As we gear up for the festive season in 2025, there’s no better way to infuse your holiday decor with personal flair than through DIY Christmas tree ornaments. This year, sustainability, simplicity, and sparkle are trending—think eco-friendly materials, quick crafts, and metallic accents that catch the light just right.
Whether you’re a crafting newbie or a seasoned maker, these ideas use everyday items to create heirloom-worthy baubles. Get ready to transform your tree into a handmade wonderland with these nine easy projects. All you’ll need are basic supplies like glue, scissors, paint, and string—most of which you likely have at home.
1. Painted Gold Foil Baubles
Elevate plain glass or plastic baubles into luxurious gold treasures with this metallic makeover. Perfect for a glamorous 2025 vibe, these ornaments shimmer like vintage heirlooms.
Materials: Clear baubles (from dollar stores), gold leaf foil sheets, PVA glue, soft brush, twine for hanging.
Steps:
- Remove the bauble’s top and pour out any loose contents if needed.
- Apply a thin layer of glue to one half of the bauble’s interior using the brush.
- Press gold foil sheets inside, smoothing out bubbles with your fingers. Let dry for 10 minutes.
- Repeat on the other half, overlapping slightly for full coverage.
- Reattach the top, thread twine through, and tie a bow. Hang and watch the light dance!
Tip: For a modern twist, mix in silver foil patches for a two-tone effect. These take under 30 minutes and add instant elegance to your Christmas tree.
2. Paper Bag Stars

Recycle those grocery bags into rustic, textured stars that nod to 2025’s upcycled trend. Lightweight and budget-friendly, they’re ideal for filling out branches without weighing them down.
Materials: Brown paper lunch bags, scissors, string, stapler or glue.
Steps:
- Flatten two paper bags and cut them into 4-inch squares (about 8-10 per star).
- Fold each square accordion-style into a fan, then staple the base to form a semi-circle.
- Glue or staple two fans together at the edges to create a full star shape.
- Punch a hole in the top and thread string for hanging.
- Crinkle the points gently for a natural, imperfect look.
Tip: Dye the paper with watered-down food coloring for holiday hues like red or green. Craft a dozen in an afternoon for under $5.
3. Folded Paper Star

A classic with a fresh 2025 spin—use metallic or patterned scrapbook paper for stars that pop against evergreen needles. This origami-inspired design is meditative and mess-free.
Materials: Square sheets of paper (6×6 inches), pencil, ruler, string.
Steps:
- Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold.
- Fold in half again perpendicularly, creasing lightly.
- Bring the bottom point to meet the top, folding into smaller triangles.
- Repeat folds on both sides to create points, unfolding as needed to shape the star.
- Poke a hole through the center top and loop string through.
Tip: Experiment with quilling strips for added dimension. These slim stars are perfect for slim trees or as gift tags.
4. Wooden Bead Circle

Channel boho-chic with these neutral, earthy circles—2025’s answer to minimalist decor. Wooden beads give a tactile warmth that’s both modern and timeless.
Materials: Wooden beads (assorted sizes), strong twine or wire, pliers, hot glue.
Steps:
- Cut a 12-inch length of twine and thread on 20-30 beads, alternating sizes.
- Tie ends securely to form a circle, leaving a 2-inch tail for hanging.
- Dab hot glue on knots to reinforce.
- For flair, wrap thin wire around a few beads before stringing.
Tip: Source beads from old necklaces for zero waste. Hang in clusters for a garland effect on larger branches.
5. Folded Stars (using toilet rolls!)

Zero-waste warriors, rejoice! Repurpose toilet paper rolls into dimensional stars that embody 2025’s eco-craft revolution. Kids love this one—it’s sturdy and surprisingly sturdy.
Materials: Empty toilet paper rolls (3-4 per star), scissors, glue gun, paint or markers, ribbon.
Steps:
- Flatten and cut each roll into 1-inch rings (about 8-10 rings total).
- Pinch each ring into a slight curve and glue sides together to form points.
- Layer and glue rings into a star shape, offsetting for fullness.
- Paint edges gold or draw patterns once dry.
- Attach ribbon to the back for hanging.
Tip: Flatten multiple stars and string them as a mobile. This project turns bathroom basics into tree-toppers in 20 minutes.
6. Folded Paper Circle

Soft and subtle, these folded circles bring a whisper of whimsy to your 2025 tree. Use tissue paper for ethereal vibes or cardstock for durability—either way, they’re a breeze to mass-produce.
Materials: Circles of paper (3-5 inches diameter), stapler, ribbon.
Steps:
- Cut 5-7 paper circles and fold each in half twice to create creases.
- Stack them, aligning folds, and staple through the center to secure.
- Fan out the layers like a pom-pom, fluffing each fold.
- Staple ribbon to one side for suspension.
Tip: Layer colors for ombre effects. These lightweight ornaments won’t droop even on the tallest tree.
7. Hessian Star Ornament

For a farmhouse feel that’s trending big in 2025, burlap (hessian) stars add rustic texture. They’re forgiving for beginners and pair beautifully with fairy lights.
Materials: Hessian fabric scraps, star template, scissors, twine, fabric glue.
Steps:
- Trace and cut two star shapes from hessian (4-6 inches wide).
- Fringe the edges by pulling threads for a frayed look.
- Glue edges together, leaving the top open; stuff lightly with batting if desired.
- Thread twine through the top and knot.
Tip: Brush on metallic paint for subtle shine. These hold their shape year after year.
8. Folded Angel Ornament

Angels are eternal, but in 2025, we’re folding them from foil for a celestial glow. This quick craft symbolizes peace and adds vertical interest to your tree.
Materials: Aluminum foil sheets, pipe cleaners, white paper for wings, string.
Steps:
- Fold a 6×6-inch foil square into a cone for the body, twisting the tip for a halo.
- Bend pipe cleaners into arms and wrap around the cone’s “neck.”
- Cut and fold paper into wing shapes, gluing to the back.
- Add a string loop to the halo.
Tip: Personalize with drawn faces using markers. A flock of these creates a heavenly canopy.
9. Rope Baubles

Textural and nautical-inspired, rope-wrapped baubles are 2025’s cozy coastal trend. They’re surprisingly simple and give off major hygge energy.
Materials: Styrofoam balls, jute rope, pins or glue, cinnamon sticks (optional).
Steps:
- Secure one end of rope to the ball with a pin or dab of glue.
- Wrap tightly in even rows, pinning every inch to hold.
- Continue until fully covered, tucking the end under.
- Insert a cinnamon stick topper and loop string through.
Tip: Vary rope thickness for eclectic looks. These scent the air with spice as they hang.
With these DIY ornaments, your 2025 Christmas tree will be a storytelling centerpiece—each bauble a memory in the making. Gather your supplies, enlist family for a craft night, and let the holidays unfold. From gold glam to recycled charm, the magic is in your hands. Happy crafting!
Pictures are taken from https://www.smorhome.com/
