We were feeling festive and decided to make a few custom Christmas ornaments this year. Ornament decorating can be as simple or involved as you want, and we chose an easy, budget-friendly approach. We picked up a six-pack of clear glass ornaments ($2.49), some white glitter ($1.30), and a bag of feathers ($2.49) from Michael’s, then used standard craft glue we already had at home.
We worked by trial and error. At first we considered filling some ornaments with lots of feathers, but discovered that a single fluffy feather inside the glass orb looked far more delicate and attractive. The silver ornament tops slip off easily, which makes filling and arranging the feathers simple. At roughly $1.04 per ornament, the result felt both charming and economical.
For another variation, we used a cotton swab to spread craft glue around the top inside of a few ornaments, then tipped those in white glitter to create a fresh, snowy look. The glitter gives the ornaments a soft sparkle that feels luxe without costing much.
To finish each ornament we used thin white ribbon we had on hand to make neat hanging loops. Swapping the usual green wire hooks for white ribbon instantly elevates the look — the ornaments appear more refined and cohesive on the tree. We’re even considering replacing all our green hangers with ribbon this year because it gives a subtle, coordinated upgrade.
How do we feel about the feathered and glittered ornaments? They’ve quickly become our favorites. They look better than many of our store-bought decorations, took about fifteen minutes to make, and cost just over $5 total. That combination of speed, low cost, and pretty results makes this a project worth repeating — it might even become a family tradition.
Do you have any favorite DIY ornament ideas you bring out each December? Whether it’s cookie ornaments, popcorn garlands, painted ceramics, or felt creations, we’d love to hear what you and your family make when the holiday spirit strikes.
Update: You can find a selection of favorite holiday decor items many of which are budget-friendly.