What a fun addition to your holiday decor! This vintage-styled paper holly leaf Christmas ornament or decoration is a truly beautiful addition to your home this year. I love adding hints of the past to my decor, and nothing beats a little vintage styling on the tree. This paper holly leaf idea can be used in many ways from on the tree to as a gift topper and is ideal for making with kids!
Paper Holly Leaf Christmas Ornament
If you like a little vintage style from the 1950s or 1960s, then this idea for a little ornament is sure to be a hit. I find this to be a good vintage or Mid Century Modern styled item that is fast to make, inexpensive, and fun for kids. It's beautiful on its own as an ornament but is versatile to use in other holiday decor projects. No matter how you display this craft, or how many you happen to make, it is definitely a great addition to your holiday crafting plans.
If you need more easy holiday craft ideas, look no further than this great list of Christmas ornaments to hang on your tree, or even these fun crochet Christmas patterns. There are so many great ideas that can add to your holiday decor!
How Can I Use This to Decorate?
While it looks like it works best as an ornament, you don't have to stop there. This craft can be added to so many different things around the holidays. Below are a few that I think are perfect for using this when it has been completed.
- Hang on to the Christmas tree.
- Attach to the top of holiday gifts or gift baskets.
- Add several to rope or ribbon to create a holiday mantle garland.
- Attached to Chrismast wreaths for a fun addition to your front door.
- Make smaller versions with individual names on the leaves as place settings for Christmas dinner.
- Glue to a floral wire or stick and make a bouquet as a centerpiece.
What Paper is Best for This Ornament?
When you are making this paper holly leaf, you will want to make sure you are using thick paper. Thin paper with not hold the shape well or it will easily be crushed. You can use cardstock paper or you can use construction paper. The scrapbook paper is another type of paper that will be thick enough but will also look beautiful.
Foam paper is a good choice for the actual leaves on this ornament but you can make the same with paper and glitter if you want. It's just a simple dollar store project and doesn't require a lot of supplies. Use your imagination and you'll be able to customize this with what you already have on hand.
What Should I Use for The Berries?
You can make this paper holly leaf’s berries by using red beads. If you want something a bit different, You can also use little bells that you paint red. Anything that is circular and comes in this small size can be used to make the berries.
For the part hanging out of the "flower", you can use beads, bells, or any longer bead that will slip onto the pipe cleaners. Again, it's not something you have to make perfect, but to use as inspiration for your own craft.
Supplies Needed
- Green foam paper
- Yellow craft paper
- Gold pipe cleaners
- Red beads
- Scissors
- Pencil or pen
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue stick
How to Make a Vintage Holly Leaf Ornament
Trace and cut out 2 circles, approximately 6" wide, from the yellow paper, then set them aside.
On the back of the green glitter foam paper, trace a holly leaf shape.
Cut this out and use it as a template to cut out a total of 3 leaves per ornament. Set these aside.
Fold one gold pipe cleaner in half, then twist the top folded end to create a loop.
Slide a red bead onto each dangling end of the pipe cleaner. Twist the ends to secure the bead in place.
Place the pipe cleaner on top of the yellow circle of paper with the loop over the top edge and the dangles hanging down on top of the circle.
Fold the paper over the top to create a crease then put a drop of glue in the crease. Press the pipe cleaner back on the glue.
Then wrap the paper over creating a "bell" shape that is open on the bottom and glue along the edges to create the shape and secure the beads and pipe cleaner on the inside.
Glue three of the leaf pieces you cut out before together, stacking on top of each other at an angle.
Attach these toward the top of the bell on the seam side, with hot glue.
Glue three small red beads on top of the leaf pieces where they connect.
Repeat with the second circle of paper, or as many as you want to make.
Hang on your tree or use it as desired for the holiday season decorations.
More Easy Christmas Ornament Ideas
Itching to make more fun things to go on your holiday tree? Of course, I have tons of fun Christmas ornament ideas to set you up for a rustic and fun holiday look on your tree. Below are some favorites for you to print, pin, or bookmark to make this holiday season!
- Adorable Snowman Craft Stick Photo Ornament
- Colorful Christmas Pinecone Ornaments
- Sparkly DIY Cupcake or Muffin Christmas Ornament
- Charming Craft Stick Gingerbread House Ornament
- Rustic Old Book Page Snowman Paper Ornament
Vintage Style Paper Holly Leaf Christmas Ornament
Make an adorable vintage styled paper holly leaf Christmas decoration with just a few supplies and your imagination!
Instructions
- Trace and cut out 2 circles, approximately 6" wide, from the yellow paper, then set them aside.
- On the back of the green glitter foam paper, trace a holly leaf shape.
- Cut this out and use it as a template to cut out a total of 3 leaves per ornament. Set these aside.
- Fold one gold pipe cleaner in half, then twist the top folded end to create a loop.
- Slide a red bead onto each dangling end of the pipe cleaner. Twist the ends to secure the bead in place.
- Place the pipe cleaner on top of the yellow circle of paper with the loop over the top edge and the dangles hanging down on top of the circle.
- Fold the paper over the top to create a crease then put a drop of glue in the crease. Press the pipe cleaner back on the glue.
- Then wrap the paper over creating a "bell" shape that is open on the bottom and glue along the edges to create the shape and secure the beads and pipe cleaner on the inside.
- Glue three of the leaf pieces you cut out before together, stacking on top of each other at an angle.
- Attach these toward the top of the bell on the seam side, with hot glue.
- Glue three small red beads on top of the leaf pieces where they connect.
- Repeat with the second circle of paper, or as many as you want to make.
- Hang on your tree or use it as desired for the holiday season decorations.
Notes
Hang these on your Christmas tree, a wreath, or as part of your fireplace mantle decoration.
Recommended Products
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Finished Project Gallery
Use jingle bells instead of beads for a different look to add to a door or wreath.
You can use any color paper, but yellow, gold, and green work best for a more natural look.
Add mistletoe to these and hang from a doorway for a fun twist on the classic holiday "kissing" trick!
Rebecca Payne
SO CUTE!