There’s something about a handmade ornament. When it’s placed on the tree, it brings back memories, a feeling, or a moment in time. And the best part? You don’t have to be an artist or particularly creative to make some awesome homemade ornaments. Pull inspiration from one of these DIY ornaments you can make yourself at home. (Hint: these will make an excellent contribution to The Enclave’s upcoming Holiday Sip & Ornament Exchange!)

Paint Swirl Ornaments

Create a cool marbleized effect with few supplies and little up-front cost. All you need are a few clear plastic ball ornaments and paint. Pick a few acrylic paints you’d like to use, and pour them each in a small pot, adding a little bit of water to make the paint runny. Pour a little of the paint and water mixture into each ornament bulb, and swirl it around to coat areas of the bulb. Combine a few colors in each ornament. The effect is stunning, and each one is so unique!

Wood Slice Ornaments

This one requires a saw and a little bit of an artistic ability, but the outcome is priceless! Before placing your live holiday tree in its stand, carefully saw a slice of wood off the bottom of your tree. Using the wood slice, paint whatever it is you’d like on there - a silhouette of a pet, your home state, a special date in your life, and so forth. Make sure to date the back, and every year, add a new wood slice ornament to the mix.

Dried Citrus Ornaments

There’s something about dried oranges that screams Christmas, right? Or maybe it’s just the stained glass effect they give when light shines through them. Simply grab some oranges at the store, thinly slice them, and bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours or so. Once completely dried, thread twine into the top of each orange slice. Your house will smell amazing, and your tree will look fresh.

Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments

Cinnamon salt dough ornaments are incredibly easy to make and can be completely customizable. The best part? Your home will smell like a baker’s dream. Combine some flour, salt, water, and cinnamon and roll the dough out to a flat surface. Once flat, use whatever cookie cutters you prefer, then bake at low temperature for 2 hours. Pass these cuties out for a delicious smelling, one-of-a-kind ornament.

Give the gift of a handmade ornament, or deck out your own tree by trying out one of these easy DIY decorations. Ready to show them off? Come by The Enclave’s Holiday Sip & Ornament Exchange on Dec. 15 for a glass of wine, and a good old fashioned ornament exchange.