Decoupage Christmas Ornaments Made Easy: Here’s How I Do It!

Easy DIY Decoupage Christmas Ornaments are perfect for adding a little extra cheer to your tree! Grab some paper napkins and glue, and you’ll have beautiful ornaments in a flash!

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Christmas Tree Ornaments…Never Enough!

I’ll admit it.

I love to decorate for Christmas. 

Not just one tree… but several!

Because honestly, why stop at one when twinkling lights make everything better?

 Each tree has its own personality, color theme, and story to tell. 

The only problem? New ornaments can get pricey fast, especially when you’re decking out multiple trees.

At some point, I realized my Christmas tree budget might rival my grocery bill!

Instead of buying new ones every year, I’ve discovered the best way to create beautiful, handmade ornaments for just pennies by making decoupage Christmas ornaments!

With a few simple supplies, I can create dozens of handmade ornaments that perfectly match my holiday decor, and for a fraction of what new ones would cost.

Plus, I get to sip hot cocoa, listen to my favorite Pentatonix Christmas playlist, and call it “work!”

If you’ve ever wanted to try easy decoupage ornaments, the good news is that this is truly an easy Christmas craft idea, even for your first time.

I’ll walk you through two different techniques that both turn plain, clear ornaments into stunning holiday decorations.

Related: Thrift Store Decor Ideas: Creative Upcycles with Decoupage

Supplies You’ll Need

• Clear plastic or glass ornaments (as much as I love glass ornaments, shatterproof plastic ornaments work beautifully!)
• Paper napkins or cocktail napkins with a pretty Christmas design
• Decoupage glue (like Mod Podge) or craft glue thinned with a bit of water
• Foam brush or soft paintbrush
• Small scissors
• Optional: Diamond Dust or faux snow for a little sparkle
• Ornament hooks or ribbon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Decoupage Christmas Ornaments

Step #1 – Prepare your napkin.
Separate the printed top layer of your paper napkin from the plain back layers. You’ll only use the thin printed layer for this project.

The next step is to cut the paper napkin into thin strips that will wrap easily around the ornament.

The size of these strips depends on the size of your ornament. I found that for a 4″ ornament, cutting the strips about 1/2″ wide works best when applying the pieces to the ornament.

Step #2 – Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge.
Using a foam brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge (or other decoupage glue) to a section of the ornament.

I like to remove the ornament tip (where you hang the ornament) so I can easily hold the ornament while I brush on the sticky glue.

Step #3 – Apply your napkin strips to the outside of the ornament.
Carefully press a napkin strip onto the glued area from the top of the ornament to the bottom, smoothing it gently with your brush or fingertip. 

Don’t worry if it wrinkles a bit. Wrinkles give it character!

Continue adding strips, overlapping slightly, until the entire ornament is covered.

Step #4 – Seal it.
Brush another coat of Mod Podge over the top of the napkin to seal everything in place. You will want to let it sit and dry for at least an hour.

I like to take an old egg carton and set the ornaments in the egg cups. They dry quickly and don’t get the counter dirty.

Step #5 – Optional – Add sparkle!

Once the ornament is dry, you can hang it on your Christmas tree as is. But if, like me, you like a little “extra”…

Brush a little decoupage glue over the ornament and sprinkle Diamond Dust or faux snow for a frosty finish.

Add a cheerful velvet bow, and it’s ready for your Christmas tree!

These pretty ornaments are so cheerful on a Christmas tree and make wonderful gifts for family, friends, and neighbors!

While I used clear ornaments for this project, this method works perfectly if you want to repurpose old ornaments. Just cover them right up with your favorite napkin pattern for a fresh new look.

Method 2: Decoupage on the Inside of an Ornament Half

If you’ve got large, clear ornament halves to work with (you can find them HERE), this technique gives a softer, reverse-painted look that’s elegant and unique.

Step 1: Prepare your napkin.
Just like before, separate the printed layer of your napkin and cut it to fit roughly inside the ornament half.

Step 2: Apply glue inside the ornament.
Brush a thin, even coat of decoupage glue on the inside of the ornament half.

Step 3: Apply the napkin to the ornament.
Gently press the napkin’s printed side facing out into the glued surface of the ornament. Smooth out wrinkles as best you can with your fingers. 

There will be some overlap with the paper napkin. Simply create neat folds in the paper and apply glue on top to seal.

Brush a thin layer of glue over the entire inside of the ornament. Pay particular attention to the edge so the napkin adheres to the entire inside.

Step 4: Assemble your ornament.

After the ornament dries completely, trim the excess napkin from the ornament half.

At this point, it would be lovely if the ornaments just snap back together…but they don’t!

No worries! Take a little craft glue and apply it to the rim of one of the halves.

Press the two halves together and secure them with a bit of painter’s tape until the glue dries.

Attach the ornament hanger and some ribbon…you’ve got yourself a showstopper!

These ornaments play well with other decorative elements for your tree.

Sometimes, that shot of pattern is just what your Christmas tree needs!

Why I Love This Project

I love my new Mod Podge ornaments!

Besides saving money, these DIY ornaments give me the freedom to match every color theme in my home.

Whether I want cozy plaid for my family tree or soft blues and silvers for my bedroom tree, I can make as many as I want using leftover fabric scraps or paper napkins that fit my home decor style.

It’s also a great way to spend a chilly afternoon when you’re craving a little creative time. Once you start, you might find yourself looking for more decoupage projects around the house!

The best way to sum it up? This is a simple craft that looks anything but simple.

You get custom, handmade ornaments that add heart and personality to your Christmas decorations…without breaking the bank!

With these easy decoupage ornaments, your holiday season will sparkle with style!

Cheers!

A Little About Me

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