DIY Tree Shaped Ornament
This simple, rustic DIY tree shaped ornament is made from basic craft supplies and wrapped in twine for a handmade holiday look. Customize it with buttons, stars, or bells — or leave it plain for a natural finish.
Yield: 1 ornament
Cost: $1-$2
Equipment
- Ruler
- pen
- Scissors
- hot glue gun
Materials
- cardboard
- jute twine
- macrame cord
- decorative cord or ribbon
- hot glue sticks
- small metal star or wooden button
Instructions
- Create the tree template: Draw a small tree shape on cardboard and cut it out for the base of your ornament.
- Wrap the trunk: Glue the end of your chosen cord to the back of the trunk area and wrap until fully covered, securing the end with glue.
- Add the hanging loop: Cut a piece of cord, form a loop, and glue both ends to the back of the template so the ornament can hang.
- Wrap the tree: Glue the end of your main cord to the back of the tree shape and wrap the entire surface, guiding the cord snugly around the edges.
- Add the garland: Glue one end of decorative cord to the back, wrap it diagonally like a garland, and secure the end with glue.
- Attach the topper: Glue the star or button to the top of the tree and let the glue cool and harden before handling.
Video
Notes
- Use sturdy cardboard: Choose a piece thick enough that it won’t bend once you start wrapping the cord around it.
- Keep the cord snug: Wrap with gentle, steady tension so gaps don’t appear and the shape doesn’t warp.
- Smooth the edges: Take your time along the sides to keep the outline clean and prevent the cardboard from peeking through.
- Switch colors intentionally: Using one cord for the trunk and loop and a contrasting color for the tree adds definition with very little effort.
- Secure glue points well: Anchor each starting and ending point generously so the wraps stay tight and the ornament lasts for years.
- Store carefully: Lay flat in a box to prevent the wrapped details from shifting or being crushed during storage.
