DIY Intricate Christmas Ornaments: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Intricate Christmas Ornaments Browse the article How to Make Intricate Christmas Ornaments

Intricate Christmas Ornament Making Overview

Crafting handmade Christmas ornaments can be great family fun or an exciting activity for friends of all ages to enjoy. Making your own ornaments can help put the warmth and heart back into a season that, for some, has become "too much."

The gift of a handmade ornament says you care enough to spend time on someone special. Give a child an ornament that you have made, and he or she will remember you every time the ornament is hung on a Christmas tree in years to come. For a little something special to give to your friends and neighbors, a handmade ornament is just the right gift. In this article, we will show you how to make intricate Christmas ornaments, including:

• Making Country Ornaments
  
  Country Christmas ornaments can add a level of character and color to your tree. On this page, we will teach you how to make some rural Christmas ornaments like Cross-Stitch Christmas, Country Christmas Goose, and Holiday Holstein.
  
  
• Making Victorian Ornaments
  
  Victorian elements can add a touch of class and refinement to your holiday celebrations. Though the materials look expensive, these crafts are actually fun and easy to make. On this page, we will show you how to make Victorian ornaments like O Christmas Tree!, Royal Yule Ornament, the Snow Bird, a Yuletide Bauble, and beaded ornament covers.
  
  
• Making Western-Themed Ornaments
  
  Western-themed ornaments are a little more informal than the traditional ornaments you'd find on most trees. Western ornaments also make great Christmas crafts because they look and feel so handmade. On this page, we will show you how to make Western-themed ornaments like the Christmas Kerchief, the Cowgirl Hat, and On the Christmas Trail.
  
  
• Making Children's-Themed Ornaments
  
  Everyone's a kid at Christmas, right? Well, on this page, we will show you how to make some great Children's-themed ornaments by hand. We'll show you how to make the Dinosaur in December and the Noel Rocking Horse.
  
  
• Making Angel Ornaments
  
  Angels can be found on most Christmas trees around the world. On this page, we will show you how to make some distinctive angel ornaments like a Victorian Angel and the Angel of the Vine.
  
  
• Making Santa Ornaments
  
  We saved the most definitive Christmas icon for last. Of course, I'm talking about Santa Clause. On this page, we will show you how to make some classic Santa ornaments like Bountiful Santa and Button-Down Santa.
  

Making Country Ornaments

Country Christmas ornaments can add a feeling or warmth to your tree that can really offset all the tinsel and lights.

Cross-Stitch Christmas
Color KeyUse this color key to make the Cross-Stitch Christmas:

Black: 310 DMC
Red: 321 DMC
White: Blanc Neige DMC
Yellow: 742 DMC
Gold: 729 DMC
Light Brown: 51c Coats
Dark Brown: 81b Coats
Pink: 948 DMC
Blue: 312 DMC
Light Tan: 3024 DMC

Cross-Stitch Christmas

The beauty of this ornament is its lovely, handmade appearance. Here are the materials you will need:

• 7x8-inch piece white Aida cloth, 14 count
• 6-strand cotton embroidery floss
• #24 tapestry needle
• Iron-on backing
• 3x4-inch piece red felt
• Scissors
• 12 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Craft glue

To construct a Cross-Stitch Christmas ornament:

1. Find center of cloth, and begin stitching there. Use 2 strands to stitch according to chart. For candy cane, make first stitch of cross-stitch in white and second stitch in red.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Here is the pattern for the Cross-Stitch
   Christmas ornament.
   

2. When all cross-stitching is done, backstitch around Santa's beard and fur with 1 strand of black. Backstitch around Rudolph's antlers, paws, and tail with 1 strand of dark brown. Backstitch around part of Santa's boot with 1 strand of white (see white line on pattern). With 2 strands of blue, make French knots for Santa's eyes. Use 2 strands of black to make French knots for Rudolph's eyes. Use 2 strands of white to stitch snowflakes in long stitches as indicated on chart.
   
   
3. Following manufacturer's instructions, apply iron-on backing to felt. Trim felt to size and shape of cross-stitched area, making top rounded.
   
