Christmas is the perfect time to bring a little extra magic to your home, and nothing feels more special than handmade decorations. These DIY decoupage fabric ornaments are easy to make and can be customized with your unique style to match your Christmas decor.
I’ve been using thrift store sheets throughout my Christmas decorating this year, and I love the touch of vintage charm they bring. And I thought, why stop there? Matching ornaments made from the same patterned fabric seemed like the perfect finishing touch—the icing on the cake.
These sheets have already found new life in DIY Christmas stockings and a DIY Christmas tree bow topper, and now the leftover fabric scraps are about to shine as delicate fabric ornaments in this DIY decoupage fabric ornament project.
Ready to start this easy Christmas craft idea? Let's dive in and make beautiful ornaments!
DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments
If you love incorporating budget-friendly and sustainable materials into your decor, this project is right up your alley.
Supplies You'll Need
If you don't have these supplies at home already, you can find them at your local craft store.
- Fabric (thrift store sheets or scraps)
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Glass or plastic round clear ornaments (I used Dollar Tree plastic ball ornaments)
- Paint brush
- Decoupage glue (like Mod Podge)
- Ribbon
Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric Strips
Start by cutting your fabric into strips measuring 1/2 inch by 4 inches.
If you’re using the same Dollar Tree clear plastic ornaments I am, this size works perfectly. For a different size plain ornaments, measure from the top to the bottom point to determine the appropriate length of your fabric strips.
Step 2: Remove the Ornament Hanger
Carefully take the ornament caps off the ornament and set it aside. You’ll need it later, so don’t lose it!
Step 3: Apply Decoupage Glue
Using your paintbrush, brush a straight line of decoupage glue from the top of the ornament to the bottom point.
Step 4: Add Your First Piece of Fabric
Place one fabric strip onto the decoupage glue, smoothing down any creases with your fingers to eliminate wrinkles or bubbles.
Step 5: Seal the Fabric with Decoupage Glue
Paint over the fabric strip with another layer of mod podge. This will seal it in place and give it a nice, finished look.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
Apply another coat of mod podge or decoupage glue in a straight line next to the first fabric strip. Add another strip of fabric, leaving a small gap between the two pieces.
Don’t worry about the gaps—we’ll fill them in soon! We want to work in small sections.
Step 7: Cover the Gaps
Paint a thin layer of mod podge or decoupage glue over the open area and place another piece of fabric over it. Smooth it down, then seal it with more glue.
The key here is to lay each piece of fabric as straight as possible to avoid bubbles.
Step 8: Continue Until the Ornament is Covered
Repeat these steps—apply glue, add fabric, and seal with glue—until the entire ornament is covered. Once finished, set the ornament aside to dry completely.
Step 9: Reattach the Hanger
Once the ornament is dry, reattach the hanger you removed earlier.
Step 10: Add a Ribbon Bow
Tie a pretty bow around the hanger hook.
Then tie the ends of the ribbon tails together to create a loop for hanging.
This adds a charming finishing touch and makes the ornament easy to hang on your tree.
Guess what? Your fabric ornament is all finished. There are so many ways you can decorate with easy decoupage ornaments other than on your tree, but adding them to my Christmas tree was the plan all along, so let's give it a look.
It is so pretty all lit up on the tree and coordinates with my decor perfectly!
Decorating Ideas Using DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments
These decoupage Christmas ornaments are versatile and can be used in so many fun ways throughout your holiday decor. You can also make unique designs using different fabrics.
- Decorate Your Christmas Tree: Hang them alongside twinkling lights and other cherished ornaments.
- Hang Them on Stockings: Add a festive touch to your mantel by hanging them on your stockings.
- Use Them on Hooks: Display them on decorative hooks around your home.
- Incorporate Them into Garlands: Add them as embellishments to a garland draped across your mantel or banister.
- Place Them on Dinner Table Settings: Set one on each plate for a special Christmas dinner surprise.
Final Thoughts on DIY Decoupage Fabric Ornaments
I hope you enjoyed this fun project. These DIY decoupage fabric ornaments are not only beautiful and unique ornaments but also easy to make. They’re a fun and simple project that the whole family can enjoy, and the results are stunning. Plus, they’re a great way to upcycle thrift store sheets or fabric scraps into a decorative embellishment that's festive and meaningful.
If you enjoyed this project, you might love some of my other DIYs—I’ll link them for you below.
Have you tried making fabric ornaments before? Let me know in the comments below, and good luck creating your own little works of art this holiday season!
Happy Crafting!
