We got swept up in the holiday spirit and decided to try making our own Christmas ornaments this year. Ornament decorating can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, and we wanted something quick, affordable, and stylish. We headed to the craft store and picked up a six-pack of clear glass ornaments, a small container of white glitter, and a bag of soft feathers. With a bit of craft glue and some basic supplies we already had at home, the project came together easily.
We treated the process as an experiment. At first we considered stuffing the ornaments full of feathers, but quickly discovered that a single, fluffy feather inside the clear orb looked far more elegant than a crowded interior. Because the silver cap on the top of the ornament lifts off, filling each globe was simple and mess-free. The effect is delicate and unexpectedly refined, especially given the low cost per ornament.
For variation, we coated the inside rim of several ornaments with craft glue using a q-tip, then tipped them in white glitter to create a soft, snowy look. The glitter catches the light and gives the ornaments an upscale, frosted appearance that feels both fresh and festive. Using just a little glitter inside each globe adds texture and sparkle without overpowering the design.
To finish each ornament we used thin white ribbon we already had at home. The ribbon forms a neat loop for hanging and immediately upgrades the look compared with standard green wire hooks. The ribbon gives a cohesive, elegant presentation across the tree and ties in nicely with the white feathers and glitter inside the ornaments. Because the ribbons are lightweight, they don’t disturb the balance of the glass or the placement on branches, and they add a polished, handmade touch.
We were surprised by how professional the finished ornaments looked. They have a refined aesthetic that belongs in a curated holiday display, yet they were inexpensive to make and required only basic supplies. The entire project took about fifteen minutes from start to finish, and the total cost was small — a satisfying result for minimal time and investment. Because they look so lovely, we’re even considering replacing standard hooks on the tree with ribbon loops for a cohesive, elevated look.
These feather-and-glitter ornaments are now favorites in our collection. There’s something rewarding about hanging a decoration you made yourself, and these feel more special than many of the store-bought ornaments we own. The simple designs are adaptable: try varying feather colors, mixing small sprigs of evergreen, or experimenting with different glitter shades to coordinate with your tree’s overall color scheme. The techniques are forgiving, so even beginners can create polished results.
Making ornaments can also be a fun family activity. Kids can help choose feathers, sprinkle glitter, or tie ribbons while adults handle the glass ornaments and glue. This simple craft is a great way to create meaningful seasonal decorations and to start new holiday traditions. Whether you use these ornaments to accent a full tree, to embellish a gift, or to hang on a doorknob, they add a soft, handmade charm to any space.
If you enjoy DIY holiday projects, there are many other quick and budget-friendly ideas to try—hand-painted wooden slices, simple felt ornaments, or classic popcorn garlands are all accessible crafts that build festive momentum through the season. We’d love to hear about the ornaments and decorations you make each year and any tips you’ve discovered for creating beautiful but affordable holiday decor.
Update: We’ve gathered a selection of favorite holiday decor ideas and budget-friendly ornament projects to inspire your season. Try a few simple crafts and see which ones become part of your annual tradition.