DIY Tree Ornaments Using Natural Materials

By Caroline Burke Updated December 12, 2021

Caroline Burke

This holiday season, we're taking inspiration from nature with these on-trend rustic tree ornaments. With their earthy palettes and unrefined charm, we guarantee these decorations will add warmth and sweet appeal to your Christmas tree. For this easy-to-make project, we opted to use dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, and branches. Who knew that raiding your pantry or backyard could be so rewarding?

Caroline Burke

Things Needed

Orange slices
Cinnamon sticks
Twigs
Pine cones
Scissors
Glue gun
Twine
Raffia or natural ribbon

Dried Orange Ornaments

Using scissors, cut a small hole approximately 1/2 inch from the top of each orange segment. Thread a piece of jute twine through the hold and then tie the ends together to hang.

To dry your own orange slices, place slices of orange on a baking rack or shelf in a cool oven (around 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for around three hours or until dry to the touch.

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Caroline Burke

Cinnamon Bundles

Take three of four cinnamon sticks and tie them together with ribbon or raffia to secure.

Caroline Burke

Cut off a small section of the jute twine, and then use a hot glue gun to secure the ends of the twine to the bundle.

Caroline Burke

You can slip a fresh tree cutting (or even a piece of rosemary) through the raffia to disguise the glue. These bundles smell great and look so pretty hanging on a tree!

Caroline Burke

Pine Cone Ornaments

This is a really simple but effective decoration. We're using plain pine cones, but you can frost them with some snow spray if you'd like a more decorative finish.

Caroline Burke

Cut off a piece of twine and secure the ends to the pine cone with a dab of hot glue. Done!

Caroline Burke

Twig Ornaments

Gather some small branches and twigs and snap off a bunch of 3-inch pieces. Place three pieces into a basic tree shape and secure them together with a small dab of glue.