Christmas is a season of joy, laughter, and fun, a time for building memories with the ones you love. As your child grows older with each passing year, occasions to spend time with them become priceless. This holiday season, invite your child(ren) to sit down with you and make one or more of these 10 DIY Christmas ornaments, which will proudly adorn your tree for years to come. Not only will these projects allow your child’s creativity to flourish, but a deeper love of Christmas will be instilled in the heart(s) of your son(s) and/or daughter(s), as they are gifted with an opportunity to be with you – the biggest role model in their life – to construct a holiday keepsake.
Via: Meet the Dubiens
Melted Crayon Ball Ornament
What a great way to repurpose broken or stubby crayons! Be sure to use glass ball ornaments for this project though, as plastic ornaments may melt from the heat of the blow dryer.
Sources: Speckled Melted Crayon Ball Ornament Tutorial, Marbleized Crayon Christmas Ornament Tutorial
Via: Onelittleproject.com
Melted Bead Ornaments
These melted bead ornaments look like miniature stained-glass artwork! As the beads melt, be mindful of plastic fumes filling the kitchen; you may want to consider cooking these colorful creations outside your home with a portable toaster oven.
Sources: Melted Bead Ornaments Tutorial 1.0, Melted Pony Bead Craft Ornament Tutorial 2.0
Via: Woman’s Day
Pom Poms and Pinecones
This project is so simple that your little ones of three years can partake in the fun. If you happen to live somewhere that does not naturally nurture pine trees, like the deserts of Arizona or Nevada, you can purchase a bushel of pinecones at a local craft store, like Michaels.
Sources: Pom Poms and Pinecones Christmas Ornaments Tutorial, Michaels 3-quart Bag of Pinecones
Via: Caughtonawhim.com
Sequin Ornament
Sequin ornaments are a dazzling accessory to the Christmas tree; the sequins reflect any light source into a shimmering rain of sparkles amongst the branches. You can make your ornament an explosion of colors (see above image) or follow a pre-drawn pattern to portray an image, such as the nativity scene, or an object, like a Poké Ball.
Sources: Sequin Sparkles Ornament Tutorial 1.0, Sequin Ornament Tutorial 2.0
Via: Barefeetonthedashboard.com
Time Capsule Ornament
The creation of a time capsule ornament can be a yearly tradition until your child graduates high school. Then, upon reaching adulthood, your son(s) and/or daughter(s) can look upon these ornaments and enjoy the memories that accompanied them growing up, whether it was their love of dinosaurs at age 5; dance lessons at age 8; shooting hoops at age 11; or a first love at age 16.
Source: Time Capsule Christmas Ornament
Via: CBC Radio
Baking Soda Clay Handprint Ornament
Nothing lasts forever, and your child’s tiny hands and feet will one day be those of a man or lady all grown up. These hand- and footprint ornaments are wonderful for a “Baby’s First Christmas” project, and for your older children, these signature keepsakes are fun to paint and decorate in a manner that is artistically personal.
Sources: Baking Soda Clay Handprint Ornaments Tutorial, Salt Dough Handprint Christmas Tree, Snowman Hands, Reindeer Handprint
Via: Fullofblissblog.com
Snow Globe Ornament
Involvement is an important part of any parent-child project; therefore, when you go to the local craft store, let your child(ren) pick out the miniature trinket(s) to inhabit your DIY snow globe ornament, be it a reindeer, a penguin, Santa Claus, or something completely unexpected and unseasonal, like a car or elephant – anything that puts a smile on your little one’s face during the creation of a tiny winter wonderland to adorn the Christmas tree.
Sources: Snow Globe Ornament Tutorial 1.0, Snow Globe Shot Glass Ornament Tutorial 2.0
Via: momonthetimeout.com
Candy Cane Christmas Tree
After decorating a full-grown Christmas tree, your child can embellish this little green felt tree with beads, charms, pom poms, and tinsel wire. Keep extra candy canes on hand though to satisfy you and your child’s sweet tooths.
Source: Candy Cane Christmas Tree Tutorial
Via: howtonestforless.com
Mod Podge Child’s Art onto Clay Ornament
Parents, how many of you wish to preserve the precious drawings of your little Picasso(s)? Now you can! You can either mod podge the original masterpieces onto the clay ornaments, or you may scan and print copies of your child’s artwork to paste to the homemade decorations.
Source: Kid’s Art Christmas Ornament Tutorial
Via: Woman’s Day
Popsicle Stick Craft Ornaments
Popsicle sticks can be used to create a multitude of seasonal pieces; but, rather than gorge on boxes of actual popsicles, you can pick up a pack of popsicle sticks at the craft store for a few dollars.
Sources: Craft Stick Christmas Tree, Craft Stick Snowflakes, Santa and Friends, Christmas Sled, Snowman, Reindeer, Gingerbread House