As the holiday season approaches, it’s a great time to unleash your creativity and get crafty with some DIY paper Christmas decorations. This is an opportunity to let your imagination run wild and create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a fun activity to do with friends and family, there are plenty of ideas below that cater to all skill levels.
The Top 23 DIY Paper Christmas Decorations for Anyone Who Loves to Create
While paper may seem like an understated crafting material compared to others, its versatility, affordability, and endless possibilities make it a valuable tool in the creative process. Before diving into various projects, it’s essential to determine which type of paper best suits your home, style, and project. Will you opt for elaborately patterned scrapbook paper or prefer the clean simplicity of white paper?
White paper offers the added benefit of allowing for embellishments with watercolors, finger paints, or stamps before assembly. The weight of the paper can also significantly impact its appearance, with cardstock providing a sturdy foundation and construction paper offering a more delicate touch. Two fundamental techniques for transforming paper are cutting and folding, each with its own unique benefits and challenges.
Cutting can be achieved through scissors, crafting knives, or cutting machines, with the latter offering precision and detail unmatched by manual methods. However, not everyone has access to these devices, making scissors and craft knives viable alternatives. For those who prefer a more tactile approach, folding crafts offer stunning possibilities, from simple to complex designs. Regardless of which technique resonates with you, most projects can be adapted to accommodate your preferred method.
Embroidery Hoop Village with Paper Pine Needles
Envision a charming Christmas village, framed by a 32-inch embroidery hoop and exuding cozy Scandinavian charm. The unconventional use of aqua in the color scheme is key to achieving this ambiance. For a farmhouse-style village, picture white buildings, brown roofs, and green accents. To give your village a whimsical touch, opt for paper patterns featuring plaid or peppermint stripes.
Add a playful twist by applying candy stickers to brown buildings, transforming the village from a Scandinavian hamlet into a gingerbread house settlement. Whether you stick to traditional colors or experiment with bold hues, this project is made possible with a cutting machine. If you don’t have access to a cutting machine, consider creating house silhouettes instead of three-dimensional buildings. A cascade of paper pine needles adds a focus point and an abundance of Christmas cheer.
To amplify the festive atmosphere, imagine painting the embroidery hoop itself.
20-Minute Handmade Paper Christmas Decorations
Transform your holiday decor with an evergreen tree project that brings festive flair to any table setting. Start by selecting coordinating paper patterns to create a lush forest effect. For added visual interest, opt for double-sided paper featuring different designs on each side. Alternatively, choose white cardstock for a sleek and minimalist look. The key to achieving the desired aesthetic lies in how you style your trees.
To evoke a farmhouse feel, imagine buffalo plaid trees paired with coordinating napkins. For a more rustic vibe, add pinecones to the greenery and select paper with subtle brown undertones. This speedy centerpiece-making project allows for endless customization options to match any color scheme or dinner party theme. Plus, at the end of the season, the trees fold flat for easy storage – making them a convenient addition to your holiday decor arsenal.
Dramatic Paper and Pine Cone Wreath
Unleash your creativity by transforming the humble wreath into a vibrant reflection of your personal style! The beauty of this design lies in its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to suit your unique aesthetic. Want to make a bold statement? Add gold sparkles and loud Christmas-themed paper for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Alternatively, opt for a more understated approach by choosing coordinating papers and incorporating rustic elements like brown craft paper, sheet music, and a touch of red or green glitter for a charming, laid-back feel. Or, if you prefer a winter wonderland vibe, use white paper, white-painted pinecones, and silver glitter to evoke a magical ambiance. And why not go all out with peppermint-themed paper and candy canes instead of traditional pinecones?
The starburst shape is key to the wreath’s energy, drawing the eye outward to take in the surrounding Christmas decorations.
Cute Cut Paper Village Craft
Transforming a sheet of paper into a magical creation is as simple as cutting it. While this tutorial employs a cutting machine, crafty individuals can also utilize a knife or scissors to bring their tiny village to life. The versatility of paper allows for any desired color scheme, whether it’s the traditional white and yellow reminiscent of whitewashed cottages or a bold, bright hue.
