Paper Christmas ornaments are nostalgic, creative, and sustainable—and you don’t need expensive materials or advanced skills to make them. With just paper, scissors, and a bit of imagination, you can create stunning handmade decorations that are uniquely yours.
Join me as we explore the wonderful world of paper Christmas ornaments, from traditional designs to modern creations.
1. Basic Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White copy paper or origami paper (buy extra – trust me on this) •
- Scissors (invest in good kid scissors, your sanity will thank you)
- Pencil
- String or thin ribbon
- Hole punch
- Glue stick (optional, but great for fixing “oops” moments)
Instructions:
- Cut paper into a perfect square (8.5″ x 8.5″ works well, or just use whatever your kid cuts – perfection is overrated)
- Fold the square diagonally in half to create a triangle
- Fold the triangle in half again to make a smaller triangle
- Fold once more, bringing one point to meet the other (this is where little hands need help)
- Draw your cutting pattern with pencil – curves, triangles, or whatever shapes make your heart happy
- Cut along your drawn lines, being careful not to cut all the way through the folded edges
- Gently unfold your snowflake (this is the best part – like opening a tiny present!)
- Use hole punch to make a small hole at the top
- Thread string through the hole and tie into a loop for hanging
These classic homemade Christmas ornaments are my go-to when I need something that actually works. No special gear, no complicated procedures, and they’re pretty much unbreakable.
2. Doily Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White paper
- Small paper doily (Dollar Store finds work perfectly)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create a basic snowflake that’s slightly larger than your doily
- Center the doily on your snowflake (kids love this part – it’s like putting clothes on paper)
- Apply glue to the back of the doily
- Press firmly onto the snowflake center
- Trim any excess doily that extends beyond the snowflake
- Let dry completely
- Punch hole and add hanging string
The doily adds such a charming, old-fashioned touch that reminds me of my grandmother’s house at Christmas. Such home-made paper Christmas ornaments have such an eternal appeal that your tree is going to look like it has some depth to it, even if you’re in a rental apartment with IKEA furniture.
3. Glittery Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White or colored paper
- Fine glitter in silver, gold, or blue (prepare for glitter in your coffee for the next six months)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Newspaper or craft mat (or that Amazon box you’ve been meaning to break down)
Instructions:
- Create your basic snowflake following steps 1-7 above
- Lay the snowflake flat on newspaper (this is where I learned that “washable” doesn’t always mean what you think it means)
- Apply glue stick to one side of the snowflake in sections
- Sprinkle glitter over the glued areas while glue is wet
- Gently shake off excess glitter (spoiler alert: there is no such thing as “excess” glitter when kids are involved)
- Let dry for 10 minutes, then repeat on the other side
- Punch hole and add hanging string
Fair warning: these Christmas tree ornaments will leave a trail of sparkles throughout your house until approximately Easter. But when the tree lights hit them? Pure magic. Your kids will feel like they’ve created actual fairy dust, and honestly, maybe they have.
4. Tissue Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Colored tissue paper
- Scissors
- Spray adhesive or glue stick
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Iron (optional)
Instructions:
- Stack 3-4 sheets of tissue paper
- Follow basic folding technique, being extra gentle
- Cut your pattern through all layers
- Unfold very carefully (this requires the patience of a saint)
- If wrinkled, iron on lowest setting with parchment paper over tissue
- Lightly spray with adhesive to hold layers together
- Punch hole and add hanging string
The translucent quality is absolutely gorgeous when backlit by tree lights. These paper Christmas ornaments create the most beautiful shadows and really make your tree glow from within.
5. Layered Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 2-3 sheets of paper in different colors
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create 2-3 snowflakes in different sizes using the basic method
- Make the largest snowflake with your darkest color
- Make medium snowflake with a lighter color
- Make smallest snowflake with white or lightest color
- Layer them with largest on bottom, gluing centers together
- Press gently and let dry (resist the urge to peek every 30 seconds)
- Punch hole through all layers at the top
- Add hanging string
These paper Christmas ornaments look so impressive that people will assume you spent way more time on them than you actually did. I love projects that make me look crafty without requiring actual advanced crafting skills.