   
4. Cut ribbon into a 7-inch length and a 5-inch length. To make a hanger, fold 7-inch length in half. Place open ends at top center of back of felt. Following manufacturer's instructions, iron felt to back of cross-stitched fabric.
   
   
5. Trim Aida cloth to within 3/8 inch of edge of cross-stitching. Fringe Aida cloth by pulling threads from all sides.
   
   
6. 6 Make a 3/4-inch bow from 5-inch length of ribbon. Glue to top center of ornament.

Jute Twist

This is a very elegant yet rustic ornament for you tree. Here is a list of supplies you will need before you begin:

• 2 red berry sprays, 3-1/2 inches each
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• Jute twine
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors

To construct a Jute Twist ornament:

1. Bend both berry sprays into a C shape.
   
   
2. Glue stems of sprays together, with Cs facing each other.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the sprays together with
   the Cs facing each other.
   

3. Cut jute into the following lengths: 3 foot, two 10 inch, and 8 inch. Make a loopy bow from 3-foot length. Tie center of bow with both 10-inch lengths.
   
   
4. Glue bow to stems of sprays.
   
   
5. Fold 8-inch length of jute in half. Glue open ends to back of stems for a hanger.
   
   ©2006 .
   This is the completed Country
   Christmas Goose ornament.
   

Country Christmas Goose

This ornament might look difficult, but it's actually quite simple. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• 2-3/4-inch goose
• 5-3/4 inches red satin ribbon, 1/4 inch wide
• 18 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• 19 inches red-checked cloth ribbon, 1/2 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 2-1/2-inch hay bale
• 2 holly leaves with 2 berries, 1/2-inch leaves
• Wire cutters

To construct a Country Christmas Goose ornament:

1. This type of goose often comes with a felt bow on its neck. Carefully remove felt bow but leave felt neck band.
   
   
2. Cut 1/4-inch ribbon into a 3/4-inch length and a 5-inch length. Cut 1/8-inch ribbon into a 10-inch length, a 7-inch length, and a 1-inch length. Cut red-checked ribbon into a 7-inch length and a 12-inch length. Cover felt band with 3/4-inch length of 1/4-inch ribbon; glue in place.
   
   
3. To make a hanger, fold 10-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon in half. Glue ends to goose's neck back on top of ribbon ends. Make a 1-inch bow with 5-inch length of 1/4-inch ribbon. Glue bow to cover ribbon ends on back of neck.
   
   
4. Glue 7-inch length of red-checked ribbon around length of bale. Hot glue ends in place.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue a checked ribbon around the
   bale at the base of the ornament.
   

5. Wrap 7-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon around bale, on top of checked ribbon. Glue ends in place.
   
   
6. Make a 3-inch bow from 12-inch length of red-checked ribbon. Wrap center knot of bow with 1-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon. Glue bow to front of bale, covering glued ends of wrapped ribbons.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the bow to the front of the
   bale at the base of ornament.
   

7. Trim stems from holly leaves. Glue leaves into bow knot on both sides. Trim berry stems, and glue onto holly leaves.
   
   
8. Clip wires protruding from goose's feet. Glue feet to top of bale, with goose turned slightly to side.
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the feet of the goose in place
   to complete the Country Christmas
    Goose ornament.
   

Holiday Holstein

©2006 .
This is the finished Holiday Holstein ornament.

Here's a fun little ornament that is sure to bring a smile to the face of even the biggest Scrooge. Here's what you'll need:

• 4-inch wood cow
• 1/2-inch paintbrush
• Acrylic paint: white, black
• 5/8-inch red wood heart
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 15 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• 3/8-inch cowbell
• 2 holly leaves with berry, 1/2-inch leaves

To construct a Holiday Holstein Ornament:

1. Paint cow with 2 coats of white paint. Let dry. Paint markings on cow with black paint.
   
   
2. Glue heart to side front of cow.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the heart to side front of the cow.
   

3. Cut ribbon into following lengths: 3 inch, 4 inch, and 8 inch. Thread bell onto 3-inch length. Place ribbon around cow's neck, and spot glue ribbon to back of neck.
   
