Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments You Can Make Or Pass-down

Remember that box of decorations gathering dust in the attic?

This year, as you unearth them, consider a different approach to your festive ornaments. I was recently helping a friend decorate, and the amount of plastic and waste from store-bought ornaments was eye-opening. This year, let’s explore ways to create beautiful, sustainable holiday decorations.

We will be looking at making and passing down Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments. You’ll gain practical ideas, learn crafting techniques, and discover how to minimize your holiday footprint while creating lasting traditions. This post is for anyone wanting to create a more eco-friendly holiday season.

The 10 Festive Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments You Can Make or Pass-Down

Creating your own Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments is a fantastic way to personalize your holiday decorations, reduce waste, and save money. The process can be a fun activity for the whole family, providing opportunities to get creative and resourceful. From simple crafts to more elaborate projects, there are options for all skill levels. By choosing sustainable materials and embracing the concept of passing down decorations, you can build cherished traditions for years to come. This approach helps to lessen environmental impact and celebrate a more meaningful Christmas.

1. Dried Citrus Slice Ornaments

Dried citrus slice ornaments add a lovely, natural fragrance and a pop of color to your Christmas tree. They’re surprisingly easy to make and look incredibly festive. The process involves slicing citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), drying them, and adding a loop for hanging. Consider how they will look with your existing décor. These ornaments not only look amazing but also eliminate the need to buy plastic decorations. They also smell amazing! They bring a natural scent to your home.

How to Dry Citrus Slices:

• • Slice the citrus: Use a sharp knife to cut the citrus fruits into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick).

Consistency is key for even drying. Use a mandoline for precision if you have one. Aim for uniform slices.

• • Prepare for drying: Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

This prevents mold from growing during the drying process. Moisture can be the enemy of longevity.

• • Dry in the oven or air dry: Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry in a preheated oven at the lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 77°C) for 2-4 hours, flipping them occasionally. Or, air dry by placing slices on a drying rack for several days.

Oven drying is quicker, while air drying preserves more of the natural color. Monitor them closely.

• • Cool and add a loop: Once dry, let the slices cool completely. Then, use a needle and thread or twine to create a loop for hanging.

Natural twine or ribbon work best for a rustic look. Consider different knotting techniques for visual appeal.

2. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments

Cinnamon stick ornaments bring warmth and a spicy aroma to your Christmas tree. They’re simple to make and can be customized with various embellishments. All you need are cinnamon sticks, twine or ribbon, and any desired decorative items like dried flowers, small pinecones, or star anise. The result is a beautifully scented ornament that looks fantastic. These also make great, natural air fresheners.

Making Cinnamon Stick Ornaments:

• • Gather supplies: Collect cinnamon sticks of varying sizes, twine or ribbon, glue, and any additional embellishments like dried orange slices, small pinecones, or star anise.

Consider the color palette of your tree when choosing embellishments. For example, use gold accents for a luxe look.

• • Assemble the ornaments: Tie the cinnamon sticks together with twine or ribbon. You can create bundles of different sizes. Glue any embellishments onto the cinnamon sticks.

Experiment with different arrangements, like wrapping the twine around several sticks at different angles. This adds visual appeal.

• • Add a loop for hanging: Tie a loop of twine or ribbon at the top of each ornament for hanging on the tree.

Make the loop sturdy enough to hold the weight of the ornament and any added embellishments.

3. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a classic Christmas craft, perfect for involving children. They’re easy to make and provide a blank canvas for creativity. The dough is made from simple ingredients: flour, salt, and water. After baking, the ornaments can be painted, decorated with glitter, or stamped with designs. They create wonderful personalized gifts or tree decorations.

Salt Dough Recipe and Decoration Ideas:

• • Recipe: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of warm water in a bowl. Mix until a dough forms.

If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.

• • Shape the dough: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create various shapes. Alternatively, freeform and make unique shapes!

Thickness should be around 1/4 inch for proper baking and durability. Thin is key.

• • Bake the ornaments: Bake the ornaments in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until they’re hard.

The low temperature helps prevent cracking. Let the ornaments cool completely before decorating.

• • Decorate the ornaments: Once cool, paint the ornaments with acrylic paints. Add glitter, sequins, or other embellishments, and finish with a coat of varnish.

A good sealer will make them last for years. This is your chance to get creative.

4. Fabric Scrap Ornaments

Fabric scrap ornaments are a fantastic way to use up leftover fabric pieces and add a unique touch to your tree. This method embraces resourcefulness, repurposing fabric that might otherwise be discarded. From simple shapes to more complex designs, the possibilities are endless. Consider old shirts, dresses, or other garments that can be repurposed.

Fabric Ornament Ideas:

• • Fabric balls: Cut fabric into strips and wrap them around a styrofoam ball, securing with pins or glue.