Of course, houses are just the beginning – the trees work in harmony with the village to create a charming Christmas scene. Notice how the varied hues on the trees and cottage roofs add depth and dimension to this miniature world. To take your tiny town to the next level, consider incorporating multiple layers or tiers, as showcased in this image.
Finally, give your creation a functional purpose by placing flameless candles inside each building, making them ideal lanterns that light up the scene.
Kid-Friendly DIY Christmas Paper Crafts
Transform your Christmas tree with personalized ornaments crafted from your favorite scrapbooking papers. This easy DIY project allows you to repurpose last year’s Christmas cards, sheet music, or old calendar pictures into unique and elegant decorations. While suitable for a family craft session with children, the finished product can also be dressed up to impress guests at any holiday gathering.
By incorporating glittering scrapbook paper and strategic placement under your tree’s lights, you’ll create an enchanting ambiance that’s both glamorous and sophisticated. To add an artistic touch, paint your cardstock strips with watercolors before assembling the ornament. Alternatively, opt for double-sided cardstock or paint the interior for a radiant effect. If you choose to use glossy metallic paint, the inside will appear to emit a soft glow.
Easy Rudolph DIY Paper Ornaments
Transforming brown paper strips into a festive Christmas reality, this tutorial brings Rudolph-inspired decorations to life. By combining playful energy with sleek modern design, each reindeer orb becomes an instant conversation starter in your holiday decor. To create a herd of frisky Rudolph-style reindeer, follow the example of red pom-poms and eye stickers, adding facial features with markers for a kid-friendly touch or omit them altogether for a Scandinavian-inspired charm.
For added glamour, embellish antlers with glitter or sequins, giving you endless possibilities to make your ornaments truly unique. Hang them as decorations, string them together for a garland, or display them flat – these adorable paper reindeer are the perfect accent for any space.
Assembling a Paper Gingerbread House
While traditional edible gingerbread houses are delightful, they can be messy and time-consuming. Fortunately, making a paper gingerbread house offers a more relaxed and creative alternative. This project still allows you to express your artistic side by choosing where to place each decorative element. The finished product often features a snowy roof, peppermint accents, and foldable pine trees, setting the scene for a festive atmosphere.
To streamline the process, consider using a cutting machine to reduce preparation time. One of the unique aspects of this project is that there’s no single ‘right’ way to decorate it – allowing you to let your imagination run wild. This activity can be particularly enjoyable when shared with children, as they can use candy-themed stickers instead of cutting and assembling all the decorations from paper.
Celestial Angels DIY Paper Ornaments
There’s something enchanting about using paper doilies to add a touch of magic to your Christmas decorations. When you pair lustrous gold doilies with an angel figurine, it creates a sense of grandeur and makes the angel feel extra special. Mixing different doily colors for the wings and gown adds contrast and draws attention to this festive piece. Feel free to get creative and match the doily colors to your Christmas theme.
While the doilies are the star of the show, don’t overlook the small details like a halo and glitter-covered bow – they make all the difference. To give your angels some personality, try adding eyes to their wooden faces. One of the best things about this project is its versatility. Because these angels stand alone, you can display them as part of a tabletop scene or on a mantle. Alternatively, hang multiple angels together to create a beautiful garland that’s sure to impress.
These doily angels also make a charming addition to a nativity scene.
Paper Star Ornament Adorned with Buttons
Get ready to spark some festive fun with this adorable two-toned star ornament, inspired by Don Freeman’s beloved tale of Corduroy and his lost button! This project is a perfect way to bond with kids while creating something truly special. The combination of textured brown cardstock as the anchor, patterned green paper, and an assortment of buttons is sure to delight. For added eco-friendliness, consider using reclaimed cardboard as the star’s background.
