Transform your tree with DIY decorations that add a pop of color or create a unique look. From a simple rock arrangement to a rustic tobacco basket, these ideas are a fun way to give your tree a special touch.
Remember to layer your garland before you place picks and stems—this helps create the perfect base for ribbon cascades later.
Colorful Ribbon Garland
A tree trimmed with ribbon garland has a festive look that’s both classic and sophisticated. Coordinate the ribbon color with your ornaments, or use a complementary shade for a contrasting effect.
If possible, use a wired ribbon. It’s easy to work with and helps create smooth, professional-looking loops.
If you’re going for a more casual feel, use natural linen or cotton ribbons that match the tone of your tree. Kibler & Kirch interwove earth-toned ribbons with glass bead garlands and amber ball ornaments on their tree for a timeless, classic look.
Alternatively, pair your ribbon with other rustic elements like pinecones and cinnamon sticks for a naturalist take on decorating.
You can also create a whimsical effect by using ribbons to mimic icicles. Former Living editor Blake Ramsey made these frosty friends using acrylic paint and a decoupage technique, then hung them on the tree with metallic cord. These ornaments are so pretty they’re sure to steal the show.
Start by anchoring the end of your ribbon at the top of the tree. Then, carefully wind it around in a spiral pattern, going over and under branches as you go. Step back every few wraps and reposition or adjust the ribbon for a balanced look.
When you reach the bottom, tuck the end of the ribbon into the branches or secure it with an ornament hook.
Another easy way to add ribbon is by scattering smaller bows throughout the tree. Interior designer Cynthia Sheen prefers to keep the ribbon uncut and pin it into bundles, then tuck the ends into the branches for a smooth, loose tuft of garland. Sheen suggests using a variety of sizes and colors for a well-balanced look.
Painted Rocks
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the painted rocks movement that has swept the nation. This simple idea encourages people to paint inspirational or kind messages or quotes on rocks and then leave them for others to find.
It’s a fun and easy activity that anyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, can enjoy.
Many painted rock enthusiasts are members of local Facebook groups, where they can share their creations and communicate about meet-ups. You can even add a hashtag to your rocks so they’re easily searchable and connected to the larger community of rock artists.
These tags include #PaintHappy (for the Paint Happy Rocks group) and #WCPR (for West Coast Painted Rocks).
When creating your own painted rocks for your tree, try to keep the size of the rock in mind. You want the design to be readable when viewed from several angles. If necessary, practice your lettering or designs on paper before painting them on the actual rock.
Also, if you’re using acrylic paints, let them dry completely between colors. Don’t forget to seal your rocks, which will help protect them from rain, heat, and other elements.
You can use Mod Podge or another spray-on sealer to ensure your rocks last season after season. Alternatively, you can hand-seal each rock, ensuring the paint won’t peel or chip off the surface.
While talented artists are turning rocks into masterpieces, it’s the message that is truly moving. Murphy says that she’s heard from people who were contemplating suicide and changed their minds after finding a painted rock. She also learned that a marine deployed overseas was comforted by the message on a rock he found.
Burlap or Jute Wraps
Jute is a durable, eco-friendly natural fiber often used in landscaping and gardening. It’s a popular choice for wrapping tree roots during transplanting because it offers a breathable protective wrap that limits moisture and prevents mold or rot until the root system establishes itself.
This all-natural fabric is also a good option for protecting plants from harsh weather conditions and can be trimmed to shape as desired.
If a snowy landscape isn’t in your holiday plans, add a touch of the season with these easy-to-make ornaments made from pinecones and yarn. These beaded starburst ornaments can easily be customized with different colors and patterns of beads to fit any Christmas decor style.
To make, start with a full-length 3mm wooden dowel, string on beads, then cut four pieces that are half the size of the first and glue them to each other near the top to form a starburst shape. Then, cut the rest of the dowel off each end and tie a piece of wire or ribbon on each to create a place for hanging.
Another simple DIY ornament, this owl is the perfect companion to any of your favorite treetop creatures. It can be made with minimal hand-stitching, and it’s a great project for the kids to help with, too!
To make this ornament, raid your baking supplies drawer for key ingredients. Felting is a fun and rewarding craft anyone can do, and these beautiful felt monogram ornaments will surely be a hit on your tree. To make them, simply take a flat piece of wool roving and use a needle to form your initials in an ombre effect. Glue to a round wooden disc and add a ribbon loop for hanging.
For a touch of sparkle, these ornaments are a fun way to show off your love for all things glittery. To make a group of a few crystal-shaped ornaments on jewelry wire. Add a gold cord and a strand of silvery rhinestones for a look sure to shine.
Tree Bows
While traditional greenery is a classic, a colorful tree bow can give your tree a modern update. These decorative ornaments can be made using various materials, including fabric scraps and ribbons.
A quick online search yields several easy-to-follow tutorials for making a simple bow for your tree. The material’s colors can match or complement your other tree decorations.
For a more formal look, consider choosing a ribbon without wired edges. This will allow you to create a freehand-type bow with ends that naturally hang down and away from the branch. A ribbon with a wired edge is more structured and will result in a more “obvious” bow shape that tends to sit flat against the branch.
If you are on a budget but still want to dress up your tree, make cheerful pom-pom ornaments using a spool of yarn and a pom-pom maker. The technique is easy and fast, and the results will give your tree a cheery look that can’t be beaten!
Another cost-effective option is to adorn affordable glass or ceramic ornaments with paint in soft tones and marbling medium. The resulting marbled effect adds to the beauty of these inexpensive ornaments, and the color combinations are endless. If you like glitter, brush glue on the bottom of an ornament and dip it in the desired glitter color. Let dry overnight.
Former Living crafts editor Blake Ramsey transformed ordinary clear glass ornaments by painting them in various pastel shades and embellishing them with gold cord, beads, and tiny pearl craft bead loops for handles. The resulting ornaments are both pretty and practical, as they can be used for gift wrap or to top special presents.
Try a homemade tassel ornament to add more color to your Christmas tree. These festive decorations can be made with any yarn, and the result will be as unique as your tree.
Summary
If a snowy landscape doesn’t fit your holiday style, a bold take on a nature theme is a great way to add visual interest. You can make these cute little trees out of any fabric that features circles and hang them from the ceiling as an alternative to traditional ornaments.
Cut a piece of patterned fabric with decorative scissors (such as scallops or pinking) to make a circle-patterned tree. Cut a piece of fusible batting in size and pattern matching the fabric, then sew it around the fabric using a decorative stitch setting. Cut out the fabric motif with pinking shears and attach a loop of ribbon for hanging.