Varying fabric textures adds visual appeal. Try using both cotton and velvet fabrics for a striking contrast.

• • Stuffed ornaments: Cut out two fabric shapes (e.g., stars, hearts, trees), sew them together, leaving a small opening. Stuff with batting or fabric scraps.

Use a blanket stitch around the edges for a rustic touch. Or use a sewing machine for cleaner edges.

• • Fabric patchwork ornaments: Cut fabric scraps into small squares or triangles and sew them together to create unique patterns.

The patchwork can be then cut into desired shapes and attached to cardboard. Use bright colors.

• • Folded fabric ornaments: Follow tutorials on how to fold fabric to create origami-style ornaments.

Experiment with different fabric weights and textures to see what works best. Try silk for a luxurious touch.

5. Pinecone Ornaments

Pinecone ornaments bring a natural, rustic element to your Christmas decorations. Pinecones are readily available, especially if you live near trees, and they provide a base for creativity. They can be decorated in various ways, from simple paint and glitter to more elaborate designs with beads, ribbons, and other embellishments. Pinecone ornaments require minimal materials, making them a sustainable choice. Plus, the end product is visually appealing.

Decorating Pinecones:

• • Clean the pinecones: Before decorating, clean the pinecones by baking them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 30 minutes to kill any bugs and remove debris.

This also helps open up the pinecones for easier decorating.

• • Paint the pinecones: Paint the pinecones with acrylic paints. You can choose a solid color, create patterns, or highlight the tips of the scales.

Metallic paints (gold, silver, bronze) look particularly festive on pinecones.

• • Add embellishments: Glue beads, glitter, sequins, or small baubles to the pinecones.

Consider the overall design and color scheme when choosing embellishments. Natural elements such as berries look great.

• • Attach a loop: Use a hot glue gun to attach a loop of twine, ribbon, or wire to the top of each pinecone for hanging.

Ensure the loop is secure enough to hold the weight of the ornament.

6. Seed Bead Ornaments

Seed bead ornaments are a classic and elegant decoration option. You can create intricate designs with seed beads, resulting in beautiful, shimmering ornaments. These are slightly more time-consuming. They are a great way to recycle old beads from broken jewelry. These can add a touch of sparkle and luxury to your Christmas tree.

Creating Seed Bead Ornaments:

• • Choose your design: Decide on the design you want to create. You can follow existing patterns or design your own.

Easy designs include simple circles, stars, or geometric shapes. Consider simple patterns first.

• • Gather materials: You will need seed beads, beading needles, thread or beading wire, scissors, and a template for your design (optional).

Beading needles are thin and flexible, ideal for working with beads. Make sure you use the right size for the beads.

• • String the beads: Thread the beads onto the needle according to your chosen design. Use a beading needle to pass through the beads multiple times to secure them.

For more complex shapes, you might need to use a special beading technique.

• • Form the ornament: Once your design is complete, shape it into the desired form (circle, star, etc.).

If you have any difficulty, find online tutorials.

• • Add a loop: Add a loop of thread or wire for hanging. Secure the loop by weaving the thread through the beads.

This is a good way to use up any stringing material you have!

7. Wooden Slice Ornaments

Wooden slice ornaments offer a rustic and charming aesthetic. They’re made from slices of wood, which can be decorated in various ways. You can use wood slices from fallen branches or buy them from craft stores. These ornaments can be painted, wood-burned, or simply adorned with natural elements for a charming look. Wooden slice ornaments are excellent because of their durability and natural appeal.

Decorating Wooden Slice Ornaments:

• • Prepare the wood slices: Sand the wood slices smooth, especially if you’re using rough-cut ones.

This ensures a better surface for painting or drawing.

• • Paint the slices: Paint the wood slices with acrylic paints. You can paint designs, scenes, or write holiday messages.

Use a base coat of paint before adding details. You can also use stencils for added precision.

• • Wood-burning: Use a wood-burning tool to create designs or patterns on the wood slices.

Wood-burning adds a unique texture and rustic feel. It can also create a nice, smoky scent.

• • Add embellishments: Glue on small embellishments like beads, glitter, or natural elements like small pinecones or dried flowers.

Consider a variety of natural elements.

• • Add a loop: Add a loop of twine or ribbon for hanging. Glue the twine to the back or drill a small hole.

Ensure that it’s attached securely so that it won’t break.

8. Paper or Cardboard Ornaments

Paper and cardboard ornaments are affordable and easy to make, and they also allow for great creative freedom. You can recycle old paper, magazines, or cardboard boxes to make unique decorations. Paper ornaments can range from simple folded paper crafts to intricate cut-out designs. These ornaments are great for kids to make and are environmentally friendly. They are great if you are short on materials.

Paper Ornament Ideas:

• • Paper snowflakes: Fold and cut paper to create delicate snowflakes.