The beauty of this craft lies in its versatility – choose any color or pattern that matches your unique Christmas aesthetic. If you’re decorating a tree with these ornaments, aim for a visually appealing mix of patterns, textures, and colors. While the buttons can be omitted, they add a charming rustic touch when arranged in an attractively random way. Alternatively, arrange them to create a sense of order and structure – the choice is yours!
DIY Paper Ornaments with Tons of Texture
While this DIY Christmas ornament may resemble traditional spherical shapes, its accordion folds add a new dimension of visual interest when hung next to twinkling tree lights. The play of light and shadow between the folds creates a captivating display. For added depth, you can use cardstock with colors on both sides or opt for single-sided scrapbooking paper. Finish the look with a delicate burgundy bow and rustic twine for a charmingly understated ornament.
Feel free to swap out the bows for embellishments that align with your unique décor. To bring an additional sensory experience to these ornaments, infuse each one with your favorite essential oil. Alternatively, you can enhance their auditory appeal by adding jingling bells to the hanging twine. Or, opt for a minimalist approach and let the simple design of the paper ornament be its own charm.
Vibrant Paper Christmas Bulb Advent Calendar
Counting down to Christmas just got a whole lot more delightful with this DIY paper advent wreath that’s both visually stunning and functionally fabulous! By putting in some cutting and tying effort, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant garland that exudes the joy of the season. While the image showcased here boasts a rainbow of colors, feel free to tone it down by sticking to a single palette or opting for subtly patterned scrapbook paper for a more sophisticated look.
To turn this garland into an Advent calendar, simply follow the tutorial’s instructions and add small numerical tags next to each bulb. Inside each one, you’ll find ample space to stash a few sweet treats – just be sure they’re lightweight since the bulbs are made of paper. Of course, if you’d rather not open up the bulbs, this project can still serve as a beautiful garland on its own.
Three-Dimensional Christmas Tree Craft for Kids
Transforming a humble paper-strip Christmas tree craft into something truly special requires just a few tweaks. Start by adding some decorative flair to the tree itself, using materials like sequins, stickers, glitter, beads, buttons, or markers to give it personality. For inspiration, take a cue from this image and use red and green sequins for a classic look.
The presents at the base of the tree are an easy way to add some festive charm, which can be customized with ribbons, stickers, or markers. If you prefer a more understated approach, simply omit the embellishments for a minimalist effect. To elevate this project even further, don’t forget to give the white paper background some love.
A subtle watercolor design or a thumbprint craft would add an interesting abstract element, while older kids might enjoy coloring a winter scene behind the tree with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Creating Your Own Shaped Ornaments from Paper
Transforming ordinary ornaments into extraordinary ones, this DIY tutorial allows you to infuse your creations with nostalgic charm and debonair sophistication. By cutting and gluing paper shapes, you’ll be able to create custom silhouettes ranging from classic egg forms to lamp-inspired designs. The best part? This project requires minimal materials, making it an ideal activity for anyone looking to mix up their crafting routine.
With approximately 50 identical shape copies needed per ornament, you can experiment with intricate or simple designs at your leisure. For added convenience and precision, consider using a cutting machine. One of the most appealing aspects of these ornaments is that they fold flat for easy storage when using a clip instead of glue. While patterned paper can add visual interest to many projects, these ornaments truly shine when crafted from solid-colored cardstock.
Hang your finished pieces with twine, ribbon, string, or fishing line, and enjoy the warm ambiance they bring to your home.
Snow-Covered Evergreen Forest Made from Doilies
Creating a stylish Christmas tree with a unique touch is just a matter of combining white lace-tipped doilies on bamboo skewers. The organic feel of this decoration stems from the layered doilies being speared onto the skewers, reminiscent of a snow-covered tree in nature. White doilies provide a chic canvas that seamlessly blends with various Christmas color schemes. For added pop, vibrant holiday-themed doilies can be incorporated.
