DIY Christmas Gifts: Make Square Glass Santa Ornaments for $3

If you are like me and you love to give Christmas ornaments each year to friends and family, then you know how expensive this tradition can be! This easy and inexpensive ornament project is a festive gift for everyone on your list including grandparents and teachers. You can also use these cute square Santa ornaments to dress up holiday packages or to accompany gift cards.

The total cost per ornament comes to about $3. You will need to spend more than $3 to purchase everything since the supplies come in quantities of 6 or more. I've added my actual cost in parenthesis on each item in the supply list below.

Supply List for Square Glass Santa Ornaments

Package of 6 small square blank glass ornaments ($6)

Container of small, red Styrofoam "berries" ($4.95)

Spool of black velvet ribbon ($2)

Black craft paint ($2)

Gold craft paint ($2)

Small craft paintbrush (had at home)

Options: You could use quick drying paint pens instead of craft paint. These cost a little more money, but dry much faster. If you cannot find the red Styrofoam berries, you could use small red pom poms, red beads, or other berry-looking filler material. I found the red Styrofoam berries at my local craft store. You can purchase them online here.

How to Make Square Glass Santa Ornaments

1. Remove the top of the square glass ornament gently. Help small children with this task!

2. Cut a length of the black velvet ribbon and tie it to the ornament top. This ribbon becomes the ornament hanger.

3. Fill the square glass ornament with the fake red berries. You might find it easier to pour a small amount of the berries into a plastic bowl and then add the berries to the ornament. This is a really fun step for children. The red berries become Santa's suit.

4. Replace the top onto the square glass ornament.

5. Use the black craft paint or paint pen to draw Santa's belt around the entire ornament. Make the belt about ¼ inch wide, and paint it solid.

6. Allow to dry.

7. Use the gold craft paint or paint pen to draw Santa's belt buckle. Draw a small square belt buckle over the black belt. Paint a small gold line from one side of the gold square pointing into the center of the belt buckle.

8. Use the paint to add your name and date to the bottom of the ornament.

9. Allow to dry completely before wrapping or presenting your gift.

Square Glass Santa Ornament Embellishment Ideas

1. Use the gold paint to add star accents to the ornament.

2. Fill additional square glass ornaments with green beads to make Santa's elves.

3. Use a round glass ornament if you cannot find square ones for a jolly Santa.