13 DIY Christmas Ornaments Using Natural Materials
The holiday season feels warmer when your decorations come from nature. Twigs, pinecones, dried citrus, and seed pods carry the quiet beauty of winter woods and bring a grounded, handmade charm to your tree or garland.
You don’t need special skills to make these ornaments. With simple tools and materials gathered from your backyard or local park, each piece becomes a small keepsake full of texture and memory.
1. Pinecone Candles
Soft golden light glows through layered pinecone scales when you place a tea light inside. This ornament casts a warm, flickering glow on mantels or side tables.
Materials Needed
- 4 large dry pinecones
- 4 unscented LED tea lights
- 12 inches of gold wire
- Wire cutters
- Small paintbrush
How to Make It
- Select pinecones with wide, open scales and gently brush off loose debris using the paintbrush.
- Cut four 3-inch pieces of gold wire and wrap one around the base of each pinecone to create a stable base.
- Place one LED tea light directly into the center opening of each pinecone.
- Arrange them on a heat-safe surface and turn on the lights for a rustic candle effect.
2. Cinnamon Stick Stars
Five cinnamon sticks bound into a star release a spicy scent that fills the room. These stars are lightweight and perfect for hanging on branches or wreaths.
Materials Needed
- 5 cinnamon sticks per star
- Red embroidery floss
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Gold jingle bell
How to Make It
- Lay two cinnamon sticks in a cross shape and tie red floss tightly where they intersect, knotting securely at the back.
- Add a third stick extending diagonally from the center to form a five-pointed star outline, securing it with hot glue at the joint.
- Repeat with the remaining two sticks to complete all five points, then reinforce each connection with a dab of hot glue.
- Tie the ends of the floss together to form a loop for hanging and attach a jingle bell where the floss meets the star.
3. Dried Orange Slices
Thin rounds of orange dried in the oven become crisp, fragrant disks that smell like holiday baking. Hang them singly or string them into garlands.
Materials Needed
- 6 oranges
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
How to Make It
- Slice each orange into 1/4-inch thick rounds using the sharp knife, keeping the edges clean and even.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer without touching.
- Bake at 200°F for 3 to 4 hours, flipping each slice halfway until dry and slightly curled.
- Thread thin ribbon through the top edge of each slice to hang as an ornament.
4. Birch Twig Rings
Peeling birch bark curls around small twig circles to create woodland-inspired rings that catch candlelight beautifully.
Materials Needed
- 8 birch twigs, 6 inches long and pencil-thick
- Craft pliers
- Natural jute cord
- Scissors
- Wood glue
How to Make It
- Use pliers to bend each birch twig into a circle, overlapping the ends by 1 inch.
- Apply wood glue to the overlap and hold for 30 seconds until set, letting each ring dry flat for 1 hour.
- Cut 12-inch lengths of jute cord and tie one end to each ring with a double knot.
- Hang the rings side by side on a mantel or use as standalone tree ornaments.
5. Acorn Cap Whistles
Tiny acorn caps become whimsical whistles when you add a willow stem. Kids love these playful ornaments that actually make sound.
Materials Needed
- 12 acorn caps
- Willow stems, 4 inches long
- Pocket knife
- Sandpaper
- Hemp string
How to Make It
- Use a pocket knife to carefully carve a small notch in the side of each willow stem, just below the middle.
- Smooth the carved edge with sandpaper so it fits snugly inside an acorn cap.
- Press the notched end of the stem into the cap until it seals tightly.
- Tie hemp string around the cap’s rim and hang near a window where wind can pass through.
6. Pine Needle Wreaths
Fresh pine needles twisted around a wire frame give off a crisp forest scent and take minutes to assemble. These mini wreaths suit any branch or doorknob.
Materials Needed
- 24 inches of 16-gauge floral wire
- Green pipe cleaners
- Handful of fresh pine sprigs
- Wire cutters
- Ruler
How to Make It
- Cut the floral wire to 6 inches and bend it into a circle, twisting the ends together to close.
- Strip needles from pine sprigs in 1-inch sections and twist them around the wire frame in overlapping layers.