   
4. Make a 1-inch bow from 4-inch ribbon length. Glue bow over ends of 3-inch length of ribbon on cow's neck.
   
   
5. Fold 8-inch ribbon length in half, and tie an overhand knot 1/2 inch from open ends. Glue ends to cow's back halfway along body for hanger.
   
   
6. Glue holly leaves and berry on front of cow, just in front of hanger.
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the holy leaves and berry
   to the front of the ornament.
   

Now it's time to learn about some more refined ornaments. In the next section, we'll learn how to make Victorian ornaments.

Making Victorian Ornaments

Imagine yourself in an earlier time and catch the feeling of Christmas past with a Victorian theme tree. Cornucopias, lace, and pastels will bring the look and feel of this refined era to all your Christmas celebrations.

O Christmas Tree!

©2006 .
Here is the completed
O Christmas Tree! ornament.

A tree for your tree? Trust us, your family will love this delightful ornament. Here's what you will need to make it:

• Scissors
• 2 6x6-inch squares green pattern material
• Pen or pencil
• 6x6-inch square polyester batting
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread to match green material
• 1 yard mini garland
• Needle
• Craft glue
• 4 wood mini ornaments
• 4 gold mini ornaments, 8mm each
• 3 gold mini ornaments, 6mm each
• 11 red bows, 3/8 inch each
• 9 inches red satin ribbon, 1/16 inch wide
• 12 inches red satin ribbon, 1/4 inch wide

To construct an O Christmas Tree! ornament:

1. Copy and cut out the template pattern. Download the template here.
   
   
2. Place pattern on the wrong side of green doubled material, and trace. Cut out tree. Cut out 1 batting tree.
   
   
3. Place material right sides together, and place batting tree on top. Pin together.
   
   
4. Sew pieces together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance; leave an opening at base of tree to turn. Sew again to reinforce seams.
   
   
5. Trim seams, and clip curves. Turn tree right-side out. Sew opening shut.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Trim and clip the branches of your
   Christmas tree ornament.
   

6. Baste garland to tree at seams. (If you have garland left, apply a spot of glue to knot at end of nylon line and attach to back of tree.)
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Apply the garland to the
   ornament at the seams.
   

7. Randomly sew ornaments to tree. Glue 3/8-inch bows above ornaments to cover thread.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Sew the ornaments to the tree
   in a symmetrical pattern.
   

8. Fold 9-inch length of red ribbon in half. Glue ends to back of treetop.
   
   
9. Make a 11/4-inch bow from 12-inch length of red ribbon. Glue to top of tree.

Royal Yule Ornament

©2006 .
Here's an example of a finished
Royal Yule Ornament.

This elegant ornament may seem like it takes days to prepare, but it's actually all in the fabrics you choose. Here's what you'll need:

• 12-inch-square blue fabric
• Scissors
• 3-inch-diameter foam ball
• Sequin pins
• 7 lengths antique gold trim, 4-3/4 inches each
• Hot glue mini gun
• 2 lengths antique gold trim, 3-1/2 inches each
• 5-inch gold tinsel tassel
• 24 inches blue 1/8-inch ribbon
• 24 inches gold 1/8-inch ribbon
• 8 inches blue 1/8-inch ribbon
• 8 inches gold 1/8-inch ribbon

To construct a Royal Yule Ornament:

1. Copy and cut out pattern from the template. Download the template here. On fabric bias, cut 7 pattern pieces from blue fabric.
   
   
2. Attach 7 pieces of fabric to foam ball with pins. Pieces should be evenly distributed around ball and edges will overlap slightly.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Distribute the pieces of fabric
   evenly around the foam ball.
   

3. Measure and cut gold trim into seven 4-3/4-inch lengths and two 3-1/2-inch lengths. Cut blue ribbon into a 24-inch length and an 8-inch length. Cut gold ribbon into same lengths as blue ribbon.
   
   
4. Cover overlapping fabric edges with 4-3/4-inch lengths of gold trim; secure with pins. Hot glue trim in place, removing pins as you glue.
   
   
   ©2006 Publications International,Ltd.
   Cover the seams on the ornament
   with the gold ribbon.
   

