Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
cardstock crafts

34 DIY Paper Ornaments for the Perfect Tree

Find 34 DIY paper ornament ideas grouped by technique, with guidance on paper, supplies, hanging loops, and projects for different skill levels.

By ThatPainter Team 7 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Make paper Christmas ornaments with everyday supplies and a method that suits your time and skill level. Start with flat printed cutouts for a quick family project, fold or interlock paper for dimensional baubles, or build layered designs for extra texture. A practical starter kit is cardstock or paper, scissors, glue, a hole punch, and ribbon or twine; markers, paint, stickers, and other embellishments are optional.

Choose a paper ornament method

These 34 ideas are grouped by how they are made. Precision ranges from low for decorated cutouts to higher for scored and assembled forms. Paper demand is usually lowest for a single-sheet cutout and increases for designs made from repeated strips, folded faces, or layered shapes. A flat shape is easy to store; a joined or reinforced form has more dimension. Hanging options include a punched hole, a loop glued or taped to the back, ribbon, or a branch hook.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Method Good starting point Precision and paper use Hanging
Cut, print, and decorate Printable character, star, or recycled card Low precision; often one cardstock piece Punched hole, attached loop, or branch hook
Fold, score, or interlock Accordion tree, strip bauble, or folded star Moderate to high precision; one sheet or several units, depending on design Threaded ribbon or loop
Layer and assemble Honeycomb, layered snowflake, or wreath Moderate precision; multiple sections or layers Attached loop or ribbon

Cut, print, and decorate: 14 easy ornaments

These are the simplest choices for young makers and mixed-age family craft sessions. Use a printable template or draw a shape yourself, decorate it before cutting when practical, then add a hanging hole or loop. For printable patterns, FirstPalette’s Christmas ornament templates are a useful starting point.

  1. 3D paired-shape ornament: Draw two matching shapes, decorate both sides, and cut them out. Make a slit from the top toward the center of one shape and from the bottom toward the center of the other; slide the slits together, punch a hole, and thread ribbon. Crayola’s project directions describe this simple interlocking construction.
  2. Printable angel: Print an angel on cardstock, color or paint it, then add optional glitter or a small cotton detail before cutting and hanging.
  3. Printable bell: Decorate a bell template with gold or metallic paint and a small bow, then attach a ribbon loop.
  4. Paper candy cane: Draw or print the shape, color it, and cut it out. Hook it over a sturdy branch or add string through a hole near the top.
  5. Paper Christmas ball: Decorate a round cutout with paint, glitter glue, stickers, or sequins. Punch near the top for string.
  6. Paper tree ornament: Cut a tree from green cardstock and add stickers, sequins, buttons, bows, or narrow ribbon.
  7. Gingerbread person: Print or draw the shape on brown cardstock; add a face, buttons, and a bow with paint or paper details.
  8. Reindeer: Give a cutout a pom-pom nose and a ribbon neck detail. Keep small accents securely attached if children will handle it.
  9. Santa: Color and cut a printable Santa, then add a cotton beard or a small ribbon accent.
  10. Snowman: Color and cut a snowman shape, then decorate it with buttons, glitter, or beads.
  11. Poinsettia: Cut the flower from red cardstock, add a contrasting center, and tape or glue a string to the back.
  12. Stocking: Cut a stocking template and decorate it with paint, glitter glue, or stickers. Attach a hanging loop.
  13. Decorated paper star: Cut or print a star and add sequins, rhinestones, glitter, or smaller paper stars. Make several for a cluster or use one as a tree-top accent.
  14. Recycled Christmas-card ornament: Trace a circle or teardrop onto an old card, cut it out, and add string. The existing artwork supplies the decoration.

Folded, scored, and interlocked designs: 13 dimensional ideas

Folds and joins create ornaments that catch light differently from flat cutouts. Light cardstock or sturdy paper is useful for forms that need to hold a curve; a ruler and blunt scoring tool help make neat folds in scored designs. Test a small fold before committing to a full template.

