Handmade Ornament Inspirations

As I’ve been working on my entry for Michaels Dream Tree Challenge, I realized many of my most cherished ornaments are ones that have been handmade and given to me as gifts or personalized ornaments that I’ve made myself. Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite ideas.

1. Upcycled CDs

I love to receive beautiful holiday cards and really hate to throw them out. One way to keep, display and enjoy them is to make ornaments using old compact disks and ModPodge. Another way to make recycled CDs into ornaments is to use rubber stamps, scrapbook paper and embellishments.

2. Felt and fabric ornaments

Needlework Editor Denise Felton created this beautiful ornament with fabric scraps, ribbon and a colorful button.

These plush felt beaded heart ornaments were also created by Denise.

My Aunt Donna created this felt ornament way back in the early ’70s!

One of our family traditions is to celebrate Christmas Eve with a taco feast. We affectionately call this tradition “Taco Eve.” Here’s an ornament I made of felt, foam and tiny red jingle bells.

3. Crochet Ornaments

In addition to pretty snowflakes and wreaths my Grandma Ila used to crochet, she and I once collaborated to make these most cherished heirloom ornaments.

4. Paper ornaments

Scrapbook supplies make wonderful ornaments. This beauty was designed by Sewing Editor Anne Weaver. The hollow ornament was cut using a Wishblade, stamped, assembled and embellished with punched paper.

Created by Lisa Bylander, this tiny take out box was hand stamped and assembled.
These exquisitely hand-painted ornaments are made from coin collecting envelopes, vellum and tiny braided cord. Designed and created by Graphic Artist Jann Bell, these ornaments are particularly beautiful when illuminated by the tree lights.