tie off. Trim.
Mini Shoe Ornaments
What pretty ornaments these mini shoes make. Decorate them any way you want.
You need:
- Plastic Miniature High Heel
- Paint Pens
- Glitter
- Ribbon Roses, Gemstones, Molded Pearls, Bows, Metallic Beads on Ming Wire, Metallic Cord
- Extra Tacky Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
Paint the outside of the shoe with a paint pen. Let dry. To add glitter, spread a thin coat of extra tacky glue over the paint. Sprinkle with glitter. Let dry. Decorate with beads, gems, pearls, or roses. Glue on a loop of gold cord to hang.
Safety Pin Angels
Combine everyone’s two favorite crafts… pony bead patterns and beaded safety pins for a winning angel project. Makes great ornaments or back pack decorations.
You need:
- 5 Safety Pins, Size 4
- 6 Safety Pins, Size 2
- 49 Red, White & Blue Pony Beads or
Translucent Pony Beads - 20 Metallic Pony Beads
- White Glue
- 30″ Metallic Cord
- One 16mm Wooden Barrel Bead
Instructions:
Cut cord to 30″. Stiffen ends with white glue. Let dry. Fold in half and tie a knot 1/2″ below the fold.
Choose your bead colors for the wings. Open six size 2 safety pins and string on the beads. Four safety pins should have four beads each. Two safety pins should have three beads each. See diagram at right. Close the pins.
Choose your bead colors for the body. Open five size 4 safety pins and string on the beads. Two safety pins should have four beads each. Two safety pins should have five beads each. One safety pin should have six beads. See diagram at above. Close the pins.
These written directions for weaving the pins and beads may seem complicated. Just follow along using the diagram above.
String three metallic pony beads on one end. String the other cord end through the same three beads in the opposite direction. String one barrel bead on one cord. String the other cord end through the same bead in the opposite direction. String one metallic pony bead on one end. String the other cord end through the same bead in the opposite direction. Tighten cord, pulling both ends evenly and firmly.
String the safety pins in the order shown above on one cord. String that cord through the metallic neck bead again forming a loop that holds the safety pins. String that cord down through the first safety pin of the wing. Pull it through the opening on the pin head. String on a metallic bead, then through the next wing safety pin head. String on a metallic bead, then through the third wing safety pin. String on a metallic bead, then through the last two beads on the first safety pin of the body. String on a metallic bead then through the head of the first body pin. String on two metallic beads, then through the next body safety pin head. String on two metallic beads, then through the third body safety pin head.
String the other cord through the last safety pin on the wing then through the head. Continue adding gold beads and stringing through the heads as with the first cord. Tie off under middle safety pin. Add a dab of glue on the knot. Let dry and trim.
Train Ornaments
Decorate little wooden trains to make beautiful ornaments to cherish forever.
For Patriotic Train You need:
For Christmas Train
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| Instructions:Paint pieces using photos above as a guide. Spread a thin layer of glue over the pieces you want to glitter. Sprinkle generously with glitter. Tap off excess. Wrap the cylinder piece with ribbon. Let all pieces dry. Assemble according to kit directions. Use glue gun to add on a hanging loop from ribbon or cord. Glue on additional decorations, if desired. | |
Patriotic Ornaments
Make these for gifts or add them to your own collection. Recommended for age 12 and up.
You Need:
- 2-1/2″ Styrofoam Ball
- Approximately 200 Blue Sequins
- Approximately 100 Red Sequins
- Approximately 100 White Sequins
- Sequin Pins
- Small Ribbon Bow
- Tacky Glue
- Hair Pin
- Thin Rubber Band
Instructions:
Push a hair pin half way in on the top of the ball. This will be the hanger. Place a thin rubber band around the middle of the Styrofoam ball. Squeeze some tacky glue out on a piece of wax paper. Pick up a white sequin with a pin and scoop up some glue with the tip of the pin. Press into the Styrofoam ball right beneath the rubber ban. Continue adding pins with white sequins all around the ball completely covering the rubber band. Beneath add a row of red, then white, alternating until the bottom is covered. Do the top in blue in the same manner. Working around the hair pin hanger. Glue on bow.
Scout Ornaments
Here’s a nice project to make during your holiday cub scout or boy scout party.
You need:
- Wood Cutouts – Small
- Gold Glitter
- 1/2 Inch Red Velvet Ribbon
- Gold Cord
- Tacky Glue
Instructions:
Cover the wood cut out with a thin layer of tacky glue. Sprinkle on glitter. Shake of excess. Glue a piece of velvet ribbon all around the ornament. Glue gold cord all around the ornament on both sides of the velvet ribbon. Glue a loop of gold cord on the back for a hanger. Add a velvet bow.
Craft Stick Christmas Tree
Here’s a simple little craft that everyone will love to make and give.