#1 Best Overall
Civaner 24 Sets Christmas Foam Craft Kit, Hanging Tree Ornaments, 6 Styles
  • Package Included: you will get 24 sets of Christmas paper ornaments in 6 different patterns, including Santa Claus, Christmas tree, Gingerbread house, Christmas gift box, Christmas gloves and Reindeer, which come with ropes for easy hanging and decorations, enough quantity to meet needs on a Christmas activity for kids
  • DIY Christmas Art and Craft: children can decorate their own Christmas ornaments; DIY Christmas art craft could show your kids creativity and cultivate their handling ability, which will make Christmas decorations interesting and distinctive
  • Suitable Size: these Christmas crafts are about 4.13 inches in width, with a length of 4.13 to 5.12 inches, proper for kids to hold and play, allowing children to freely stick Christmas ornaments anywhere
  • Easy to Use: simply sticking the ornaments on the basic card, and creating their own Christmas crafts, appropriate for hanging ornaments on Christmas trees or making bookmarks; The Christmas craft supplies can also be applied as a game event for the party to involve everyone in creating by hand
  • Wide Applications: Christmas paper crafts are suitable for handicraft activities, gift tags, home and party decorations, Christmas holiday decorations, which are also wonderful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees, windows and fireplace and a nice Christmas gift for family or friend
  1. Strip bauble: Arrange printed paper strips in alternating crosswise layers, glue the ends or tabs, and bend the strips into a sphere. Add a loop and thread ribbon through it.
  2. Folded paper bauble: Score the template with a ruler and blunt tool, fold along the lines, and glue the matching faces. Finish with a looped hanger.
  3. Teardrop folded bauble: Use the same score-fold-glue process with teardrop-shaped faces, then add a hanging loop.
  4. Classic star bauble: Draw or print a star pattern, fold and glue its faces into a dimensional ornament, and attach string.
  5. Classic circle bauble: Cut matching circle faces, fold and glue them together, and finish with string.
  6. Retro cut-paper ornament: Cut a geometric pattern from heavier paper so the folded sections keep their form.
  7. Accordion-fold paper tree: Fold light cardstock or wrapping-paper scraps back and forth into an accordion, shape it as a tree, and attach a loop.
  8. Accordion paper fan: Accordion-fold a sheet, join its ends into a fan, and add a center detail or hanging loop.
  9. Paper fan angel: Use fan-folded kraft-cardstock sections for wings or body pieces, then assemble them into an angel.
  10. Folded paper star: Fold and cut paper into a star. Make several in different sizes for a hanging cluster.
  11. Paper snowflake: Fold and cut white paper into a snowflake and hang it directly, or use it to decorate a gift. The Crayola snowflake lesson includes a classroom-oriented version.
  12. Layered snowflake: Glue two or more cut snowflake shapes together, optionally spacing them with foam for depth. White and colored paper both work.
  13. Paper straw star: Assemble paper straws into a star and add string. Paper straws can also be arranged as a snowflake shape.

Textured, modular, and display pieces: 7 more ideas

Repeated units and layered sections give these ornaments extra texture. They can take more assembly time than a single cutout, so prepare the pieces first and glue them together in batches.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Honeycomb ornament: Layer and glue repeated paper sections, then open the stack into a honeycomb form. Light cardstock is a practical choice for a shape that needs to open and hold.
  2. Printable evergreen tree: Print, cut, and glue a small evergreen form. It can also serve as a place card before becoming a tree decoration.
  3. Paper cone tree: Roll or fold paper into a cone, decorate it with dots or stars, and attach a loop to hang it as a miniature tree.
  4. Paper bauble remix: Cut strips from paper scraps or use a printable pattern, assemble them into a sphere, and choose a contrasting color scheme.
  5. Paper wreath: Cut or layer paper leaves, loops, or a ring, join the pieces, and add ribbon. Cardstock helps the wreath keep its shape.
  6. Paper garland-segment ornament: Link folded or cut paper units into a short strand, then hang one segment or a small length on a branch.
  7. Metallic painted ornament: Print or draw a round, teardrop, star, or bell on cardstock. Paint it metallic, add optional glitter or sequins, and hang it.

Pick paper and supplies that suit the design

For printable projects, A4 or US Letter cardstock is a common baseline: FirstPalette’s ornament project lists either size along with scissors, glue, string, a hole punch, and embellishments. Ordinary paper is easier to fold and cut for snowflakes and some accordion designs; cardstock is sturdier for cutout ornaments and shapes that need to hold up on a branch. Paper weight and exact template requirements vary by project.

Rank #2
Sale
Christmas Ornaments Craft Kit, 48 Pcs Blank Wood Slices for Painting with Paint Pens and Brushes, DIY Wooden Christmas Ornament Set for Tree Decorations, Family Holiday Activities and Gifts
  • Christmas Wood Slice Ornaments Kit: This complete set includes 48 unfinished wood ornaments featuring 8 festive designs (Snowflake, Reindeer, Christmas Tree, Bell, Snowman, Stocking, Star, Round Ornament). Everything needed for wood slice painting is inside: 12 color paints, 5 color pens, brushes, a palette, gem sticker and 6 sparkling glitter. No extra supplies needed!
  • Natural Wood Slices: The blank wooden ornaments for crafts are made of premium quality natural wood. Each wood piece is carefully polished and laser-cut, making the surface smooth and durable for easy writing or painting. Start your Christmas DIY project with these ready-to-paint wood slice ornaments!
  • DIY Personalized Christmas Ornaments: Transform plain wood slices into cherished personalized Christmas ornaments. This hands-on activity is perfect for making family Christmas crafts. Paint names, dates, gift tags, greeting cards, wish cards, or unique designs to create lasting holiday keepsakes and heartfelt handmade gifts for grandparents, teachers, and friends.
  • Paint Your Own Christmas Ornaments: These wooden Christmas ornaments to paint are ideal for Christmas decorations, party supplies, and DIY projects, allowing you to create unique Christmas crafts. Each wood piece has a pre-drilled hole, making it easy to thread with rope for hanging on Christmas trees, stockings, windows, fireplaces.
  • Perfect Christmas Gift: Our Christmas wood slice craft kit arrives in a beautiful gift box, ready to bring joy. It's the ultimate Christmas activity for family members of all ages, inviting adults to create, paint, and glitter together. This DIY Christmas ornament set offers exceptional value for creating together, making it a surefire hit under the tree for any young artist or crafting enthusiast!

