When the chill of winter settles in and twinkling lights begin to glow, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by decorating your outdoor space with DIY Christmas ornaments. From rustic wood slices to glittering giant baubles, crafting your own outdoor Christmas ornaments not only saves money but also adds a warm, personal touch to your home’s holiday display.
In this complete guide, you’ll discover 25+ outdoor ornament ideas, material lists, step-by-step tutorials, and pro tips to help you create stunning decorations that can withstand winter weather — all while spreading festive cheer!
🎅 Why Make Your Own Outdoor Christmas Ornaments?
Before diving into the DIY magic, let’s explore why handmade outdoor ornaments are worth the effort:
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- Budget-Friendly: You can reuse materials like plastic balls, wood, jars, or even old tin cans.
- Customizable: Match your color scheme or theme — rustic, elegant, modern, or whimsical.
- Durable: DIY means you can use weather-resistant materials suited for your climate.
- Eco-Friendly: Upcycle old items instead of buying new plastic décor.
- Family Fun: It’s a great bonding activity for kids and adults alike.
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
While each project is unique, here’s a general list of essentials to keep on hand:
- Clear plastic or shatterproof ornament balls
- Acrylic paint & outdoor sealant spray
- Hot glue gun & waterproof adhesive
- Glitter, ribbon, and jute twine
- Pinecones, wood slices, or cinnamon sticks
- Waterproof markers or paint pens
- Mini string lights (battery operated)
- Old CDs, mason jar lids, or tin cans
- Clear sealant spray (for protection against moisture)
Pro Tip: Always finish your outdoor ornaments with a waterproof sealant or polyurethane spray to protect them from snow and rain.
🌟 1. Giant Plastic Ball Ornaments
Want to make your yard pop? Create giant ornaments using large plastic balls or old beach balls!
Materials:
- Inflatable ball or round plastic bowl
- Spray paint (metallic red, green, or gold)
- Plastic cup or lid (for ornament top)
- Silver duct tape
- Twine or ribbon
Instructions:
- Spray paint the ball in your chosen color.
- Glue a plastic cup upside-down to the top to mimic the ornament cap.
- Wrap silver duct tape around it to resemble metal.
- Attach twine for hanging.
- Place them along pathways, trees, or porch corners.
Pro Tip: Add battery-powered lights inside for a glowing nighttime effect.
🌲 2. Rustic Wood Slice Ornaments
Bring a cozy farmhouse charm to your outdoor décor.
Materials:
- Wood slices (drilled for hanging)
- Acrylic paint or wood-burning tool
- Jute string
- Clear waterproof varnish
How to Make:
- Draw or stencil festive designs — snowflakes, reindeer, or “Merry Christmas.”
- Paint or wood-burn them.
- Seal with varnish and add jute string for hanging.
- Hang them on outdoor trees, wreaths, or garlands.
Design Idea: Write family names or Christmas countdown numbers for a personal touch!
❄️ 3. Snow Globe Mason Jar Ornaments
Transform mason jars into mini snow globes that look magical on your porch.
Materials:
- Mason jars
- Mini Christmas trees or figurines
- Artificial snow or Epsom salt
- Hot glue
- Ribbon
Steps:
- Glue mini trees or figures inside the jar lid.
- Fill jar with snow or salt.
- Screw the lid back on and turn upside down.
- Tie a ribbon and hang or place on outdoor steps.
Pro Tip: Use waterproof glue and silicone seal around the lid for outdoor safety.
🎁 4. Tin Can Lantern Ornaments
Old tin cans become charming rustic lanterns for outdoor spaces.
Materials:
- Empty tin cans
- Hammer and nail
- Outdoor paint
- Tea light candles or LED lights
Directions:
- Fill cans with water and freeze overnight (so they won’t dent).
- Hammer nail holes in snowflake or star patterns.
- Paint and let dry.
- Place LED candles inside for a magical glow.
Display Idea: Hang them from shepherd’s hooks along your garden path.
✨ 5. Glitter Pinecone Ornaments
Nature meets sparkle in this simple yet elegant project.
Materials:
- Large pinecones
- Mod Podge or waterproof glue
- Glitter (silver, gold, or red)
- Ribbon or wire
Instructions:
- Brush glue on pinecone tips.
- Sprinkle glitter generously.
- Let dry and spray sealant.
- Add ribbon for hanging.
Pro Tip: Use Epsom salt instead of glitter for a frosty, natural look.
🧤 6. Mitten Garland Ornaments
Hang adorable mittens as ornaments on outdoor fences or porch railings.
Materials:
- Old mittens or baby gloves
- Clothespins
- Twine or rope
- Evergreen branches
How to Make:
- Clip mittens onto twine using clothespins.
- Add evergreen pieces or pinecones between each pair.
- Drape across porch railings or windows.
💡 7. Light Bulb Ornaments
Upcycle old bulbs into dazzling ornaments!
Materials:
- Burnt-out bulbs
- Outdoor acrylic paint
- Glitter
- Ribbon for hanging
Steps:
- Paint bulbs in festive colors or snowman designs.
- Add glitter accents.
- Spray sealant and tie ribbon around the top.
Idea: Arrange them in a basket for a vintage outdoor display.
🎨 8. Painted Rock Ornaments
Rocks make durable, weather-proof ornaments.
Materials:
- Smooth stones
- Outdoor paint pens or acrylics
- Sealant
Instructions:
- Paint designs like Santa faces, stars, or reindeer.
- Seal with waterproof varnish.
