DIY Christmas Ornament Picks

Handmade ornaments carry memories in a way store-bought ones rarely do. Ten years from now you will remember the afternoon a child painted a lopsided star, and that little star will still hang on your tree. They also make inexpensive gifts, with most costing under $2 each to make.

These six projects range from kid-friendly to a bit more refined. Each lists materials, timing and a finishing tip so the ornaments last for many seasons. Start a couple of weeks before you plan to decorate, since some need drying time.

Salt dough ornaments

Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt and about 3/4 cup snug water until a smooth dough forms. Roll to a quarter inch thick, cut shapes with cookie cutters and poke a hole at the top with a straw. Bake at 250 degrees F for 2 to 3 hours until completely hard, flipping once. Cool, then paint with acrylics and seal with clear varnish.

Tip: Thinner ornaments dry quickly but break easily, and thicker ones may need extra baking time. Salt dough is not edible, so keep it away from pets and toddlers.

Wood slice ornaments

Buy pre-cut wood slices, 2 to 3 inches across, at a craft store for about $8 for a pack of 20. Sand the surfaces lightly, then decorate with paint pens, a wood-burning tool for adults, or a stamp. Drill a little hole near the top, thread twine through and tie. Use a thin coat of clear sealer for protection.

• Paint an effortless tree with three green triangles.
• Write names and the year with a fine-tip pen.
• Glue on a little dried orange slice for a rustic look.

Felt ornaments

Cut two matching shapes, such as stars or mittens, out of felt. Stitch around the edge with a running stitch or blanket stitch, using embroidery floss, leaving a little gap. Stuff with polyester fiberfill, then close the gap and add a loop of ribbon. A sheet of felt costs about $0.50 to $1 and makes several ornaments. Felt does not fray, which makes it good for beginners.

Clear glass bauble fillers

Purchase plain clear ornaments that open at the top, around $12 for a set of 12. Fill them with items like faux snow, little pine sprigs, dried cranberries, glitter or shredded paper. Put in a bit of paper that has a family photograph rolled up inside. Use a funnel to avoid spills. Seal the top and hang with ribbon.

• Use tweezers to arrange little items.
• Do not use real water or perishable foods, which can mold.
• Keep glass ornaments away from little children and pets.

Cinnamon and applesauce ornaments

Combine 3/4 cup applesauce and 1 cup ground cinnamon until a dough forms, adding a bit more cinnamon if sticky. Roll to a quarter inch thickness, cut shapes and poke holes. Air-dry for 2 to 3 days on a wire rack, flipping daily, or bake at 200 degrees F for 2 hours. They smell excellent but are not edible. Keep them away from pets, since large amounts of cinnamon can irritate animals.

Paper star ornaments

Cut strips of cardstock about 1 inch by 12 inches, then fold and weave them into a three-dimensional star using a pinch-and-fold technique. Another effortless option is to cut a star template and layer three sizes together with glue. Gold, white or kraft paper looks elegant. Each star costs pennies and takes about 15 minutes.

How to finish and store ornaments

Use a coat of matte or glossy sealer to protect paint and prevent moisture damage. Label the back with the year, using a permanent marker. Store each ornament wrapped in tissue paper, in a sturdy box with dividers. Keep the box in a cool, dry place rather than the attic or garage, where moisture and heat can damage them.

Hanging and display picks

Use ribbon in two or three colors to unify different styles. Group a few ornaments on a wreath or a branch in a vase for a table centerpiece. Hang lighter ornaments on thinner branches, and heavier ones near the trunk.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Rolling dough unevenly, which leads to warped ornaments.
• Painting before the piece is fully dry.
• Skipping a hole or hanger until after baking, when it is too late.
• Using hot glue on glass, which can crack it.

Pick two or three projects, make a little batch of each and see which ones you enjoy most. These ornaments become part of your holiday tradition, and the memories get better each year.