Use online tutorials for various snowflake designs. The possibilities are endless.

• • Paper stars: Fold or cut paper into star shapes.

Different shapes and sizes look great together.

• • Paper chains: Create paper chains by linking together strips of colorful paper.

A classic and easy decoration. Perfect for kids!

• • Cardboard cutouts: Cut out shapes from cardboard and decorate them with paint, markers, or fabric scraps.

Consider the color palette of your tree when choosing decorations.

9. Repurposed Item Ornaments

Repurposing items into ornaments is a great way to give new life to old objects and reduce waste. Old buttons, bottle caps, and other small items can be transformed into creative decorations. This method also encourages creativity and thinking about objects in new ways. Think outside the box and turn trash into treasure. It’s a great example of upcycling.

Repurposing Ideas:

• • Button ornaments: Glue buttons together in various shapes and sizes, then add a loop.

Use a variety of colors and sizes. Create fun designs like snowmen or trees.

• • Bottle cap ornaments: Decorate bottle caps with paint, glitter, or stickers, and add a loop for hanging.

Consider painting the bottle caps a solid color first for a more polished look.

• • Old jewelry ornaments: Deconstruct old jewelry and use the beads and charms to decorate other ornaments.

This is a great way to give new life to old jewelry.

• • Wine cork ornaments: Decorate wine corks with paint or decoupage, and then attach a loop for hanging.

Easy, and they add a rustic touch.

10. Passing Down Heirloom Ornaments

One of the most effective ways to create Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments is to pass down decorations that already exist. This approach not only reduces waste but also creates a sense of tradition and sentimental value. These decorations become family treasures, associated with cherished memories and the spirit of Christmas. They are more than just decorations; they are symbols of family and holiday history. These traditions provide continuity across generations.

Creating Heirloom Ornaments:

• • Preserve existing ornaments: Store your ornaments properly to prevent damage.

Use ornament storage boxes or padded containers. Consider soft tissue paper.

• • Share stories: Share the stories behind the ornaments with your family.

This enhances the meaning and makes them more valuable.

• • Repair and restore: Repair any damage to the ornaments.

This will increase their lifespan and keep them looking great for longer.

• • Add new ornaments: Add new ornaments to the collection.

Create a few new ornaments each year.

• • Pass them on: When you’re ready, pass the ornaments down to the next generation.

Continue this cycle of tradition!

FAQ

What materials are best for making Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments?

The best materials are those that are natural, recycled, or upcycled. Consider using paper, cardboard, wood slices, fabric scraps, dried citrus slices, and natural twine or ribbon. Avoid plastics and other non-biodegradable materials whenever possible, but consider the life of an ornament, as many materials can be reused indefinitely.

How can I make my ornaments last longer?

To make your ornaments last longer, store them properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using acid-free tissue paper to wrap delicate ornaments and prevent damage. Additionally, repair any damage promptly. For salt dough ornaments, a coat of varnish will extend their lifespan.

Are these ornament ideas suitable for children?

Many of the ideas, such as salt dough ornaments, paper ornaments, and fabric scrap ornaments, are perfect for children. They provide a fun and creative activity for the whole family. However, supervise them, especially when using sharp tools, hot glue guns, or small beads. Many craft stores also sell child-safe materials.

How can I reduce waste while decorating?

To reduce waste, use natural materials, repurpose items, and avoid purchasing plastic ornaments. Consider using LED lights, which consume less energy, and reuse your decorations each year. Also, consider the materials you will be discarding (if any). Buy recycled products.

What should I do with old plastic ornaments?

If you have old plastic ornaments, consider donating them to a thrift store or a local charity. You can also try repurposing them by painting or adding embellishments. Always dispose of them properly through local recycling or waste management facilities. Also, you could try to sell your old ornaments online.

How do I make a loop for hanging my ornaments?

For most ornaments, you can use twine, ribbon, or wire. Use a hot glue gun to attach the loop to the top of the ornament, ensuring it’s secure. If using wood slices, drill a small hole at the top and thread the twine or ribbon through. You can also sew a loop into fabric or attach a loop while creating the ornament.

How can I ensure my ornaments are truly zero waste?

Ensure your ornaments are zero waste by choosing biodegradable or compostable materials. Avoid glitter and other microplastics. Use natural glues and paints. You can also compost the decorations if they are made from organic materials. Finally, make sure to consider the packaging you use, for example, wrapping them in natural paper.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Zero Waste Christmas Ornaments is a rewarding experience, combining creativity with sustainability. You’ve explored multiple ideas, from dried citrus slices to repurposing old items, that can transform your holiday decorations into cherished traditions. By making these ornaments or passing them down, you are reducing waste and making a positive impact on the environment. Start with one project this year and explore ways to make your Christmas season both beautiful and eco-friendly. It is time to make a difference in your home, this year!