15 Nature-Inspired Christmas Ornaments You Can Make at Home
As I pulled out my Christmas decorations last year, I realized something was missing. Despite having boxes full of store-bought ornaments, my tree lacked that personal, organic touch that makes holiday decorating truly special. That’s when I started experimenting with nature-inspired ornaments, and I’ve never looked back. Today, I’m excited to share 15 beautiful DIY Christmas ornaments that bring the outdoors inside this holiday season.
These projects are perfect for crafters of all skill levels, and best of all, many materials can be gathered right from your backyard. Let’s create something magical together!
Below are some of my favorite products for decorating for Christmas.Â
1. Pinecone Snow Globes
One of my absolute favorites is transforming ordinary pinecones into miniature snow globes. I love how each one turns out unique. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Medium-sized pinecones
- White acrylic paint
- Fine glitter
- Clear fishing line
- Clear spray sealant
Simply paint the tips of the pinecone branches white, sprinkle with glitter while the paint is wet, and seal when dry. The effect looks just like freshly fallen snow!
2. Dried Orange Slice Suncatchers
These stunning ornaments capture light beautifully and fill your home with a subtle citrus scent. To make them:
- Slice oranges into 1/4-inch rounds
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment
- Dry in oven at 170°F (75°C) for 4-6 hours
- Thread with ribbon once cool
Pro tip: Add whole cloves before drying for extra holiday fragrance.
3. Cinnamon Stick Mini Wreaths
The smell of cinnamon instantly brings warmth to any holiday setting. For these adorable ornaments, you’ll need:
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks per wreath
- Twine or thin ribbon
- Small artificial berries
- Hot glue gun
Bundle the cinnamon sticks in a circle, secure with twine, and add berries for a pop of color. These are so simple yet incredibly charming.
4. Acorn Cap Bells
Who knew acorn caps could be so festive? I discovered this idea while walking through my local park. You’ll need:
- Acorn caps
- Gold or silver paint
- Small jingle bells
- Thin ribbon
- Hot glue
Paint the acorn caps, glue a small bell inside each one, and add a ribbon loop. The gentle tinkling sound they make is absolutely delightful.
5. Pressed Leaf Angels
This project is perfect for those autumn leaves you collected. Here’s what you need:
- Large pressed leaves (maple works best)
- Gold paint pen
- Clear adhesive
- Ribbon
- Small wooden beads for heads
Arrange two leaves in a wing formation, add the wooden bead “head,” and draw delicate details with the gold pen. These angels look especially magical when light shines through them.
6. Birch Bark Stars
If you have access to fallen birch bark, these ornaments are stunning:
- Birch bark pieces
- Star-shaped cookie cutter for tracing
- Sharp scissors
- Clear sealant
- Twine
The natural variations in birch bark make each star unique. Remember to seal the bark to prevent curling.
7. Twig Snowflakes
These delicate ornaments cost practically nothing to make:
- Small straight twigs
- White paint
- Twine
- Hot glue
Arrange six twigs in a snowflake pattern, secure with glue, paint white, and add a dusting of glitter if desired. Nature’s geometry at its finest!
8. Holly Berry Globes
Clear glass ornaments become magical with natural elements:
- Clear glass ball ornaments
- Real or artificial holly berries
- Small pine needles
- Fine glitter
- Ribbon
Remove the top, add your natural elements, and replace. The movement of the materials inside creates beautiful displays.
9. Dried Hydrangea Spheres
Late-season hydrangeas are perfect for this project:
- Dried hydrangea blooms
- Clear spray sealant
- Metallic paint (optional)
- Ribbon
I love leaving these natural, but a light dusting of gold or silver paint can add holiday sparkle.
10. Pine Needle Tassels
This is a wonderful way to use fallen pine needles:
- Long pine needles
- Metallic thread
- Small wooden beads
- Clear fishing line
Bundle the needles, wrap with thread, and add beads for weight. The natural movement is captivating.
11. Rosemary Mini Wreaths
These tiny wreaths smell amazing:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Floral wire
- Thin ribbon
- Small decorative berries
Shape the rosemary into circles, secure with wire, and add ribbon. They’ll dry naturally and keep their shape.
12. Walnut Shell Mice
These whimsical creatures always make people smile:
- Walnut shell halves
- Grey felt
- Pink embroidery thread
- Black beads for eyes
- String for tails
They’re surprisingly easy to make and add personality to your tree.
13. Cedar Rose Ornaments
Cedar roses (also known as cedar cones) make beautiful natural ornaments:
- Cedar roses
- Gold or silver paint
- Clear sealant
- Ribbon
- Optional glitter
A light touch of paint on the edges creates elegant definition.
14. Crystallized Pine Cones
This project creates stunning results:
- Small pine cones
- Borax
- Hot water
- String
- Wide-mouth jar
Suspend the pine cones in saturated borax solution overnight. The resulting crystals look like ice!
15. Berry and Twig Stars
Combine different natural elements for these striking ornaments:
- Thin, flexible twigs
- Red berries (real or artificial)
- Twine
- Hot glue
- Clear sealant
Form a star shape with twigs, secure with twine, and add berries at the points.
Tips for Success
After making hundreds of these ornaments, I’ve learned a few important things:
- Always thoroughly dry natural materials before using
- Apply sealant in a well-ventilated area
- Store finished ornaments in tissue paper
- Collect materials throughout the year
- Make extras – they make wonderful gifts!
Why Natural Ornaments Matter
Creating nature-inspired ornaments isn’t just about saving money or being crafty. It’s about connecting with the natural world during a season when we’re often indoors. Each ornament tells a story – where you found the materials, who you made them with, and the memories created along the way.
When my kids help me make these ornaments, they’re learning about nature’s patterns, seasons, and the joy of creating something beautiful from simple materials. These decorations remind us that some of the best Christmas treasures can’t be bought in stores.
Final Thoughts
As you begin crafting these natural ornaments, remember that perfection isn’t the goal. Each piece will be uniquely beautiful, just like the natural materials you use to create them. The slight variations and imperfections are what make them special.
I hope these ideas inspire you to look at natural materials in a new way this holiday season. Whether you make one or all fifteen of these ornaments, you’ll be adding something truly special to your holiday decorations. Happy crafting!
Remember to always gather natural materials responsibly and avoid taking from living plants. When collecting in public areas, check local regulations first.
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