Decorating your Christmas tree with paper mâché ornaments is a fantastic way to add a personal, handmade touch to your holiday decor while being eco-friendly. By recycling old newspapers, magazines, or scrap paper, you can create ornaments that are both beautiful and sustainable. With endless customization options, from paint to glitter, paper mâché ornaments can complement any holiday theme—traditional, modern, rustic, or whimsical.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create DIY recycled paper mâché ornaments from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these ornaments are fun and easy to make, and they’re perfect for crafting with family or friends.
1. Why Choose Paper Mâché Ornaments?
Paper mâché ornaments are a timeless, budget-friendly craft that has stood the test of time. By using recycled paper, you’re not only cutting down on waste but also creating decor that is lightweight, durable, and completely customizable.
Benefits of Paper Mâché Ornaments:
- Eco-Friendly: Repurpose old paper, reducing waste and contributing to sustainable holiday decor.
- Customizable: You can shape, paint, and decorate them in any style to match your tree’s theme.
- Lightweight: Perfect for hanging on delicate branches without weighing them down.
- Budget-Friendly: Made from materials you already have at home, like scrap paper, flour, and water.
- Fun for All Ages: This is a great craft to do with kids, as it’s safe and easy to work with.
Paper mâché ornaments offer a beautiful, handmade alternative to store-bought decorations, adding a personal touch to your Christmas tree.
2. Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather the materials needed for your paper mâché ornament project. Most of these items are likely already in your home.
Materials for DIY Paper Mâché Ornaments:
- Recycled Paper:
- Old newspapers, magazines, or scrap paper.
- Avoid glossy or heavily coated paper for easier absorption.
- Paper Mâché Paste:
- Flour and water (for homemade paste).
- Or use liquid craft glue diluted with water.
- Balloon or Mold (for Shapes):
- Small balloons for round ornaments.
- Cookie cutters, cardboard shapes, or plastic molds for different designs.
- Paint and Brushes:
- Acrylic paint, spray paint, or markers for decorating.
- Metallic or glitter paint for a festive touch.
- Decorative Materials:
- Glitter, sequins, or beads for embellishments.
- Ribbon, twine, or yarn for hanging loops.
- Stick-on gems or festive stickers.
- Tools:
- Scissors or craft knife for trimming edges.
- A skewer or hole punch for creating holes for hanging.
- Optional Add-Ons:
- Mod Podge or clear sealant to protect and finish the ornaments.
- Stencils for precise patterns or lettering.
3. How to Make Recycled Paper Mâché Ornaments: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating paper mâché ornaments is a simple and enjoyable process. Here’s how to make them from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare Your Paper Mâché Paste
Option 1: Flour and Water Paste
- Mix 1 part flour with 2 parts water in a bowl.
- Stir until you achieve a smooth, pancake-batter consistency.
- Add a pinch of salt to prevent mold.
Option 2: Glue Paste
- Mix 1 part white glue with 1 part water.
- Stir well until fully blended.
Set the paste aside while you prepare the paper.
Step 2: Tear or Cut the Paper
- Tear old newspapers, magazines, or scrap paper into small strips (about 1×3 inches).
- Tearing the paper (rather than cutting) creates frayed edges that blend better in the mâché process.
Step 3: Create Your Ornament Base
Choose the shape and base for your ornament:
A. Round Ornaments (Using Balloons):
- Blow up small balloons to your desired ornament size.
- Tie the end of the balloon tightly to maintain its shape.
- This will serve as the mold for your paper mâché.
B. Flat Ornaments (Using Molds):
- Cut shapes from cardboard or use cookie cutters to create a sturdy base.
- Alternatively, use plastic molds or press the mâché directly into a bowl or container for shaped designs.
Step 4: Apply the Paper Mâché Layers
- Dip a strip of paper into the paste, letting excess paste drip off.
- Smooth the strip onto your base (balloon, cardboard, or mold), covering the surface evenly.
- Overlap the edges of the strips to ensure a sturdy, seamless finish.
- Repeat the process until the base is completely covered with 2-3 layers of paper.
- Allow the first layer to dry for several hours before adding additional layers.
Step 5: Dry the Ornaments
- Let the ornaments dry completely, preferably overnight. Place them on a drying rack or hang them using clothespins.
- For faster drying, use a fan or place the ornaments near a warm, dry area.
Step 6: Remove the Mold or Balloon
- Once the paper mâché is dry and hard, carefully pop and remove the balloon (for round ornaments).