5. Glue a 3-1/2-inch length of gold trim in a circle to top of ball and other to bottom, covering trim ends.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue a circle of gold ribbon at
   the top and bottom of the ornament
   to cover the exposed ends.
   

6. Glue tassel to center bottom of gold trim.
   
   
7. Overlap 24-inch lengths of blue and gold ribbon. Make a 1-inch-diameter loopy bow. Tie off bow with 8-inch length of blue gold ribbon. Glue bow to center of gold trim.
   
   
8. To make a hanger, fold 8-inch gold ribbon in half. Glue ends to top of ornament, in middle of loopy bow.

Snow Bird

©2006 .
The finished Snow Bird ornament.

Here's an ornament sure to capture your eye and your imagination. Here are the materials you will need:

• 3-1/2-inch wicker birdcage
• Paring knife
• 5-inch string blue beads, 3mm
• Tweezers
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 2-inch dove
• Wire cutters
• 18 inches white lace, 1/2 inch wide
• 48-1/2 inches blue ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• Craft glue

To construct a Snow Bird ornament:

1. Remove tape from bottom of cage. Slip knife between cage bottom and edge. Pop out bottom.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Using a knife, remove the
   bottom of the cage.
   

2. Pick up 1 end of bead string with tweezers. Apply hot glue to last bead on string. Reach inside cage, and press glued bead to top of cage until glue sets. Repeat with other end of bead string.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the beaded string
   to the top of the cage.
   

3. Clip wires that stick out from bottom of bird. Prop cage partially upright, and hot glue bird to middle of bead string. (Use tweezers to hold bead string still.) Replace cage bottom.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Using tweezers, glue the bird
   to the beaded string.
   

4. Cut lace into the following lengths: 51/2 inch, 4 inch, and 81/2 inch. Cut blue ribbon into the following lengths: 4 inch, 81/2 inch, and two 18 inch.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the 51/2-inch leght of
   lace on top of the cage.
   

5. Use craft glue to place all lace and ribbon. Glue 51/2-inch length of lace on the wicker bars of the cage, just below solid piece of wood at cage's top. Trim lace to overlap 1/4 inch.
   
   
6. Glue 4-inch length of lace to edge of solid piece of wood above lace placed in step 5. Trim lace to overlap 1/4 inch.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the 4-inch length of lace
   below the lace in step 5.
   

7. Glue 4-inch length of blue ribbon over top of lace placed in step 6.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the blue ribbon over
   the top of the lace.
   

8. Glue 81/2-inch length of lace to horizontal piece of wood below lace. Trim lace to overlap 1/4 inch.
   
   
9. Glue 81/2-inch of blue ribbon over top of lace placed in step 8. Trim lace to overlap 1/4 inch.
   
   
10. Make a double bow with 18-inch lengths of blue ribbon. Hot glue ribbon to cage top, right below hook. Let glue dry completely before hanging.

Yuletide Bauble

©2006 .
Here is an example of a finished
Yuletide Bauble ornament.

This arresting ornament can be made with just about any type of flower or color. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• 5 inches tricolor rattail cord, 3mm
• 4 feet 10 inches gold rattail cord, 2mm
• 4 feet red satin rattail cord, 2mm
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• 1 spray red carnations, 1 inch flowers
• Wire cutters
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 2 sprays gold balls, 3mm
• Florist tape
• 2-piece clear plastic egg, 4 inches
• 23-inch string gold beads, 2mm
• 18 gold balls, 9.5mm each
• 8 gold balls, 12mm each

To construct a Yuletide Bauble:

1. Cut tricolor cord into 10-1/2-inch length and 4-1/2-inch length. Cut gold cord into 3-foot length, 1-foot length, and 10-inch length. Cut red cord into 3-foot length and 1-foot length. Sear ends of tricolor cord to prevent unraveling. Apply a dab of craft glue to ends of gold and red cord lengths to prevent unraveling.
   
   
2. Trim bottoms from 3 carnations; arrange them in a circle. Hot glue carnation ends together.
   
   
3. Arrange remaining carnations in a 2-1/2-inch-high spray. Insert a gold ball spray on either side; bind stems together with florist tape. Trim stems.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Insert a gold spray on either side
   of you flower arrangement.
   