You Need:
- Four Craft Sticks
- One Mini Craft Sticks
- One Large Star Woodsie
- Five Small Circle Woodsies
- One Medium Square Woodsie
- Green, Red & Yellow Paint
- Red, Green & Gold Glitter
- Tacky Glue
- 6″ of Cord
Instructions:
Paint craft sticks and mini craft stick green. Paint star and square woodsies yellow. Paint circle woodsies red. Let dry. Glue three of the craft sticks into a triangle. Glue another craft stick down the middle of the triangle extending below the triangle. Glue the mini craft stick across the middle of the triangle. Glue star to the top and square to the bottom where the vertical stick hangs down below the triangle. Glue on circles. Run a bead of glue all around the tree. Sprinkle on some green glitter. Shake off extra. Dab a little glue onto the star and square. Sprinkle on some gold glitter. Shake off extra. Dab a little glue onto the circles. Sprinkle on some red glitter. Shake off extra.
Glue cord in a loop to the back for a hanger.
CD Ornaments
Save those AOL CDs and fill your Christmas tree with pretty, reflective ornaments.
You Need:
- Two CDs you don’t need
- Gold Cord
- Tacky Glue or Low Temp Glue Gun
- Gemstones
Instructions:
Glue two CDs back-to-back, sandwiching a loop of cord between them for hanging.
Decorate with gemstones and glitter.
Tissue Paper Ornaments
These are so easy to make and fun for little hands!
You Need:
- 2½” Styrofoam Balls
- Tissue Paper in Assorted Colors
- Liquid Starch
- Glitter
- Hairpins
- Toothpicks
- Wax Paper
- Decoupage Solution
- Foam Brush
Instructions:
Tear tissue paper into irregular 1″ pieces. Working over waxed paper, brush a section of Styrofoam ball with Linit Liquid Starch. Place overlapping pieces of tissue paper over the starched section of the ball. Brush a coat of starch over tissue paper. Continue until entire ball is covered. Use toothpicks pushed into the Styrofoam to keep the ball from rolling around.
Let dry. Brush with a coat of decoupage solution. Sprinkle with glitter while still wet. Let dry. Remove toothpicks. Push hairpin into the ball for a hanger.
Craft Wood Ornaments
These are so easy to make!
For Christmas Tree You need:
- Pattern
- 1 Small Heart Woodsies
- 1 Medium Heart Woodsies
- 1 Large Heart Woodsies
- 1 Small Star Woodsies
- 1 Small Square Woodsies
- Paint or Paint Markers
- Tacky Glue
- Sequins or Hole Punches to Decorate
- Cord to Make a Loop to Hang Ornament
For Christmas Wreath You need:
- Pattern
12 Small Star Woodsies - 2 Small Heart Woodsies
- 1 Small Circle Woodsies
- Paint or Paint Markers
- Tacky Glue
- Sequins or Hole Punches to Decorate
- Cord to Make a Loop to Hang Ornament
Instructions
Paint Woodsie pieces. Assemble with tacky glue according to patterns. Glue a piece of cord to make loop for hanging. (Loop not shown).
Potpourri Fresheners
Make a great gift for Grandma for her closet or her Christmas Tree.
You Need:
- Liquid Starch
- Cotton Yarn
- Small, Round Balloon
- Disposable Bowl
- Potpourri with Large Pieces
- Lace for Trim
- Newspaper
- Hot Glue Gun
Instructions:
Blow up the balloon to about 3″. Cover your surface with newspaper and hang the balloon above it. Pour a cup of Linit® Liquid Starch into a disposable bowl. Cut yarn into 1 yard pieces. Dip into starch and wrap around balloon. Continue until you have the balloon evenly covered with yarn. You will have spaces with the balloon showing through but make sure they are small enough that big pieces of potpourri will not fall out.
Let dry overnight. Pop balloon and pull it out. Snip a few strands of yarn near the top of the ball. Push potpourri through the opening. Use glue gun to close strands. Decorate with lace and make a hanger out of cord.
Shank Button Ornaments
From the Kathy Ross book: Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make
- Shank Buttons (the ones with the small loop on the back)
- 12″ Pipe Cleaner
- Scissors
- Ribbon
Instructions:
Thread all of the buttons onto the pipe cleaner so that they are touching each other.
Center the buttons on the pipe cleaner and wrap the ends around each other to form a circle shape that is completely covered with buttons.
Use the excess pipe cleaner to form a small circle hanger at the top of the ornament. Trim off any extra pipe cleaner that you do not need.
Tie the red ribbon in a bow around the base of the hanger.
Rudolph Pony Bead Patterns
Make an ornament of everyone’s favorite reindeer!
You Need:
Basic Instructions:
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Santa Pony Bead Pattern
This Santa pattern can’t be beat! What a fun way to spruce up the tree!
You Need:
Basic Instructions:
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Angel Pony Bead Pattern
These stunning decorations will grace your tree or packages this season!
| You Need: –4 Yellow or Gold Pony Beads –7 Orange Pony Beads –5 Ivory Pony Beads –28 White Pony Beads –20 Clear Pony Beads –2 Yards Satin Cord –1 Lanyard HookBasic Instructions: Fold your ribbon in half to find the center. Use a half hitch (see detail below) to secure it to lanyard hook. Lace beads using pattern at right as a guide. Wings are the last to be laced. After you finish the angel’s dress, lace back up to the arms and add wings using pattern below right as a guide. Finish by tying off with a double knot on angel’s back. 
