Homemade Christmas Ornaments

This holiday season, surprise the people on your list with a homemade Christmas ornament, or decorate your own tree with love! Homemade ornaments for the holidays will be remembered and cherished for years to come., each one bringing back the memory of the Christmas it was given.These ornaments are easy, fast, and elegant!

Quilted ornaments. These easy, beautiful ornaments are the perfect holiday gift. They're also great for those on a budget, and simple enough for the kids to make! You'll need: A styrofoam ball (any size), leftover fabric, ribbon, and a round toothpick or seam ripper. Directions: Cut scraps of any leftover fabric into shapes. You can make stars, Christmas trees, or just random shapes. Place a fabric shape anywhere on the ball, and press the edges (about a millimeter or two from edge of fabric) into the ball using the toothpick or seam ripper. Place another fabric shape slightly overlapping the edge of the first on any side, and use the toothpick again to secure onto the ball. Repeat until the ball is full. Make a loop from ribbon, tying one end into a knot. Press knotted end into ball at a fabric seam, and your ornament is ready! To add some glamor to this easy holiday ornament, use metallic fabrics or sprinkle with sequins secured with decorative-headed straight pins.

Glass ornaments with ribbon and gems. These homemade ornaments are sophisticated enough for any tree! You'll need a glass ball (clear or metallic, whichever you prefer), thin ribbon, mini glue dots, and self-adhesive gems. Remove the metal top form the ornament. Starting at the top, run a ribbon around the ornament, securing with glue dots and ending it at the top side opposite the starting point. You can add another halfway between the two, so the ribbon divides the ornament in quarters. Using self-adhesive gems, stud the glass between the ribbons. Make shapes, lines, or just use single gems for sparkle. Replace the metal top, and your ornament is finished. To add more glitz, fill the balls with sparklingg "snow," matching glitter, confetti, or colored paper grass.

Mini wreath ornaments. These adorable homemade ornaments allow for endless variations! You'll need wired, unlighted fake pine garland, wire cutters, red ribbon, floral tape or wire, and any tiny decorations you like. Cut off 6-8 inches of garland branch, and form into a circle. Secure end with floral wire or ribbon, and hide with red ribbon tied into a bow. Using floral wire or tape to hold on decorations, decorate the wreath. You can use pieces of popcorn, rosehip sprigs, mini glass balls, felt shapes cut into tiny ornament shapes, or any other small decoration that comes to mind!

Picture ball ornaments. This holiday ornament is perfect for the family. You'll need a clear glass ball, a photo about the same height as the ball, and sparkling snow. Remove metal cap from the glass ball. Using scissors, round the edges of the photo a bit, then gently roll the photo into a tube that will fit inside the opening of the glass ball. Do not roll too tightly, and do not crease. Insert the photo into the ball, then gently shake the ball until the photo opens. Add about a half inch of sparkling snow into the ball and replace cap. Your ornament is ready for grandparents, newlyweds, mom and dad, or your own tree!

Popcorn and berry garland. And old favorite with a twist, this homemade garland give long-lasting holiday fun when you feed it to the birds after the holidays! You'll need air-popped popcorn (plain), dried cherries or cranberries, a needle, and some string. Carefully thread the popcorn on the string, interspersing with dried cranberries for color. Tie off both ends, and wrap around your tree. When it's time to take the tree down, tie the garland outside and watch the birds enjoy this holiday treat!

Decorate your tree, or help those you love decorate theirs, with the beautiful gift of homemade ornaments. For a truly special gift, make a gift basket of one or two each of these ornaments!