- For molds or flat shapes, gently lift the paper mâché off the mold. Trim any rough edges with scissors or a craft knife.
Step 7: Paint and Decorate
- Apply a base coat of acrylic or spray paint in your desired color. Let it dry.
- Add festive designs like snowflakes, stars, or holly leaves using stencils or freehand painting.
- Use glitter, sequins, or stick-on gems to make the ornaments sparkle.
Step 8: Add Hanging Loops
- Use a skewer or hole punch to create a small hole at the top of the ornament.
- Thread ribbon, twine, or yarn through the hole and tie a knot to create a hanging loop.
Step 9: Seal and Finish
- For durability, apply a coat of Mod Podge or clear sealant to protect the paint and decorations.
4. Creative Ideas for Customizing Paper Mâché Ornaments
Make your ornaments unique by tailoring them to your holiday decor theme. Here are some creative ideas:
Rustic and Natural:
- Use neutral paint tones like white, beige, or soft green.
- Decorate with dried flowers, burlap, or tiny pinecones.
Glitter and Glam:
- Paint the ornaments metallic gold, silver, or rose gold.
- Add glitter accents or rhinestones for extra sparkle.
Vintage Charm:
- Decoupage the ornaments with pieces of old sheet music, vintage maps, or holiday postcards.
- Use sepia tones and lace accents for an aged, nostalgic look.
Kids’ Creations:
- Let kids paint fun holiday shapes like reindeer, snowmen, or Santa.
- Add googly eyes, pom-poms, and pipe cleaner antlers for whimsical touches.
Personalized Ornaments:
- Write names, initials, or special dates using a paint pen or stencil.
- These make wonderful keepsakes or gifts.
5. Using Your Paper Mâché Ornaments
Once your ornaments are complete, it’s time to show them off!
Ideas for Display:
- Christmas Tree Decor: Hang them on your tree as a mix-and-match decoration.
- Gift Embellishments: Attach an ornament to a wrapped present for a thoughtful extra touch.
- Garlands: String multiple ornaments together to create a festive garland for your mantel or doorway.
- Centerpieces: Arrange them in a decorative bowl with greenery and fairy lights for a table centerpiece.
6. Tips for Success
- Avoid Soggy Paper: Don’t over-saturate the paper strips in the paste; let excess drip off before applying.
- Use Thin Layers: Multiple thin layers dry better than one thick layer, reducing the risk of cracks.
- Be Patient: Allow plenty of drying time between steps to ensure your ornaments are sturdy.
- Work Clean: Lay down newspaper or a plastic sheet to protect your workspace from glue and paint spills.
- Experiment with Shapes: Try stars, hearts, bells, or abstract designs to diversify your ornaments.
7. Why These Ornaments Make Great Gifts
Paper mâché ornaments are not just decorations—they’re heartfelt, handmade gifts. Personalize them with names, initials, or custom designs to make them meaningful keepsakes. Pair them with a handwritten card or small holiday treat for a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.
8. Final Thoughts: Handmade Magic for the Holidays
DIY recycled paper mâché ornaments bring together sustainability, creativity, and holiday cheer in one delightful project. Whether you’re crafting alone, with family, or with friends, this activity is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while giving old paper a new purpose. With endless customization options, these ornaments will add a personal, festive touch to your tree and holiday decorations for years to come.
FAQs
1. Can I use glossy paper for paper mâché?
Glossy paper is harder to work with, but it can be used if torn into smaller pieces. Matte paper is easier to absorb paste.
2. How long does it take for paper mâché to dry?
Each layer takes 4-8 hours to dry. Allow 24 hours for the ornaments to dry completely before decorating.
3. Can kids make paper mâché ornaments?
Yes! Paper mâché is safe and fun for kids, though adult supervision may be needed for cutting or trimming.
4. How do I prevent mold in the paste?
Add a pinch of salt or a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree oil) to the paste to prevent mold.
5. Can I make paper mâché without a mold?
Yes! You can shape the paper mâché freehand, but molds or balloons make the process easier.
6. What paint works best for decorating?
Acrylic paint is ideal as it dries quickly and provides vibrant colors.
7. How can I make ornaments shiny?
Use a clear gloss sealant or Mod Podge to add a shiny finish.
8. Can I store leftover paper mâché paste?
Paste can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. What other shapes can I make?
Try stars, snowflakes, bells, or even abstract geometric designs for a modern look.
10. Are paper mâché ornaments durable?
Yes, if sealed properly, they are lightweight yet sturdy and can be reused for years.