Crafting a Cozy Christmas: DIY Scandinavian Tree Ornaments

Finding holiday decorations that align with a minimalist aesthetic can be a challenge. Let’s be honest, the holiday season isn’t exactly known for its restraint! If you’re seeking a more understated and natural holiday style, then these DIY Scandinavian-inspired ornaments are perfect for you.

As my personal taste leans increasingly towards minimalism, I’ve found inspiration in Scandinavian design to create these simple and festive ornaments. The beauty of this style lies in its simplicity, natural elements, and ability to evoke a sense of holiday cheer without overwhelming the space.

Continue reading to discover how to craft these three unique decorations, allowing you to style your own minimal holiday tree with a touch of Scandinavian charm. Get ready to embrace the “hygge” spirit and infuse your home with warmth and simplicity this holiday season.

First, we’ll dive into creating a remarkably simple DIY wood bead ornament. It’s so easy that you might not even need instructions! However, for the sake of providing a thorough guide, read on and follow the steps to create your own charming wood bead ornament.

Materials

• Wood beads in three different sizes
• Metallic embroidery thread, or other string for hanging
• Scissors
• Optional: a needle with a large eye

Step 1: Prepare the Hanging Loop

Begin by cutting a length of thread approximately 10 inches long. Fold the thread in half, creating a loop. Then, tie a double knot about 1/3 of the way down from the folded end. This knot will secure the hanging loop for your ornament.

Step 2: Thread the Beads

Now it’s time to thread the wood beads onto the string. Start with the largest bead, followed by the medium-sized bead, and finally the smallest bead. This creates a visually appealing graduated effect. If you’re using metallic embroidery floss, which can sometimes unravel, a needle with a large eye can be helpful to guide the beads onto the thread smoothly.

Step 3: Secure and Trim

Once all three beads are threaded onto the string, tie a double knot snugly under the last bead to secure them in place. Finally, trim the excess ends of the thread, leaving a clean and polished finish. Voila! Your DIY wood bead ornament is complete.

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Next, let’s introduce a touch of color to our minimal Christmas tree with these charming DIY mini cranberry wreath ornaments. Aren’t they simply adorable? These little wreaths bring a festive pop of red and a natural element to your holiday decor.

Materials

• Fresh cranberries
• Floral wire
• Strong scissors or wire cutters
• Waxed cotton cord, or other string for hanging

Step 1: Form the Wire Circle

Cut a length of floral wire approximately 10 inches long. Gently shape the wire into a circle. This circle will serve as the base for your mini cranberry wreath.

Step 2: Thread the Cranberries

Carefully thread the fresh cranberries onto the wire circle. Continue adding cranberries until the wreath reaches your desired size and fullness. Be sure to leave a small gap to close the wreath.

Step 3: Close the Wreath

To close the wreath, twist together the ends of the wire securely, similar to how you would close a twisty-tie. Ensure that the cranberries are held firmly in place.

Step 4: Trim the Wire Ends

Using strong scissors or wire cutters, carefully snip off any excess wire ends. This will create a cleaner and safer finish for your ornament.

Step 5: Add Hanging Cord

Finally, attach a length of waxed cotton cord or your preferred string to hang the ornament. Loop the cord around the wire wreath and tie a secure knot. And with that, your DIY mini cranberry wreath ornament is complete and ready to adorn your tree!

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To complete our Scandinavian-inspired holiday tree, every tree deserves a star or two! This DIY wood star tree topper might appear intricate, but trust me, it’s surprisingly simple to create. And to make things even easier, I’ve included a printable template!

Materials

• 8-pointed star template
• Balsa wood (I’m linking to it so you can see what I used, but balsa wood is much cheaper
  when purchased in a craft store, so you don’t have to buy such large quantities!)
• Craft knife
• Pencil
• Paint and brushes
• Thick jewelry wire, 14 gauge or lower

Not pictured: a sturdy ruler, cutting mat, wire cutters, and a hot glue gun.

Step 1: Prepare the Wood Pieces

Begin by printing the provided star template onto cardstock for added durability. Cut out the three individual shapes from the template: the square and the two different sized points. The complete star outline is included to provide a visual reference for the finished piece.

Next, trace the cut-out shapes onto the balsa wood using a pencil. Using a craft knife and a sturdy ruler, carefully cut out the traced shapes from the balsa wood. You will need one square, four large points, and four small points to assemble the star.

Step 2: Paint the Small Points

Paint the four small points with two coats of white paint. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats. For an extra touch of shimmer and elegance, consider using a metallic paint for this step.

Step 3: Assemble the Star

Carefully glue the points of the star to the square base, alternating between the large and small points. Ensure that the points are evenly spaced around the square for a balanced and symmetrical appearance. Use hot glue for a strong and quick bond.

If your cuts aren’t perfectly accurate, you may need to trim the last piece slightly to ensure a proper fit. Don’t worry, this is a common occurrence and easily remedied!

Step 4: Create the Wire Spiral Base

Cut a length of thick jewelry wire approximately 10 inches long. Form the wire into a spiral shape to create the base that will attach the star to the top of your tree. I wrapped the wire around my index finger, as that was approximately the size of the top of my tree. Be sure to leave a long tail on the narrower end of the spiral.

Step 5: Attach the Spiral to the Star

Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach the “tail” of the wire spiral to the back of the star. Ensure that the spiral is securely glued to the center of the star’s back. You can adjust the width of the wire spiral to perfectly fit the top of your tree. That’s all there is to it! Your DIY wood star tree topper is now ready to shine.

With these three simple yet elegant DIY ornaments, you can effortlessly create a gorgeous, Scandinavian-style tree for the holidays! Enjoy the process of crafting these decorations and bringing a touch of Nordic charm to your home.

How do you prefer to decorate for the holidays? Are you drawn to minimalist designs or maximalist displays? Share your decorating style and preferences in the comments below!