To add depth and visual interest, consider an ombre effect by layering darker shades at the bottom that gradually fade to lighter hues towards the top. Metallic gold or silver doilies can elevate these intricate decorations to a new level of sophistication. Furthermore, experimentation with skewer height, number of layers, and doily patterns offers endless possibilities for customization, ensuring your tree perfectly complements its surroundings.
Metallic Angel Votive Candle Holders
When it comes to metallic accents, candlelight is greatly amplified due to its reflective nature. If warm-toned metallics don’t quite fit your space’s aesthetic, cool silver options are also effective. However, considering these angels are crafted from flammable cardboard, it’s essential to use battery-operated candles to ensure a safe and cozy ambiance.
Unlike traditional angel decorations that often feature intricate details, these silhouettes offer a subtle yet nuanced energy that makes them perfect for modern Christmas settings. Of course, as DIY projects, you’re encouraged to add your personal touch with elaborate embellishments. To give the angels a rustic, farmhouse feel, try applying dry-brushed brown or white paint for a distressed finish.
For a Bohemian-inspired look, experiment with markers to create freehand geometric patterns before adding any glue. Alternatively, if you’re decorating for a coastal Christmas, hot glue and seashells can be used to add texture to the wings.
Unique Paper Chain Christmas Tree Garland
Filling your space with festive flair is a crucial part of the Christmas decorating experience. One simple yet effective way to achieve this is by creating a beautiful garland using marquise-shaped paper rings. These elegant decorations can add a touch of whimsy to any room, and their understated design makes them perfect for blending seamlessly into your existing decor. To get the most out of this project, choose a color that provides a striking contrast to your wall color.
For a truly lively atmosphere, try combining bright yellow, green, red, and orange hues – reminiscent of a festive fiesta. While cardstock is used in this tutorial, you’re free to use any type of paper as long as it features colorful designs on both sides. The real magic happens when you add metallic-tinged paint to the paper’s edges, giving your garland an extra layer of sophistication and visual interest.
Faceted Freestanding Cardstock Christmas Tree Craft
While traditional Christmas tree crafts often involve layering horizontal elements, this unique project’s vertical design draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller trees. When crafted using white cardstock, these evergreen trees take on a serene quality, as if blanketed in snow. To create a charming winter scene, place them atop white batting, paper, or even a decorative tray. For an added pop of color, consider using paper with printed designs on both sides.
Alternatively, you can make this project more accessible to children by incorporating finger paint and stickers onto the silhouettes. Another creative option is to use a green inkpad to transform this craft into a thumbprint tree. Ultimately, how you choose to decorate your paper trees will determine their role in adding yuletide ambiance to various types of Christmas decorations. This versatile technique can also be used to create a range of holiday shapes beyond just evergreen trees.
Rustic Tree Handmade Paper Christmas Decorations
While some paper crafts demand intense focus and precision, making evergreen trees is surprisingly easy. If you can master the accordion fold technique, you can create your own whimsical forest using rustic trees made from heavy-weighed paper. The playful polka-dot pattern adds a touch of pizazz to any decoration, but feel free to use any material that suits your style.
For a dash of holiday magic, try dusting plain white cardstock with glitter or letting kids loose with stickers, sequins, and markers. To elevate this project, consider mounting each tree inside a wooden candle holder for a farmhouse-inspired look. Add some finesse by adorning it with a miniature garland made from slender ribbon or imitation pearls. Finally, top it all off with your choice of tree topper for a truly unique handmade creation.
Making a “Merry Christmas” Pennant Garland
Elevate your space’s dimension by incorporating scrapbook paper with unique textures and an array of holiday colors. The classic red-and-green combination serves as a timeless inspiration, but feel free to experiment with cool blues and metallic silvers for a winter wonderland ambiance. This DIY project recommends employing scrapbooking letters for their subtle visual impact on your pennant garland.
