Our talented friend @laughlovelangella shared this simple Christmas craft with us, and we couldn't love the results more. Using clay, decorative napkins, and a little Mod Podge, she created beautiful ornaments that look like charming vintage finds.
And we especially love how she displayed them on a tree in our Metal and Resin Christmas Tree Stand with Pot. It's such a sweet way to bring a little old-world Christmas charm into your home!
The best part? You don't need to be an experienced crafter to make these.
What You'll Need
Before you get started, gather a few simple supplies:
-
Clay: Air-dry or oven-bake clay will work.
-
Mod Podge: For adhering and sealing your decorative napkins.
-
Decorative napkins: Look for vintage-inspired Christmas prints, florals, or nostalgic holiday patterns.
-
Ribbon: Velvet, satin, or gingham ribbon adds a pretty finishing touch.
-
Paper and scissors: To create your ornament templates.
-
Rolling pin: To flatten your clay.
-
Craft knife or clay cutting tool: To cut out your shapes.
-
Straw: To create a hole for hanging.
Tip: Choose napkins with smaller patterns or illustrations that will fit nicely within your ornament shapes. Vintage Santas, winter florals, and classic Christmas motifs are especially charming! Instead of creating your own template, you can use cookie cutters.
How to Make DIY Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Step 1: Create Your Ornament Shapes
Start by drawing or printing a template for your ornaments. Traditional shapes like circles, stars, bells, and ovals work beautifully for a vintage-inspired look.
Roll out your clay until it's approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Place your template on top of the clay and carefully cut around the edges. Smooth any rough spots with your fingers.
Before the clay dries, use a straw to create a small hole near the top of each ornament. This is where you'll thread your ribbon later.
Step 2: Let Your Ornaments Dry
If you're using air-dry clay, allow your ornaments to dry completely according to the package directions.
For oven-bake clay, follow the manufacturer's baking instructions, then let the ornaments cool completely.
Make sure your ornaments are fully dry or cooled before moving on to decorating.
Step 3: Add Your Vintage-Inspired Designs
Now comes the fun part!
Choose your favorite decorative napkins and separate the layers so you're working with just the thin, printed top layer.
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the surface of your clay ornament.
Carefully lay your napkin over the ornament, gently smoothing it into place. Work slowly to avoid tearing the delicate paper.
Once positioned, trim away the excess napkin around the edges. You can also apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top to help seal your design.
Don't worry if every ornament isn't perfectly identical. A little variation is part of what gives handmade Christmas decorations their charm!
Step 4: Add Ribbon and Hang
Once your ornaments are completely dry, thread a piece of ribbon through the hole at the top.
Tie a simple knot or bow, and your handmade Christmas ornament is ready to display!
For an extra vintage touch, try using velvet ribbon in deep red, dusty rose, forest green, or antique gold.
Styling Your Handmade Christmas Ornaments
One of our favorite things about this DIY is how versatile the finished ornaments are.
We absolutely love how @laughlovelangella styled hers on our Metal and Resin Christmas Tree Stand with Pot. The combination of handmade ornaments and a nature-inspired tree stand creates such a charming, collected-over-time look.
Here are a few other ways to use your creations:
-
On your Christmas tree: Mix them with vintage glass ornaments, velvet ribbon, and twinkling lights.
-
As gift toppers: Tie an ornament onto a wrapped present for an extra-special handmade touch.
-
On a holiday garland: Hang a few ornaments along a mantel or staircase garland.
-
As place settings: Add an ornament to each napkin at your Christmas table for a sweet keepsake guests can take home.
-
On a tabletop Christmas tree: Create a smaller display in your kitchen, entryway, or guest bedroom.
The possibilities are endless, and you can easily change the colors and patterns to complement your personal decorating style.
A Little Handmade Christmas Magic
We love finding ways to make our homes feel personal during the holidays, and sometimes it's the simplest projects that end up becoming our favorites.
These DIY vintage Christmas ornaments are an easy, affordable way to add nostalgic charm to your holiday decorating. They're also a fun activity to do with friends or family, and each ornament becomes a little memory you can bring out every Christmas.
A big thank-you to @laughlovelangella for sharing this beautiful DIY and inspiring us with her holiday styling!
Looking for more ways to create a cozy, collected Christmas look? Explore our vintage-inspired Christmas decorations and unique holiday finds at Decor Steals, where we believe a beautiful home shouldn't come with an unreasonable price tag.
Shop Decor Steals for affordable Christmas decor at honest prices, and don't forget to save this DIY for your next holiday craft day!