- Place them in garden beds or hang with wire.
🎅 9. Candy Cane PVC Ornaments
Big, bold candy canes can be made with PVC pipes!
Materials:
- ½ inch PVC pipes
- Red electrical tape
- Heat gun (optional for bending)
How to Make:
- Wrap red tape diagonally around pipe.
- Use heat gun to slightly bend one end into a cane shape.
- Place them along walkways or hang near doors.
🎀 10. Wreath Ball Ornaments
Make spherical “wreath” ornaments using grapevine balls.
Materials:
- Grapevine or rattan balls
- Mini LED fairy lights
- Ribbon
Instructions:
- Wrap fairy lights around the ball.
- Tie ribbon on top.
- Hang from porch ceilings or outdoor trees.
🎠 11. Rustic Burlap Ornaments
Perfect for a farmhouse or country-themed outdoor display.
Materials:
- Burlap fabric
- Ribbon, lace, and buttons
- Foam balls
How to Make:
- Wrap foam balls in burlap.
- Secure with glue or pins.
- Add lace or buttons for accents.
- Hang with twine.
🌟 12. CD Snowflake Ornaments
Add sparkle using old CDs — they reflect light beautifully!
Materials:
- Old CDs
- Scissors and hot glue
- Foam snowflake cutouts
How to Make:
- Cut CDs into small mosaic pieces.
- Glue onto foam snowflake shapes.
- Drill a small hole and hang with fishing line.
🕯️ 13. Jar Lid Ornaments
Recycle mason jar lids into rustic ornaments.
Materials:
- Jar lids
- Fabric scraps
- Glue gun
- Mini decorations (bells, berries, etc.)
Steps:
- Cut fabric circles and glue inside lids.
- Decorate with tiny embellishments.
- Attach twine to hang.
❄️ 14. Snowflake String Ornaments
Bring the magic of falling snow outdoors.
Materials:
- Foam or wooden snowflake cutouts
- White paint and glitter
- String or fishing wire
Instructions:
- Paint snowflakes white or silver.
- Sprinkle glitter and let dry.
- Hang them in varying lengths from your porch.
🎄 15. Upcycled Plastic Bottle Ornaments
Eco-friendly and vibrant!
Materials:
- Plastic bottles
- Scissors and paint
- Ribbons
Directions:
- Cut bottle bottoms into flower shapes.
- Paint in festive colors.
- Add glitter and ribbon for hanging.
🕯️ 16. Rustic Lantern Balls
Create cozy lantern globes that glow through the night.
Materials:
- Wire baskets or mesh globes
- LED candles or fairy lights
- Evergreen sprigs
How to Make:
- Fill baskets with lights and greenery.
- Tie ribbons and hang or place on outdoor tables.
🌲 17. Giant Bow Ornaments
Simple yet striking!
Materials:
- Weather-resistant red ribbon
- Floral wire
Instructions:
- Create oversized bows.
- Use wire to hold shape.
- Attach to trees, wreaths, or outdoor pillars.
🧶 18. Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
Soft and cozy ornaments perfect for rustic setups.
Materials:
- Foam balls
- Yarn (red, green, white)
- Glue
How to Make:
- Wrap yarn tightly around each ball.
- Secure ends with glue.
- Add a loop for hanging.
✨ 19. Metallic Painted Ornaments
Go glam with metallic spray paint!
Materials:
- Old baubles or plastic balls
- Gold, silver, or copper spray paint
Steps:
- Lay ornaments on newspaper.
- Spray evenly and let dry.
- Seal with clear coat for weather protection.
🎁 20. DIY Outdoor Ornament Chandelier
Turn your porch ceiling into a winter wonderland!
Materials:
- Old hula hoop
- Ribbon and ornaments
- LED string lights
How to Make:
- Wrap hoop with lights and ribbon.
- Hang ornaments at different lengths.
- Suspend from ceiling or tree branch.
🌟 Outdoor Ornament Display Tips
- Stick to 2–3 main colors for a cohesive look.
- Use LED lights only — they’re safe and energy-efficient.
- Secure ornaments tightly to withstand wind.
- Layer different textures: wood, metal, glass, and fabric.
- Protect with clear sealant spray for durability.
🎨 Bonus: Kids’ Outdoor Ornament Ideas
- Painted pinecones
- Popsicle stick snowflakes
- Beaded garlands
- Handprint-painted wood discs
🎅 Final Thoughts
DIY outdoor Christmas ornaments let you express your creativity and bring festive magic right to your doorstep. Whether you prefer rustic wood tones or glittering metallics, these handcrafted pieces will make your home shine all season long — and your guests will be amazed by your creativity!
So grab your glue gun, queue up some Christmas music, and start crafting your winter wonderland.
❓ FAQs About DIY Outdoor Christmas Ornaments
1. How do I make outdoor ornaments weatherproof?
Use outdoor acrylic paints, waterproof glue, and finish every piece with a clear sealant spray like polyurethane.
2. Can I use glass ornaments outdoors?
It’s best to avoid them — instead, choose plastic or shatterproof alternatives for safety.
3. What’s the best way to hang ornaments outside?
Use zip ties, fishing line, or weather-resistant hooks to secure them against strong winds.
4. How long do outdoor ornaments last?
If sealed properly, most can last 2–3 seasons before needing touch-ups.
5. Can kids help make outdoor ornaments?
Yes! Just stick to safe materials like paper, felt, or plastic, and supervise when using glue guns or spray paint.
