How to make Christmas ornaments from paper

DIY Christmas Ornaments From Paper (Easy Napkin & Mixed‑Media Tutorial)

A charming, vintage‑style holiday craft using napkins, canvases, and everyday supplies

If you’ve been searching for how to make Christmas ornaments from paper, this project is going to be your new favorite holiday DIY. These handmade ornaments are inexpensive, customizable, and full of personality — especially when you use napkins, dictionary pages, or printed designs you already have at home.

They’re the perfect blend of vintage charm, creative reuse, and holiday cheer, and they look stunning on any Christmas tree.

Why Make Christmas Ornaments From Paper?

Paper ornaments check every box:

• Budget-friendly — especially when using leftover napkins

• Beginner-friendly — no painting skills required

• Customizable — dogs, cats, vintage trucks, florals, damask prints

• Lightweight — great for small trees or branches

• Giftable — personal and meaningful

And yes… they’re a little messy. But the fun kind of messy.

The Ornament That Started It All: The Beagle & His Squirrel

This little guy — the beagle with a squirrel perched on his winter hat — is the ornament that inspired the entire project. Bentley’s ongoing feud with the backyard squirrel made this napkin irresistible, and once I made the first ornament, I knew I needed more.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Paper napkins or printed designs

• 5x5 canvases (or tiles for mixed‑media versions) or 4x4 canvases

• Mod Podge

• Scissors

• Twine

• Hot glue gun + glue

• Saran wrap (optional but helpful)

• Foam brush (optional — fingers work best!)

How to Make Christmas Ornaments From Paper (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Separate the napkin plies

You only need one thin ply for the ornament.

TIP: Hold the napkin edge to your mouth and blow — it creates a separation point so you can peel the layers apart easily.

2. Cut the napkin to size

Trim it down to fit your canvas or tile.

3. Apply Mod Podge to the canvas

Use your finger — it gives the smoothest coverage.

4. Place the napkin on the canvas

Start at the bottom edge and gently pat upward.

Do not pull the napkin — it will tear.

5. Smooth the napkin

You have two finish options:

• Crinkled vintage look: Let it dry for 15 minutes, then seal.

• Smooth finish: Immediately place saran wrap over the napkin and gently smooth out wrinkles.

6. Seal the top

Add a final coat of Mod Podge to protect the ornament.

7. Add the twine hanger

Twist the ends with Mod Podge, form a loop, and hot glue it to the back.

Finished Ornaments on the Tree

Your ornaments look stunning on the tree — especially with lights reflecting off the Mod Podge finish. They add instant charm and personality.

Mixed‑Media Variations (Dictionary Pages, Tiles & Damask Prints)

These are whimsical, vintage, and perfect for anyone who loves old books or mixed‑media art.

Lessons Learned While Making These Ornaments

• Single‑ply napkins work best

• Finger‑applied Mod Podge gives the smoothest base

• Saran wrap is magic for removing wrinkles

• Wax topcoats make some designs too shiny

• Mistakes happen — and they’re part of the fun

I’m not a painter like my mom and sister (they inherited my grandfather’s talent), so I get creative in other ways. These ornaments scratch that creative itch without requiring a paintbrush.

A Family Tradition of Christmas Ornaments

Growing up, we always put our tree up the day after Thanksgiving. My grandparents started a tradition of giving each grandchild an ornament every year so we’d have a full collection as adults. I cherish every single one.

Now we have trees everywhere — the living room, dining room, bedroom, and our TV room. I haven’t decided which tree gets the dog ornaments yet, but I’m leaning toward the family tree.

Gift Ideas

These ornaments make wonderful gifts for:

• Dog lovers

• Cat lovers

• Vintage truck fans

• Family members with specific breeds

• Friends who love handmade decor

• Teachers, neighbors, coworkers

They’re personal, meaningful, and easy to customize.

 

How to Display Your Paper Ornaments

Try them on:

• Your main family tree

• A small tabletop tree

• A themed tree (pets, vintage, woodland)

• A bedroom tree

• A dining room tree

• A garland or wreath

• A doorknob (your beagle ornament looks adorable there!)

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Napkin tearing: Pat, don’t drag.

• Wrinkles: Use saran wrap to smooth.

• Too shiny: Skip glossy Modge Podge, use Matte finish.

• Edges lifting: Add a thin extra coat of Mod Podge.

• Napkin bunching: Always use single ply.

• Uneven texture: Crinkles add character — embrace them!

Frequently Asked Questions

How durable are paper ornaments?

Very durable once sealed with Mod Podge. They last for years.

Can kids make these?

Yes — just help with the hot glue step.

Can I use tissue paper or gift wrap?

Absolutely. Tissue paper gives a softer look; gift wrap gives bold color.

What size canvas works best?

5x5 is ideal for most napkins. Tiles work beautifully too.

Can I hang these outdoors?

Not recommended — moisture will damage them.

Printable Instructions Card

A Little Note Before You Go

These DIY paper Christmas ornaments are easy, charming, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using leftover napkins or special designs you picked up just for the season, each ornament becomes a tiny piece of art.

And yes… the Beagle with the squirrel is still my favorite.

More Christmas DIY Ideas

• Christmas Custom Kitchen Towel Gifts
• Christmas Homemade Gingerbread Men Garland
• DIY Christmas Galvanized Planter for Tree
• DIY Tree Craft
• DIY Christmas Wall Decor
• Affordable DIY Christmas Craft Gift Ideas
• Christmas Tag Ornament 

Ciao,

Cara