4. Trim bottoms of carnation leaves to 1-1/2 inches long. Arrange leaves around bottom of carnation spray, and hot glue in place.
   
   
5. Insert carnation and leaf spray into center of 3-carnation arrangement. Hot glue in place.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the carnation and leaf spray to the
   three carnation arrangement.
   

6. Open plastic egg, and center carnation arrangement in bottom of egg half with inner edge. Hot glue spray in place. Close egg.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the carnation arrangement
   to the to the plastic egg.
   

7. Fold 10-1/2-inch tricolor cord in half. Hot glue middle of cord to bottom of egg, covering seam. Hot glue cord up either side of egg, covering seam. (The cord will not reach to egg top.)
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Hot glue the tricolor cord around
   the seam of the egg.
   

8. Hot glue an end of bead string to an end of tricolor cord near egg top. Make loops with bead string, with 2 longer loops and then 2 shorter loops. Glue loop ends to tricolor cord.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Hot glue the bead string
   near the top of the egg.
   

9. Hot glue 4-1/2-inch tricolor cord around egg top, touching but not covering ends of tricolor cord covering egg seam.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Make sure the tricolor cord
   touches but does not cover the
   cord on the egg seam.
   

10. Hot glue 12mm balls above 4-1/2-inch tricolor cord.
    
    
11. Hot glue 9.5mm balls to cover spaces between larger balls.
    
    
    ©2006 .
    Glue the smaller balls to the
    ornament to fill the blank spaces.
    

12. Make a 1-inch loopy bow from 3-foot lengths of gold and red cord. Use 1-foot lengths of gold and red cord to secure bow. (See page 5 for instructions on making a loopy bow.) Attach loopy bow to egg top with an overhand knot; hot glue in place. (Use 1-foot length of red cord that secured loopy bow to tie overhand knot.)
    
    
13. To make a hanger, insert 10-inch gold cord through a loop at egg top. Tie an overhand knot about 1/2 inch from open ends.

Beaded Ornament Covers

These bejeweled ornaments will be a great addition to your Christmas decorations -- they'll be cherished for years to come. Here are the supplies you'll need:

• Nimo D beading thread
• Scissors
• Beading needle
• 210 seed beads
• 72 bugle beads
• Round glass ornament

To construct a beaded ornament cover:

1. Cut 7 feet of thread from spool. Thread it on beading needle.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Begin stringing beads on the thread.
   

2. First round: String 18 seed beads on thread. Form a circle, and thread through circle again. Secure with a knot.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Once you have strung 18 beads,
   form a circle and tie it off.
   

3. Second round: Place beads on needle in this order: 1 seed bead,1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead, 1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead. Skip 2 seed beads in top circle, and insert needle into third seed bead. Repeat this step 5 more times. After you have gone through the bead on the circle for the last loop, insert needle through first half of first loop (seed bead, bugle bead, seed bead).
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Add the beats in the alternating
   order described above.

4. Third round: Place beads on needle in this order: 1 seed bead,1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead, 1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead. Insert needle through center seed bead of next loop of previous round. Repeat 5 times. After you have completed the round, insert needle through first half of first loop made in this round (seed bead, bugle bead, seed bead).
   
   
   ©2006 .
   By the third round your ornament
   cover will begin to take shape.
   

5. Fourth round: Place beads on needle in this order: 1 seed bead,1 bugle bead, 3 seed beads, 1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead. Insert needle through center seed bead of first loop of previous round. Repeat 5 times. After you have completed the round, insert needle through first half of first loop made in this round (seed bead, bugle bead,2 seed beads).
   
   
   ©2006 .
   By the fourth round you have
   completed the star shape.
   

6. Fifth round: Place beads on needle in this order: 2 seed beads,1 bugle bead, 3 seed beads, 1 bugle bead, 2 seed beads. Insert needle through center seed bead of first loop of previous round. Repeat 5 times. After you have completed the round, insert needle through first half of first loop made in this round (2 seed beads, bugle bead, 2 seed beads).
   