6. Coffee Filter Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Round coffee filters (finally, a use for those beyond making terrible coffee)
- Scissors
- Food coloring or watercolors
- Water
- Dropper or small brush
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Fold coffee filter in half, then in half again
- Fold once more to create a narrow triangle
- Cut various shapes along the edges, avoiding cutting through the point
- Unfold carefully to reveal your snowflake
- Using dropper, add small amounts of colored water to different sections
- Let colors bleed and blend naturally (this is where kids go absolutely wild with excitement)
- Allow to dry completely (about 30 minutes, perfect for a snack break)
- Punch hole and add hanging string
I discovered this technique when we were snowed in last December and I was desperately trying to find activities that didn’t involve screens. These handmade Christmas ornaments ended up being such a hit that my kids still ask to make “coffee paper rainbows” months later.
7. Newspaper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Old newspapers or sheet music (or those school newsletters you keep meaning to read)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Mod Podge (optional)
- Foam brush (optional)
Instructions:
- Choose interesting text or music sections from your paper
- Follow basic snowflake folding and cutting technique
- For durability, brush with thin coat of Mod Podge after unfolding
- Let dry completely if using Mod Podge
- Punch hole and add hanging string
These look so fabulous vintage-y, and having made them out of vintage sheet music gives them such a special feel. And what a fabulous way to recycle all that paper that would otherwise get recycled. These are perfect DIY paper Christmas ornaments when you want something that looks like it’s intentionally rustic and artful.
8. 3D Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 6 squares of paper (all same size)
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Glue stick
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
Instructions:
- Fold each square diagonally and cut parallel lines from fold toward opposite edge, stopping about 1/2″ from edge
- Unfold and curl the innermost strip, gluing ends together to form a loop
- Flip over and curl the next strip in opposite direction, gluing ends
- Continue alternating directions until all strips are curled and glued
- Repeat with all 6 squares (this is where you’ll question why you started this project)
- Staple 3 pieces together at the bottom, then repeat with remaining 3
- Staple the two halves together to form your 3D snowflake
- Attach string to one of the points
Not gonna lie, this one requires some patience and maybe a cup of coffee (or wine, depending on the time of day). But when you’re done, these Christmas tree ornaments look so professional that you’ll want to take approximately 47 photos for Instagram.
9. Woven Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 2 colors of paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Ruler
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Cut 12 strips of paper (6 of each color), each 1/2″ wide by 6″ long
- Create a basic 6-pointed star by gluing strips in crossing pattern
- Weave remaining strips through the star pattern, alternating colors
- Trim excess length from strips
- Glue all intersection points securely
- Let dry completely
- Punch hole and add hanging string
This one looks way more complicated than it actually is, which makes it perfect for impressing relatives. The weaving occupies little hands, and the end result has such beautiful texture. Such Christmas DIY projects are ideal for older children who look for something more complex.
10. Accordion Fold Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Rectangular paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Glue stick
- String or ribbon
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Fold paper accordion-style with 1/2″ folds (kids love this part – it’s like making a fan)
- Fold the accordion in half to find center
- Staple at the center fold
- Cut decorative shapes along both edges of the accordion
- Unfold and bring the two ends together
- Glue or staple the ends to form a circular snowflake
- Attach string to one of the folds
These complete, rounded homemade ornaments remind one of those paper items that were utilized as party decorations at birthday celebrations, but only the good kind. They occupy tree real estate nicely when you find you really don’t have as many ornaments as you thought you did.
11. Kirigami Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Thin white or colored paper
- Craft knife (adults only – hide this from curious little hands)
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Pencil
- tring or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create basic folded triangle as in first ornament
- Draw intricate pattern with very fine lines and small shapes
- Use craft knife to cut detailed interior shapes (definitely save this step for after bedtime)
- Use scissors for larger cuts along edges
- Unfold very carefully to avoid tearing
- Punch hole and add hanging string
This is your “wow, mom is actually artistic” project. The precision cutting creates incredibly detailed patterns that make these diy christmas ornaments look almost store-bought, but better because they’re completely unique.
12. Metallic Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Metallic wrapping paper or foil paper (save scraps from gift wrapping!)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Ruler
Instructions:
- Cut metallic paper into perfect square
- Follow basic folding technique, creasing firmly
- Draw pattern with pencil (fair warning: it’s nearly impossible to see on shiny paper)
- Cut carefully as metallic paper tears easier than regular paper
- Unfold slowly and smooth out creases
- Punch hole and add hanging string
These glittery Christmas tree decorations catch each and every light on your tree and reflect them throughout the room. It’s like having miniature disco balls, but with a higher level of sophistication and decreased risk of giving you flashbacks to your college years.
…
Want more Christmas ornament inspo? Check out my posts on Salt Dough DIY Christmas Ornaments and Clay Christmas Ornaments.