The Paper Mill Store discusses 65 lb, 80 lb, and 90 lb cardstock/text paper examples and recommends light cardstock for accordion and honeycomb forms, with heavier paper for some folded designs: its paper ornament guide provides the technique-specific advice. These weights are examples, not a universal requirement; use what your printer and design can handle.

  • Cutting: Scissors handle templates and strips. For young children, an adult can cut intricate shapes or handle difficult small details.
  • Joining: Glue stick or craft glue works for faces, tabs, layers, and embellishments. Use enough to hold the joint without saturating lightweight paper.
  • Scoring: A ruler and blunt scoring tool help make straight folds for baubles. Use a blunt tool, not a sharp blade, for scoring.
  • Decorating: Crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, glitter glue, sequins, rhinestones, buttons, stickers, bows, and fabric shapes can all personalize a cutout.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Make a hanging loop that is less likely to tear

A punched hole placed too close to the edge can weaken paper, especially on a heavy or dimensional ornament. Leave a little material around the hole. If the template has no obvious hanging point, attach a ribbon or twine loop to the back with tape or glue, or reinforce the spot with an extra paper layer. For a very light cutout, a small hole and string may be enough; for a heavier assembled ornament, use a broader glued or taped attachment. Let adhesive dry before hanging, and place the ornament on a branch that can support it.

Rank #3
Sale
60pcs Christmas Crafts for Kids - DIY Xmas Tree Ornaments with Sticker Kits
  • Christmas Crafts Kit:Includes materials to create 60 crafts kits, including 6 diffent christmas tree, 6 unique sticker designs, 32.8ft of red ribbon, 32.8ft of green ribbon; an instruction sheet and assembly required
  • Size:The Christmas trees measure about 7.9in in length and 2.44in in width. The sticker sheets are 4.72in* 5.31in, and the packaging measures 11.8in*11.4in*0.59in, This craft kit is suitable for children and can be given as a gift to put in Christmas stockings
  • Materials:The Christmas trees are made of printed paper with vibrant designs. The stickers come with adhesive backing, eliminating the need for additional glue. And the ribbons are made of polyester material, making it suitable for kids and adult
  • Versatile Use:Each sticker features holiday designs, intended for children to participate in decorating activities during Christmas, supporting family interaction and contributing to a Christmas atmosphere in the environment. This set is also useful for family games, party favors, classroom activities, senior centers and community events
  • Easy to Use:Choose a Christmas tree and decorate it with stickers, both sides of the tree can be customized. The stickers have perforated lines designed for easier removal by small hands; If placed incorrectly, they can be gently peeled off and repositioned as needed

Choose a project for children’s ages and patience

The paired-shape ornament is identified by Crayola as suitable for ages four and up, and its construction avoids intricate folding: Crayola’s activity page gives the steps. For younger children, pre-cutting shapes and preparing ribbon loops can keep the project manageable; The Craft Train notes that an adult may need to help with small hanging loops in its printable paper bauble tutorial. Older children and adults ready for more precision can try scored baubles, honeycomb forms, or multi-piece stars.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Yinder 48 Pcs Christmas Craft Kit for Kid, DIY Ornament, Gingerbread Man
  • Enough to Use: you will receive 48 pieces of gingerbread man paperboard in 8 styles, 48 pieces of self adhesive sticker sheets and 48 pieces of ropes, abundant in quantity and rich in style, enough to choose and replace, which can meet your daily DIY needs
  • Proper Dimension for Using: the craft kit is about 10 cm/ 3.9 inches in width, 13 cm/ 5.12 inches in length, suitable for playing with; You can also use the rope we provide to hang it in most of the places you want to decorate
  • Gingerbread Man Theme Design: the gingerbread man Christmas tree ornaments adopt gingerbread man theme design, designed in many different gingerbread man shapes, cute and vivid, lovely and stylish, creating a strong Christmas atmosphere
  • Easy to Use: you can make your own crafts by attaching stickers to the DIY make your own ornament, and then you can hang the finished product on your Christmas tree, window and fireplace, or use it as a bookmark, nice for Christmas activities
  • Nice for Your DIY: the Christmas gingerbread man kit can allow you to enjoy the fun of DIY, also can improve their creative and aesthetic ability; You can also have a pleasant time with your friend in the process of DIY
  • Quick and forgiving: Decorated cutouts, recycled-card shapes, and paper candy canes.
  • Hands-on folding: Accordion trees, fans, folded stars, and snowflakes.
  • More careful assembly: Scored baubles, honeycomb ornaments, and layered modular designs.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.