DIY Vintage Beaded Christmas Ornaments

DIY Christmas ornaments are a creative and inexpensive way to adorn your tree or to give as gifts. Instead of doing some of the more popular hand-made beaded ornaments, why not bring back a vintage ornament to your craft table this year. The steps are easy and anyone can DIY this simple yet elegant Vintage Christmas Ornament.

Supplies Needed

2" or larger Satin Ball Ornaments (if you cannot find them in your local craft store, you can buy them online here)

Decorative straight pins (pearl tipped are my favorite)

Regular straight pin

Coordinating ¼" - ½" wide satin ribbon (4" per ornament)

Coordinating beads (pearl, glass, etc) (examples here) (several kinds or all of one kind)

Coordinating braided trim (examples here) 12" per ornament

Sequins (if desired)

Directions

Cut your braided trim in half. Pin one end of braided trim as close to the top of the satin ball as possible. If your braid is wide, you may need a pin on each edge.

Pulling the braided trim taut against the ball, pin middle of trim to the bottom of the ball with a regular straight pin. Continue the trim around the ball until it reaches the top. Fold edge of trim under and pin to the top of ornament. (Trim if too long to fold under) Repeat on the opposite side of the ball. You can do this step where your ball is segmented in fourths or you can add another section of trim and segment ball into sixths.

Using one pearl tipped pin, thread on 3-4 beads (depending on thickness) until pin is half covered. If using multiple sizes of beads, go from small to large, the smallest being the pin head going up in size for each bead or pearl. Stick the beaded pin into the exact bottom (where trim crosses) of the satin ball. Repeat for the middle of each trim and the very top of the ornament. If the top does not have a hole for a hook, fold your satin ribbon in half and pin both ends under your top pin.

Next, thread 1-2 beads (in the same ascending fashion) and stick in between the top and middle of each section of trim and between the middle and bottom.

You can add pins threaded with sequins on the segmented pieces of the satin ball if you desire. (Example of finished product here) You can also buy kits with everything included for your DIY project.

Money Saving Tip: Raid your jewelry box for broken necklaces and reuse the beads.

Most importantly, let your imagination be your guide. Have fun and enjoy your vintage DIY beaded ornaments.