These handmade Christmas ornaments turn out completely different every time – my youngest cuts holes that look like dinosaurs. Plus, when they hit the floor during the inevitable decorating chaos, these homemade Christmas ornaments flutter down like actual snow instead of shattering.
1. Basic Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White copy paper or origami paper (buy extra – trust me on this) •
- Scissors (invest in good kid scissors, your sanity will thank you)
- Pencil
- String or thin ribbon
- Hole punch
- Glue stick (optional, but great for fixing “oops” moments)
Instructions:
- Cut paper into a perfect square (8.5″ x 8.5″ works well, or just use whatever your kid cuts – perfection is overrated)
- Fold the square diagonally in half to create a triangle
- Fold the triangle in half again to make a smaller triangle
- Fold once more, bringing one point to meet the other (this is where little hands need help)
- Draw your cutting pattern with pencil – curves, triangles, or whatever shapes make your heart happy
- Cut along your drawn lines, being careful not to cut all the way through the folded edges
- Gently unfold your snowflake (this is the best part – like opening a tiny present!)
- Use hole punch to make a small hole at the top
- Thread string through the hole and tie into a loop for hanging
These classic homemade Christmas ornaments are my go-to when I need something that actually works. No special gear, no complicated procedures, and they’re pretty much unbreakable.
2. Glittery Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White or colored paper
- Fine glitter in silver, gold, or blue (prepare for glitter in your coffee for the next six months)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Newspaper or craft mat (or that Amazon box you’ve been meaning to break down)
Instructions:
- Create your basic snowflake following steps 1-7 above
- Lay the snowflake flat on newspaper (this is where I learned that “washable” doesn’t always mean what you think it means)
- Apply glue stick to one side of the snowflake in sections
- Sprinkle glitter over the glued areas while glue is wet
- Gently shake off excess glitter (spoiler alert: there is no such thing as “excess” glitter when kids are involved)
- Let dry for 10 minutes, then repeat on the other side
- Punch hole and add hanging string
Fair warning: these Christmas tree ornaments will leave a trail of sparkles throughout your house until approximately Easter. But when the tree lights hit them? Pure magic. Your kids will feel like they’ve created actual fairy dust, and honestly, maybe they have.
3. Layered Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 2-3 sheets of paper in different colors
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create 2-3 snowflakes in different sizes using the basic method
- Make the largest snowflake with your darkest color
- Make medium snowflake with a lighter color
- Make smallest snowflake with white or lightest color
- Layer them with largest on bottom, gluing centers together
- Press gently and let dry (resist the urge to peek every 30 seconds)
- Punch hole through all layers at the top
- Add hanging string
These paper Christmas ornaments look so impressive that people will assume you spent way more time on them than you actually did. I love projects that make me look crafty without requiring actual advanced crafting skills.
4. Doily Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- White paper
- Small paper doily (Dollar Store finds work perfectly)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create a basic snowflake that’s slightly larger than your doily
- Center the doily on your snowflake (kids love this part – it’s like putting clothes on paper)
- Apply glue to the back of the doily
- Press firmly onto the snowflake center
- Trim any excess doily that extends beyond the snowflake
- Let dry completely
- Punch hole and add hanging string
The doily adds such a charming, old-fashioned touch that reminds me of my grandmother’s house at Christmas. Such home-made paper Christmas ornaments have such an eternal appeal that your tree is going to look like it has some depth to it, even if you’re in a rental apartment with IKEA furniture.
5. Coffee Filter Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Round coffee filters (finally, a use for those beyond making terrible coffee)
- Scissors
- Food coloring or watercolors
- Water
- Dropper or small brush
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Fold coffee filter in half, then in half again
- Fold once more to create a narrow triangle
- Cut various shapes along the edges, avoiding cutting through the point
- Unfold carefully to reveal your snowflake
- Using dropper, add small amounts of colored water to different sections
- Let colors bleed and blend naturally (this is where kids go absolutely wild with excitement)
- Allow to dry completely (about 30 minutes, perfect for a snack break)
- Punch hole and add hanging string
I discovered this technique when we were snowed in last December and I was desperately trying to find activities that didn’t involve screens. These handmade Christmas ornaments ended up being such a hit that my kids still ask to make “coffee paper rainbows” months later.
