Transform Your Old Christmas Ball Ornaments with Decoupage: A DIY Guide

Every holiday season brings with it a wave of cherished memories and the comforting warmth of tradition. For many, Christmas ornaments are more than just decorations; they are tangible links to past celebrations, family stories, and personal milestones. Over the years, our collections grow – some pieces are lovingly handed down, others are carefully chosen, and some, like mine, come from incredible finds at post-holiday sales. As our personal decorating styles evolve, these collections often need a refresh. This year, instead of buying new, I embarked on a delightful DIY project to transform some dated Christmas ball ornaments, giving them a new life with the timeless art of decoupage and beautiful hand-scripted paper.

My own collection has seen many transformations. From bright, bold colors to more muted, natural palettes, my home’s aesthetic has shifted. This has led me to thoughtfully curate my ornament stash, passing beloved pieces to my daughters, donating those that no longer fit my vision, and holding onto those with deep sentimental value or the potential for an easy makeover. The goal is always to create a cohesive and heartfelt holiday display that reflects my current style without breaking the bank.

DIY faux large cast stone planter bowl filled with white glittered Christmas ornaments. — *Our newly decoupaged ornaments nested in a faux cast stone planter.*

Just recently, I shared a tutorial on crafting a large faux cast stone bowl planter for my foyer. This beautiful, lightweight piece became the perfect vessel for showcasing my newly transformed ornaments. I filled the bowl with shredded paper, natural moss, and a collection of these once-fuchsia ornaments that I originally acquired years ago at one of those fantastic display sales I mentioned earlier.

For this project, I wanted to infuse a touch of classic elegance and personal meaning. I decided to use a favorite font to create a sheet of pretty handwritten-script paper, featuring the enchanting lyrics from “Somewhere in My Memory” – a beloved song from the iconic Christmas movie, Home Alone. This not only added a beautiful visual texture but also a layer of nostalgic charm to each ornament. The process of transforming these ornaments involved simply cutting the printed paper into strips and decoupaging them onto the ornament surfaces. The details of this easy and rewarding craft are outlined below, inviting you to create your own unique holiday treasures.

Somewhere in my memory lyrics from Home Alone. Free printable hand-script paper for Christmas crafts. — Font Used: **Black Diamond Regular**

Before the Transformation: A Glimpse of the Original Ornaments

The fuchsia ornaments, while vibrant in their day, were ready for a new chapter. The last time they graced my Christmas tree was when I first started blogging, proudly displayed in my previous home. You can catch a glimpse of them on the tree in the photo below, a reminder of past decorating styles and evolving tastes. Fast forward to today, and these ornaments have undergone a complete metamorphosis, reflecting a refined aesthetic that truly resonates with my current decor preferences.

Decorating a Christmas Tree with fuchsia ornaments in a previous house. — *My Christmas tree from years ago, featuring the fuchsia ornaments before their transformation.*

Gone are the bold fuchsia tones. My Christmas decorating style has gracefully evolved towards a more neutral, organic palette that harmonizes beautifully with my existing white and woodsy decor. The ornaments now boast a sophisticated, understated charm, proving that with a little creativity, any old decoration can be reimagined to fit a contemporary aesthetic. This project exemplifies how simple craft techniques can bring a sense of renewal and personalization to your holiday traditions, transforming forgotten items into cherished, stylish pieces.

Grey hand writing white paper strips covering a round ball ornament on a Christmas tree. DIY decoupage ornament makeover.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decoupage Christmas Ornaments with Paper Strips

If you find yourself with ornaments that no longer spark joy or match your evolving decor, don’t let them sit in a dusty box. Decoupage is an incredibly versatile and forgiving craft that offers an easy way to inject new style and color into almost any object, from small trinkets to large pieces of furniture. It’s a timeless technique that involves adhering paper cutouts to an object and then sealing them with layers of varnish or glue, creating a seamless, painted look. For our Christmas ornaments, it’s the perfect method to achieve a personalized, elegant finish.

Before you begin, gather any supplies you have on hand – paper, paint, ribbon, glitter, or buttons – and let your imagination guide you. The beauty of decoupage lies in its adaptability, allowing you to experiment and create something truly unique that you will cherish for years to come. This project transforms simple ball ornaments into sophisticated decorations, proving that DIY can be both simple and stunning.

Supplies Needed for Your Decoupage Christmas Ornaments:

Ball Ornaments: I used plastic ones, but this method works equally well on glass or metal ball ornaments. Choose any size or color you wish to transform.
Decoupage Glue: I recommend a good quality decoupage medium. I used Martha Stewart Crafts’ matte finish, but Mod Podge for Paper is another excellent and widely available option. A matte finish gives a subtle, sophisticated look, while a gloss finish offers a shinier appearance.
White Glitter: Fine white glitter adds a beautiful, subtle shimmer, enhancing the script without overpowering it.
1-inch Wide Paint Brush: A flat brush is ideal for applying the decoupage medium smoothly and evenly.
Paper Cutter or Craft Knife: For precise, straight cuts when preparing your paper strips.
Sharp Scissors: Useful for trimming smaller pieces and addressing any fiddly areas.
Newspaper, Plastic Container, or Cardboard Box/Tray: To protect your work surface and, importantly, to catch excess glitter for reuse.
Free Printable Hand Script: Featuring the lyrics to “Somewhere in My Memory” from Home Alone. This printable offers a beautiful, ready-made design, but feel free to use any decorative paper that aligns with your vision.