- Use green pipe cleaners to bind thicker clusters if needed, tucking loose ends under.
- Trim any stray pieces and tie a pipe cleaner loop to the top for hanging.
7. Walnut Shell Santas
Hollow walnut shells become tiny Santa faces with cotton beards and red felt hats. These little figures add humor and warmth to low branches.
Materials Needed
- 8 walnut halves, cleaned
- White craft cotton
- Red felt sheet
- Black button, 1/4 inch
- Glue gun
- Scissors
How to Make It
- Pull small tufts of white craft cotton and press them into the rounded end of each walnut half to form a beard.
- Cut tiny triangular hats from the red felt and glue them to the pointed end of the shell.
- Glue one black button near the top of the shell for eyes.
- Let dry completely before placing on shelves or hanging with thin thread.
8. Maple Seed Helicopters
Paired maple seeds dangle like spinning toys from twine loops. Their natural aerodynamic shape makes them dance in the slightest breeze.
Materials Needed
- 16 maple seeds (samaras)
- Brown twine
- Scissors
- Clear nail polish
How to Make It
- Choose maple seeds with intact wings and strong stems, pairing them by size.
- Brush clear nail polish along the stem to strengthen it and let dry for 10 minutes.
- Cut 8 lengths of twine, each 5 inches long, and tie one end around the stem of each pair.
- Hang near a drafty window or ceiling hook and watch them spin slowly as air moves.
9. Salt Dough Birds
Rolling salt dough into bird shapes gives you soft, sculptural ornaments that hold fine details from real feathers pressed into the surface.
Materials Needed
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water
- Mixing bowl
- Feathers
- Toothpicks
How to Make It
- Mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl until a smooth dough forms, kneading for 2 minutes.
- Shape small lumps into birds, using toothpicks to define wings and tails.
- Press real feathers gently into the back of each bird before drying.
- Air dry overnight on a rack, then store or hang with linen thread.
10. Apple Core Stars
Sliced apple cores reveal a hidden star shape at their center. Dried and sealed, they become delicate keepsakes full of quiet surprise.
Materials Needed
- 4 apples
- Corer or paring knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mod Podge
How to Make It
- Cut apples in half horizontally and remove seeds to expose the star-shaped core.
- Slice each half into 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping the star visible in each.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 3 hours, flipping once.
- Brush both sides with Mod Podge and let dry before threading with silk ribbon.
11. Moss and Twig Crosses
Simple crosses made from crossed twigs are filled in with soft green moss for a quiet, earthy symbol. These feel at home in country cottages or city apartments alike.
Materials Needed
- 8 straight twigs, 5 inches long
- Preserved sheet moss
- Glue gun
- Scissors
- Twine
How to Make It
- Lay one twig vertically and another horizontally across it one-third down, forming a cross.
- Secure the intersection with hot glue on both sides, holding for 20 seconds.
- Press preserved moss into the glue around the joint to cover the base.
- Tie twine to the top arm and hang from a bedroom knob or tree limb.
12. Rose Hip Garlands
Bright red rose hips strung on linen thread make a cheerful banner that lasts through the season. Their tart color pops against evergreen boughs.
Materials Needed
- 30 rose hips
- Linen thread
- Needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
How to Make It
- Thread the needle with 3 feet of linen thread and knot the end.
- Pierce each rose hip through the center, sliding it down the thread.
- Space them evenly, adding one every 2 inches until the strand is full.
- Tie the ends together to form a loop or leave free for draping over branches.
13. Driftwood Baubles
Small pieces of driftwood sanded smooth become modern, minimalist baubles that reflect candlelight with quiet grace.
Materials Needed
- 6 small driftwood pieces, palm-sized
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Linseed oil
- Paintbrush
- Leather cord
How to Make It
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on each driftwood piece.
- Wipe away dust with a dry cloth and apply linseed oil with a paintbrush.
- Let the oil soak in for 2 hours, then buff lightly with a soft rag.
- Drill a small hole near the top and thread leather cord through for hanging.
These ornaments connect you to the quiet rhythm of the season. Each one carries the mark of your hands and the whisper of the outdoors.