If ‘Merry Christmas’ doesn’t resonate with you, consider using lyrics from your favorite holiday tunes or discovering Christmas-themed embellishments that align with your personal style. For those who enjoy switching up their decorations seasonally, miniature red clothespins provide a versatile option. Simply create multiple sets of pennants and swap them out when you’re ready for a fresh look.
Holly and Mistletoe Miniature Wreath
Imagine transforming your space into a winter wonderland with this charming miniature Christmas wreath project. If you’re armed with a cutting machine, creating this festive decoration is a breeze. The rustic brown ribbon wrapping around the wreath form invites creative freedom – you can either leave subtle gaps between the greenery or go all out and fill every inch with handmade paper decorations. This diminutive wreath is perfect for filling awkward spaces or serving as a table centerpiece.
When paired with white pillar candles on non-flammable holders, it will radiate an inviting ambiance. The beauty of this project lies in its versatility – it can be displayed on a mantle or shelf, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday decor.
Mandala Christmas Trees that Light Up
Imagine having a tranquil oasis amidst the holiday chaos. These enchanting mandala-inspired Christmas trees are the perfect way to cultivate calmness and savor each moment of the festive season. With just a few simple materials – a cutting machine, cardstock, string lights, and your favorite embellishments – you can bring serenity to your space. To add depth and visual interest, foam dots can be used between the layers, giving your tree a three-dimensional quality.
The tutorial features an ivory-hued cardstock on a glittering backdrop, but feel free to experiment with different combinations to create a unique decoration that suits your style. You can opt for plain cardstock on top, allowing you to add extra sparkle with imitation gems or other embellishments. As the tree’s intricate design resembles snowflakes, it’s an ideal fit for those with a white Christmas theme.
If you prefer a more understated look, swap out the glittering cardstock for something more subtle, and your DIY paper crafts will shine in a Scandinavian-inspired setting.
DIY Christmas Paper Crafts: Poinsettia Garland
Transforming your home with vibrant crimson and golden hues, this Christmas garland boasts the perfect blend of color and elegance. The beauty of these artificial poinsettias lies in their versatility – they’re completely pet- and kid-friendly, making them an ideal choice for families. To achieve the lifelike appearance, a rolling tool is essential, allowing you to create intricate details with ease. For added realism, opt for yellow-tinted pearls to represent pistils and stamens.
Take your garland to the next level by threading lights through the poinsettias, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Whether hung or used as a centerpiece on a mantle, table, or banister, this stunning arrangement is sure to energize any space.
Oversized Holly Leaf Garland Bursting with Color
This show-stopping garland bursts with personality due to its vibrant blue, green, and red hues. Incorporating blue holly leaves seamlessly integrates blue-themed décor into your Christmas decorations. While this tutorial employs an equal balance of colors, feel free to experiment with varying ratios to create intriguing effects. The garland’s textures also add depth, with flat leaves contrasting beautifully against honeycomb-style berries.
To further enhance the visual interest, consider incorporating large poinsettias alongside the holly berries. If you still crave more embellishments, try elevating it with glitter, sequins, or artificial snow to create a truly over-the-top display.
The 23 Best DIY Paper Christmas Decorations for Paper Crafters of All Ages
When it comes to creating handmade paper Christmas decorations, one of the most important aspects is personalization. This can be achieved through the use of embellishments, which can range from simple additions like glitter to more complex elements like jingling bells. The beauty of DIY crafts lies in their ability to be tailored to your unique style and preferences. If you’re making these projects with kids, some easy ways to add a personal touch include using paint, markers, or stickers.
Transforming a piece of paper into a special holiday decoration requires vision and creativity. Many of the ideas presented here can be combined to create the perfect DIY paper Christmas decorations for your home. For instance, you could string together multiple ornament designs to create a festive garland, or modify some of the village houses so they can hang on your tree as ornaments. Ultimately, how you choose to display your handcrafted projects will depend on your personal style and vision.
By combining different techniques and materials, you can create decorations that reflect your unique aesthetic and help develop the perfect ambiance for this year’s holiday celebrations.