   
7. Sixth round: Place beads on needle in this order: 2 seed beads,1 bugle bead, 4 seed beads, 1 bugle bead, 1 seed bead, 1 bugle bead, 3 seed beads. Place thread around last bead and back through 2 seed beads, 1 bugle, 1 seed bead, 1 bugle bead, 2 seed beads. Place beads on needle: 2 seed beads, 1 bugle bead, 2 seed beads; and thread through center seed bead on next loop from previous round. Repeat 5 times. Secure thread with a knot after last section is attached. Work threads back into beads and knot a few more times. Cut thread. Place beading over ornament, and hang to display.

Strap on your cowboy boots because on our next page we will learn how to make some Western-Themed Ornaments.

Making Western-Themed Ornaments

Put a new and different spin on your Christmas celebration by creating a Western theme for your tree. Decorate your tree with unique ornaments that say the American West: bandanas, cowboys, longhorn steers, and more.

©2006 .
Here is a completed Christmas Kerchief.

Christmas Kerchief

This is a simple but attractive ornament with a country feel. Here's what you will need:

• Red bandanna
• Iron, ironing board
• 2 holly picks with 3 leaves, 3/4-inch leaves
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 8 gold mini pinecones on picks
• 8 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• Red thread
• Needle

To construct a Christmas Kerchief ornament:

1. Iron bandanna. Fold and iron plain border under so only patterned area shows.
   
   
2. Fold bandanna, matching opposite corners, into a triangle. Iron flat.
   
   
   © 2006 .
   Fold the bandana in half,
   cross-wise, to make a triangle.
   

3. Fold long edge down 1/2 inch. Continue folding in same direction until about 2 inches remain unfolded at tip of bandanna.
   
   
4. Fold bandanna in half, with tip as center. Tie a knot in center; do not pull knot too tightly.
   
   
   © 2006 .
   Tie the bandana into a know to
   form the Christmas Kerchief.
   

5. Tie a square knot about 4 inches from ends of bandanna, leaving a hole in middle. Iron ends flat.
   
   
6. Insert a holly pick into each side of last knot made. Place a dab of hot glue into each side to hold holly in place.
   
   
7. Arrange pinecones into 2 groups of 4. Apply hot glue to stems of first group, and place it into sides of knot with holly. Repeat for other group and side.
   
   
8. Fold ribbon in half, and tie an overhand knot near open ends. Sew folded end to back of square knot.
   
   © 2006 .
   Here is a finished Cowgirl Hat ornament.
   

Cowgirl Hat

This fun and sassy ornament will add a honky-tonk feel to your Christmas tree. Here are the materials you will need:

• 12 inches tricolor cord, 4mm wide
• 4-inch white felt Stetson hat
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• Scissors
• 14 rhinestone settings, 4mm
• 7 green rhinestones, 4mm each
• 7 red rhinestones, 4mm each
• Orange stick
• 8 inches gold elastic cord

To construct a Cowgirl Hat ornament:

1. Tie tricolor cord around brim of hat, with knot at side of hat. Place a dab of hot glue at both sides of hat to secure cord to hat.
   
   
2. Trim ends of cord so they overhang hat brim by 1/8 inch. Glue ends to hat brim to secure.
   
   
3. Push points of a rhinestone setting through hat brim from underneath to top. Place a rhinestone into points.
   
   
   © 2006 .
   Push the points of the rhinestone
   settings through the brim of
   the Cowgirl Hat ornament.
   

4. Using orange stick, push points over rhinestone to hold it in place. Repeat until all rhinestones have been placed around brim, alternating green and red rhinestones.
   
   
5. Fold elastic cord in half, and tie an overhand knot about 1 inch from open ends. Glue knot to bottom front edge of brim.
   
   ©2006 .
   Here is a finished On the Trail ornament.
   

On the Christmas Trail

Giddy up! This fun ornament will have you thinking of home on the range. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• Wood horse, about 4x3-1/2 inches
• Acrylic paints: white, brown
• 1/2-inch paintbrush
• 13 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• 2-inch frosted sisal wreath
• Craft glue
• Tweezers
• 7 jingle bells, 6mm each

To construct an On the Christmas Trail ornament:

1. Paint horse white. Let dry, and repaint to cover completely. Let dry. Paint pinto markings with brown paint. Let dry.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Use brown paint to create
   the pinto markings.
   

