by Candace Williams

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 19, 2011

You can create a wonderful collection of ornaments for your tree.There are two categories of homemade Christmas tree ornaments. There are ornaments which you make for this year only and hang on the tree to add a bit of temporary flair. These are generally edible and include popcorn strings and balls. Some make cookies in various shapes and sizes either creating them so they have a hole in them or baking a string into the cookie which can be used to tie the treat to the tree. Candies wrapped in shiny papers can be strung or hung singly. I have seen gumdrops strung on thread and hung upon the tree. Small presents can be wrapped or put in little cone shaped papers and put on the branches. From natural objects to complicated figurines there are lots of possibilities for anyone to ponder when starting to consider how to make their own ornaments.

Using What Comes Naturally
Dried flowers can be placed on the tree in little bunches or can be strung on thread and then hung up to dry. They can add a nice natural but delicate touch. These can be kept for another year or tossed out and replaced each year. Baby's breath or statice can be used to make small bunches on the tree. Marigolds are quite nice and hold their color well when strung in the fall and hung on the tree in December. Pine cones are often dipped in glitter or painted but can be simply tied together with a bright ribbon and hung from the branches. Bright berries such as bittersweet can be placed on the tree. Tiny strips of birch bark can be used to tie little bows. The white and pink bark can be very pretty against the green of the pine tree. An apple with cloves stuck into it can be a nice smelling tree ornament which can be hung in a closet when the tree is taken down to help you remember the sights and smells of this Christmas. A bundle of three cinnamon sticks can be tied with a bright bow and hung from the tree. After Christmas the sticks can be put back in your herbs and spices in the kitchen or hung up to be a natural air freshener there the rest of the winter or you can take them down when visitors come to your home and use them as swizzle sticks in a hot cup of apple cider.

Making Some Simple Things
Small ornaments to hang on branches can be made by tracing a cookie cutter shape like a star on paper or on clothe. You can put filling between the two shapes and sew them together with a contrasting color of thread. A yarn or thread loop can complete this kind of decoration. A paper star or circle can

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