6. Newspaper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Old newspapers or sheet music (or those school newsletters you keep meaning to read)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Mod Podge (optional)
- Foam brush (optional)
Instructions:
- Choose interesting text or music sections from your paper
- Follow basic snowflake folding and cutting technique
- For durability, brush with thin coat of Mod Podge after unfolding
- Let dry completely if using Mod Podge
- Punch hole and add hanging string
These look so fabulous vintage-y, and having made them out of vintage sheet music gives them such a special feel. And what a fabulous way to recycle all that paper that would otherwise get recycled. These are perfect DIY paper Christmas ornaments when you want something that looks like it’s intentionally rustic and artful.
7. 3D Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 6 squares of paper (all same size)
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Glue stick
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
Instructions:
- Fold each square diagonally and cut parallel lines from fold toward opposite edge, stopping about 1/2″ from edge
- Unfold and curl the innermost strip, gluing ends together to form a loop
- Flip over and curl the next strip in opposite direction, gluing ends
- Continue alternating directions until all strips are curled and glued
- Repeat with all 6 squares (this is where you’ll question why you started this project)
- Staple 3 pieces together at the bottom, then repeat with remaining 3
- Staple the two halves together to form your 3D snowflake
- Attach string to one of the points
Not gonna lie, this one requires some patience and maybe a cup of coffee (or wine, depending on the time of day). But when you’re done, these Christmas tree ornaments look so professional that you’ll want to take approximately 47 photos for Instagram.
8. Woven Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- 2 colors of paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Ruler
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Cut 12 strips of paper (6 of each color), each 1/2″ wide by 6″ long
- Create a basic 6-pointed star by gluing strips in crossing pattern
- Weave remaining strips through the star pattern, alternating colors
- Trim excess length from strips
- Glue all intersection points securely
- Let dry completely
- Punch hole and add hanging string
This one looks way more complicated than it actually is, which makes it perfect for impressing relatives. The weaving occupies little hands, and the end result has such beautiful texture. Such Christmas DIY projects are ideal for older children who look for something more complex.
9. Accordion Fold Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Rectangular paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Glue stick
- String or ribbon
- Pencil
Instructions:
- Fold paper accordion-style with 1/2″ folds (kids love this part – it’s like making a fan)
- Fold the accordion in half to find center
- Staple at the center fold
- Cut decorative shapes along both edges of the accordion
- Unfold and bring the two ends together
- Glue or staple the ends to form a circular snowflake
- Attach string to one of the folds
These complete, rounded homemade ornaments remind one of those paper items that were utilized as party decorations at birthday celebrations, but only the good kind. They occupy tree real estate nicely when you find you really don’t have as many ornaments as you thought you did.
10. Kirigami Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Thin white or colored paper
- Craft knife (adults only – hide this from curious little hands)
- Cutting mat
- Scissors
- Pencil
- tring or ribbon
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- Create basic folded triangle as in first ornament
- Draw intricate pattern with very fine lines and small shapes
- Use craft knife to cut detailed interior shapes (definitely save this step for after bedtime)
- Use scissors for larger cuts along edges
- Unfold very carefully to avoid tearing
- Punch hole and add hanging string
This is your “wow, mom is actually artistic” project. The precision cutting creates incredibly detailed patterns that make these diy christmas ornaments look almost store-bought, but better because they’re completely unique.
11. Tissue Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Colored tissue paper
- Scissors
- Spray adhesive or glue stick
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Iron (optional)
Instructions:
- Stack 3-4 sheets of tissue paper
- Follow basic folding technique, being extra gentle
- Cut your pattern through all layers
- Unfold very carefully (this requires the patience of a saint)
- If wrinkled, iron on lowest setting with parchment paper over tissue
- Lightly spray with adhesive to hold layers together
- Punch hole and add hanging string
The translucent quality is absolutely gorgeous when backlit by tree lights. These paper Christmas ornaments create the most beautiful shadows and really make your tree glow from within.
12. Metallic Paper Snowflake Ornament
Materials:
- Metallic wrapping paper or foil paper (save scraps from gift wrapping!)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- String or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Ruler
Instructions:
- Cut metallic paper into perfect square
- Follow basic folding technique, creasing firmly
- Draw pattern with pencil (fair warning: it’s nearly impossible to see on shiny paper)
- Cut carefully as metallic paper tears easier than regular paper
- Unfold slowly and smooth out creases
- Punch hole and add hanging string
These glittery Christmas tree decorations catch each and every light on your tree and reflect them throughout the room. It’s like having miniature disco balls, but with a higher level of sophistication and decreased risk of giving you flashbacks to your college years.
…
Want more Christmas ornament inspo? Check out my posts on Salt Dough DIY Christmas Ornaments and Clay Christmas Ornaments.