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Toy Soldier Pony Bead Pattern
This pony bead toy soldier makes an elegant package decoration or ornament!
Toy Soldier Pattern You Need: –4 Yellow or Gold Pony Beads –4 Black Pony Beads –7 Ivory Pony Beads –1 Silver Pony Bead –9 Light Blue Pony Beads –13 Dark Blue Pony Beads –4′ Satin Cord –1 Lanyard HookBasic Instructions: Fold your ribbon in half to find the center. Use a half hitch (see detail below) to secure it to lanyard hook. Lace beads using pattern at right as a guide. Finish by tying off with a double knot.
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Santa & Mrs. Claus Pony Bead Patterns
The Santa pattern, submitted by Virginia, is a winning entry in our pony bead design contest.
For Santa You Need:
You Need:
Basic Instructions:
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Wreath Pony Bead Pattern
This adorable wreath will be a treasured ornament for years to come!
| You need: –30 Regular Green Pony Beads –9 Small Red Pony Beads –1 Lanyard Hook –2 Yards Green Satin Cord –White Glue Instructions: Tie lanyard hook about 2″ from one of the ends of ribbon. Using the longer lace, string 12 green beads and form a circle by lacing again through bead 1. Pull tight. Add bead 13 and loop back through bead 1 again, then through bead 2. Pull tight. String beads 15 and 14, loop back around through beads 2 and 3. Pull tight. Continue around wreath first adding 1 bead, then adding 2 beads, then 1 bead etc, ending by pulling through bead 12 and then beads 1 and 2. (This will be a little tight and may take some extra effort to get through.). String 3 small red pony beads, looping around and back through the first two red beads. Lace through green beads 4, 5, and 6. String 3 small red pony beads, looping around and back through the first two red beads. Lace through green beads 8, 9, and 10. String 3 small red pony beads, looping around and back through the first two red beads. Lace through green bead 12 and tie off with other end. Double knot and add a drop of white glue. Let dry. Trim ends. |
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Poinsettia/Snowflake Pony Bead Pattern
Grade school kids LOVE to make pony bead creations and hang them from their backpacks!
| You need: –42 Red Pony Beads –6 Burgundy or Brown Pony Beads –2 Yards of Satin Cord –1 Lanyard Hook –White Glue Instructions: String beads 1-6. Loop around and lace again through bead 1 to form a circle. Beads should be about 2″ from one end. Using other lace, string beads 7-11. Loop around and lace back through bead 10. String beads 12 & 13 and lace back through bead 7 and again through bead 1, then through bead 2. Repeat steps beginning with bead 7 for each petal. To finish tie laces together and trim close to knot. secure with a drop of white glue. |
 Use this pattern with all white beads to make a snowflake. |
Glitter Ornaments
These are the easiest, prettiest ornaments you’ll ever make.
You need:
- Clear Glass Ornaments
- Glitter Glue
- Large Paper Cup
Instructions:
Remove the metal hanger top from glass ornament. Squirt 2 or 3 colors of glitter glue all around on the inside of the ornament. Don’t use too much, you can always add more. Put the metal hanger top back on and shake lightly to spread glitter glue. Add more glue if needed to coat inside. Shake as little as possible to keep colors from mixing too much. Remove metal top and invert ornament on a paper cup overnight to drain out excess glue.
Christmas Spool Ornaments
Use wooden beads and miniature spools to make quaint holiday ornaments or use these patterns with your choice of beads for a totally different look. Try translucent pony beads, tribeads or faceted beads on metallic pipe cleaners for ornaments that kids will love to make and give this holiday!
| For Fish and Cross You Need: –14 Wooden Spools — 1/2″ Diameter –14 Red Wooden Beads — 3/8″ Diameter –Green & Red 1/4″ Raffia or Ribbon –Tacky GlueGeneral Instructions: Cut 14 pieces of Green raffia or ribbon to 6″. Completely wrap one piece around each spool. Glue end to hold into place.Instructions for Fish: Beginning with a spool, alternate lacing 8 beads and 8 spools on to an 18″ piece of red raffia or ribbon. Lace back through the second spool as shown and add one more bead and one more spool. Knot both ends close to spools and trim. Lace a piece of red raffia or ribbon through top bead. Tie into a bow. Instructions for Cross: Tie a 1″ loop in the center of an 18″ piece of red raffia or ribbon. Lace one red bead and one spool on to both laces. Separate the laces and add a spool and a bead on one lace. Loop around the bead and lace back through the spool. Add another bead (shown as the center bead in the diagram at the right.) Using the other lace, string a bead and a spool. Loop around the bead and lace back through the spool. Lace through the center bead. Keeping both laces together add a spool, a bead and another spool. Tie close to spool and trim.©1999-2002 MakingFriends.com, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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Friend Ornaments
Make one each year for every member of the family. Add a date and a picture and you’ve got some future family treasures.
You need:
- Friends
- Glue Stick
- Tacky Glue
- Yarn
- Photo
- Paper Scrap
Instructions:
Glue on a piece of yarn to hang. Glue on a small photo and a small piece of paper with name, age and date of the child who made it.
©1999-2002 MakingFriends.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
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