2. Cut ribbon into an 8-inch length and a 5-inch length.
   
   
3. For hanger, slip 8-inch length of ribbon through wreath and tie an overhand knot about 1/2 inch from open ends. Reshape wreath into an oval.
   
   
4. Slip wreath over horse's head, and place glue on mane where wreath hits. Hold wreath in place until glue sets. (Place ribbon in glue so horse hangs straight.)
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Hold the wreath steady until the glue sets.
   

5. Make a 3/4-inch bow with 5-inch length of ribbon. Glue to right front side of wreath.
   
   
6. Using tweezers, glue jingle bells evenly around wreath.
   
   ©2006 .
   Using tweezers, glue the jingle
   bells onto the ornament.
   

While Christmas is a beloved holiday for people of all ages, it is especially a time for children. On the next page, we will learn how to make children's-themed ornaments.

Making Children's-Themed Ornaments

Children of all ages will love these playful and colorful ornaments. Add some whimsy to your tree with these children's-themed ornaments.

Dinosaur In December

The dinosaur name for this ornament is "triceratops," but this version is much less scary. Here are the materials you will need:

• Felt squares: bright blue, bright yellow
• Scissors
• Pen or pencil
• Polyester batting
• Craft glue
• 6mm wiggle eye
• 10 inches gold thread
• Needle

To construct a Dinosaur In December ornament:

1. Copy and cut out pattern from the template. Download the template here.
   
   
2. Trace pattern on blue felt with a pen or pencil.
   
   
3. Following traced lines, cut out figure. The side with traced lines is wrong side.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Cut out the traced image of
   the dinosaur ornament.
   

4. Place pattern on bright yellow felt, and trace a general shape at least 1/2 inch outside figure.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Trace out a general shape
   of the ornament.
   

5. Cut out shape for backing.
   
   
6. Unfold 1 thickness of batting, and trace main figure on it.
   
   
7. Redraw pattern 1/4 inch inside the traced line.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Redraw the ornament pattern
   inside the traced lines.
   

8. Cut out figure, following inner traced line.
   
   
9. Place batting on top of wrong side of blue felt. Run a thin line of craft glue at edge of figure, being sure that some glue is placed under outside edge of batting.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Place the batting on top of the
   felt and glue it in place.
   

10. Place figure and batting on top of right side of yellow felt backing. Press glued edges of blue felt onto backing. Let dry (about 20 minutes).
    
    
    ©2006 .
    Place the dinosaur and the
    batting to the yellow felt.
    

11. Trim backing material to 1/8 inch of figure, except at spine. Scallop spine edge, leaving about 1/2 inch of material.
    
    
12. Cut out different-size triangular shapes from yellow felt for trim.
    
    
    ©2006 .
    Use the remaining yellow felt to
    make the scales for the ornament.
    

13. Fold triangles in half, and cut a nip out of bottom of triangles. Open flat.
    
    
14. Randomly glue triangles to dinosaur's front.
    
    
    ©2006 .
    Glue the triangles to the ornament
    in a random pattern.
    

15. Glue wiggle eye in place.
    
    
16. To make a hanger, thread needle with gold thread. Draw needle through dinosaur's spine (through both pieces of felt) just below blue edge.
    
    
    ©2006 .
    Draw the gold needle through the
    ornament to make a hanger.
    

17. For a hanger, tie an overhand knot about 4 inches above figure. Cut off excess thread.
    
    ©2006 .
    Here is an example of the
    Noel Rocking Horse ornament.
    

Noel Rocking Horse

Though this ornament is built on an embroidery frame, it actually involves no sewing at all. Here is what you will need:

• 3-inch embroidery frame
• Walnut stain
• Paintbrushes: 1/2 inch, 5/0
• 5x5-inch square muslin
• Scissors
• 10 inches green eyelet, 1/2 inch wide
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 13 inches red satin picot-edged ribbon, 1/4 inch wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• 3-inch rocking horse
• Acrylic paint: white, red, green, yellow

To construct a Noel Rocking Horse ornament:

1. Stain embroidery frame using 1/2-inch paintbrush.
   
   
2. Place muslin in frame, pulling fabric tight. Trim excess material.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Place the muslin into the frame.
   

