Handmade Christmas Tree Baubles
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get your decorations in order! Rather than obliging you to hit the shops at the busiest time of year for supplies, most of the materials needed for our DIY baubles can be found in your garden or outside on a winter’s walk! So, why not give our handmade creations a go? Making your own decorations is not only a great way to personalise your Christmas tree, but also a fun activity for the whole family that’s bound to get everyone feeling festive. What’s more, this crafts idea will leave you with a set of unique, charming and cost-saving decorations, made with love, to hang up in your home! Follow our simple guide, and deck your tree with your very own baubles!
Mini Wooden Christmas Trees
These wooden ornaments will add a cosy touch to your tree! For the best results, look for softwood from a birch or lime tree, ideally using fallen branches.
What you’ll need:
• Wooden branches, about 1 cm in diameter
• Garden shears
• A knife
• String
• A glue gun and glue stick
• A piece of cardboard to protect your work surface
1. Trim your branches with a knife to remove any rough edges or overgrowth.
2. Cut the branches into different lengths, getting shorter as you go up the tree. To make things easier, draw a triangle on a piece of cardboard to use as a guide. Place your branches over the triangle and mark where to cut. We made our base around 8 cm wide.
3. Now it’s time to create your tree trunk! Place a vertical branch down the middle of your creation, letting it go 2–3 cm beyond the bottom edge, then cut the branch.
4. Fold a piece of string in half to create a loop (for hanging up your creation). Use your glue gun to attach the branches together, layering them upwards from the bottom, and gluing the trunk to the back. Don’t forget to glue your string loop onto the back too, so that you can hang your decoration!
Pinecone Christmas Ornaments
If you have any leftover ribbons lying around, be it from Easter or even last Christmas, it’s time to put them to use, crafting beautiful bows!
What you’ll need:
• Pinecones
• Ribbon
• String
• Scissors
• A glue gun and glue stick
• A piece of cardboard to protect your work surface
1. Create loops for hanging: fold a piece of string in half and tie a simple knot. Repeat for as many ornaments as you’d like to make.
2. Use your glue gun to attach the string loops to the top of each pinecone. Allow them to dry thoroughly.
3. Once dry, wrap a piece of ribbon around the base of each string loop and tie it into a decorative bow.
Cardboard Star Baubles
Give your empty toilet paper or kitchen rolls a new lease of life by transforming them into pretty Christmas stars! It’s the perfect way to add an eco-friendly touch to your Christmas decorations!
What you’ll need:
• 3 cardboard toilet paper rolls or kitchen rolls• Decorative tape
• Scissors
• String
• Wooden beads
• A pen
1. Flatten each cardboard roll.
2. Cover both sides of the flattened roll with your decorative tape (optional).
3. Cut each roll into three strips of equal width.
4. Trim the ends of each strip into a V shape, ensuring the ends remain joined.
5. To assemble a star, place a dot of glue in the centre of the first strip, then weave the second strip through at a 45° angle. Repeat with the third strip on the opposite side, securing it with glue.
6. Cut a piece of string and thread it through one of the star branches. Tie the ends together, add a wooden bead, and secure with a knot.
Top tip: use a pen to draw pretty patterns onto your stars! Repeat the process to make as many stars as you’d like.
The Perfect Finishing Touch
There you have it! Your homemade baubles will look great among the rest of your Christmas decorations, and your tree will be bursting with charm and personality! And, if you’re looking for more festive DIY activities, why not check out our guide to making your own DIY advent calendar? Happy crafting and – albeit in advance – Happy Christmas!