While I opted for basic printer paper for my script, the possibilities for decorative paper are endless. Consider using sections of old maps, elegant wallpaper samples, vibrant scrapbook paper, or even interesting gift-wrapping paper. Each choice will yield a unique aesthetic, allowing for endless customization.

A Quick Tip for Inkjet Printers: If you’re using an inkjet printer for your paper, allow the printed sheets to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin. For even better results, place them in the refrigerator overnight. This step helps the ink set thoroughly, significantly reducing or even preventing any ink bleed-through when it comes into contact with the decoupage glue. Taking this small extra step ensures a crisp, professional finish for your ornaments.

How To Makeover Ball Style Christmas Ornaments

Time needed: 30 minutes (per ornament, drying time not included)

Follow these simple steps to give your old Christmas ball ornaments a stunning decoupage makeover.

Step 1: Gather Your Ornament(s) and Supplies

Begin by preparing your workspace. Lay down newspaper or a protective covering to keep your surfaces clean. Crucially, line a shallow box or tray with a sheet of paper. This will serve as your glitter-catching station, allowing you to easily collect and reuse any excess glitter, making cleanup a breeze and minimizing waste.
Step 2: Print Free Printable and Cut Into Strips

If using the free printable, print it out (remembering the inkjet tip if applicable). Using a paper cutter or craft knife, carefully cut the sheet(s) of paper into 1/4-inch wide strips. Follow the lines of the script as closely as possible, ensuring each strip is filled with text and minimal white space remains. This precision will contribute to a beautifully detailed finish. Set the strips aside in an organized manner, ready for application.
Step 3: Add Paper Strips to Ornament

To make the wrapping process easier, cut some of your paper strips into shorter sections. You’ll want a few very short pieces for the top and bottom of the ornament, and longer strips for the middle. Hold the ornament securely by its hook, or use a craft clip or clothespin attached to the hook to make handling easier while you work. Begin at the top of the ornament, near the hook. Brush a thin, even layer of decoupage medium onto a small section of the ornament. Carefully lay a few of the smallest paper pieces around the hook, overlapping them in a random, organic way. Once placed, brush another thin layer of decoupage medium over the paper to smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, ensuring the paper adheres completely. Continue this process, working your way down the ornament. Use the longest strips around the mid-section where the curve is less pronounced, and transition to shorter strips as you reach the bottom. If you notice any wrinkles forming, gently smooth them with your brush or fingertips. Consistency is key here; aim for thin, even coats of glue both under and over the paper strips for the best results.
Step 4: Sprinkle on Glitter

Immediately after applying the last strip of paper and while the decoupage medium is still wet, hold the ornament over your prepared tray or box. Generously sprinkle it with white glitter, ensuring full coverage all around the ornament. Gently shake the ornament to remove any excess glitter, allowing it to fall into your catch tray for easy reuse. Once glittered, hang the ornament using a wire ornament hook in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. Drying time will vary depending on the humidity and thickness of your glue application, but typically takes several hours.

Close-up of a finished decoupaged Christmas ball ornament with hand script and glitter.

Blogger of DIY Decorating blog Diane Henkler of In My Own Style

Helpful Tip: Efficient Glittering

Working with glitter can be messy, but there’s an easy trick to keep it contained and reusable. When applying glitter, always work over a low-sided box or tray that has been lined with a piece of paper. This simple setup acts as a catch-all for any stray glitter. Once you’ve finished decorating your object, simply fold the paper liner in half, guiding all the excess glitter into the fold. Then, you can easily funnel it back into its original jar, saving both glitter and cleanup time.

I am absolutely delighted with how these ornaments turned out! The subtle script and gentle shimmer of the glitter perfectly achieve the sophisticated, neutral look I was aiming for. They integrate seamlessly with my current Christmas decor, adding a touch of personalized elegance. Looking ahead, I’m already envisioning other creative decoupage projects; perhaps a few ornaments adorned with sections of world maps for a wonderfully colorful and travel-inspired theme. The possibilities are truly endless when you embrace the art of transforming what you already own.

Do you have any decorative paper stashed away in your home – perhaps old maps, sheet music, or beautiful wrapping paper – just waiting for a creative project? This decoupage technique is a fantastic way to give new life to various items, not just ornaments. It’s an invitation to look at everyday objects with a fresh perspective and imagine the beautiful transformations they could undergo.

How to transform a ball Christmas ornament using glitter and paper strips of hand writing script paper with the lyrics from the classic Christmas movie Home Alone. Free printable to use to make your own ornaments.

This DIY Christmas ornament makeover is more than just a craft; it’s an opportunity to create meaningful, budget-friendly decor that perfectly suits your personal style. It’s a wonderful way to recycle and repurpose, adding a unique touch to your holiday celebrations. Embrace the joy of crafting and watch your old ornaments become cherished new favorites!

For more festive inspiration and creative holiday projects, be sure to explore my Christmas projects gallery. Happy crafting!

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