3. Glue eyelet to back of frame, overlapping ends.
   
   
4. Cut ribbon into a 5-inch length and an 8-inch length. Make a 1-inch bow from 5-inch length of ribbon. Glue bow to frame at metal hardware.
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Glue the bow to the top of
   the embroidery frame.
   

5. Insert 8-inch length of ribbon through metal hardware gap. Tie an overhand knot 1/2 inch from open ends for a hanger.
   
   
6. Paint horse's mane white with 1/2-inch brush. Let dry. Paint horse's body red. Let dry. (For steps 6-9, if needed for full coverage, paint a second coat.)
   
   
   ©2006 .
   Paint the horse's body red and let it dry.
   

7. Paint rocker and saddle green. Let dry. (Horse's ears and tips of rocker will overhang frame, so paint back of horse in these areas. Paint all edges of horse.) Paint mane yellow. Let dry.
   
   
8. Using 5/0 brush, add yellow trim to rocker and saddle areas. Paint a green bow and braid to mane and an eyelid and eyelashes to face.
   
   
9. Glue horse to muslin.
   
   ©2006 .
   To finish the Noel Rocking Horse
   ornament, glue the horse
   to the muslin.
   

Angels and Christmas seem to go together hand-in-hand. In the next section, you will learn how to make angle ornaments.

Making Angel Ornaments

Whether on top of the tree or hanging as an ornament, angels are a Christmas-tree staple. Here are some fun and innovative angel ornaments you can make at home.

©2006 .
This is what the completed
Angel of the Vine ornament
will look like.

Angel of the Vine

This is a new twist on the classic Christmas tree ornament. Before you get started, here's what you will need:

• 10 inches iridescent paper twist, 31/2 inches wide
• Tape measure or yardstick
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 5-inch gold grape spray
• 5/8-inch-diameter wood doll head (with drilled hole)
• Wood wool
• 3 holly leaves, 11/2 inches each
• Wire cutters
• 18 inches gold-edged white ribbon, 1/2 inch wide
• 8 inches white satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide

To construct an Angel of the Vine ornament:

1. Open and flatten paper twist. Cut paper twist into two 5-inch lengths. Fold each piece in half, bringing 3-1/2-inch sides together.
   
   
2. With 1 folded paper twist, gather open ends together and glue. Repeat for other folded paper twist. These are angel's wings.

­

Making Santa Ornaments

Nothing says Christmas like Santa Claus, and now you can see him on your Christmas tree. Here are some fun, homemade Santa Claus ornaments you can make yourself.

Bountiful Santa

This festive ornament is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. Before you begun, here's what you'll need:

©2006 .
Here is an example of the finished
Bountiful Santa ornament.

• Felt squares: red, black
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Foam ball, 3-inch diameter
• Sequin pins
• Wood ball, 30mm diameter
• Paintbrushes: 1/2 inch, 5/0 liner
• Acrylic paint: white, black, blue, red
• White craft fur
• 9 inches red satin ribbon, 1/16 inch wide
• 1/4-inch white pom-pom
• Hot glue gun, glue sticks
• 2 holly leaves with berry, 1/2-inch leaves
• Wire cutters
• 2 candy canes, 21/2 inches each
• 10 inches plaid fabric ribbon, 3/8 inch wide
• Frosted sisal tree, 31/2 inches

To construct a Bountiful Santa ornament:

1. Copy and cut out patterns from template. Download template PDF here.
   
   
2. Unless otherwise noted, use craft glue. Cut body pieces, arms, and hat from red felt. Place glue on foam ball. Attach body pieces to ball, and hold in place with pins; the pieces will overlap slightly. When glue dries, remove pins. Set aside.
   
   
   

How to Make Intricate Christmas Ornaments - Lots More Information

Lots More Information

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