Halloween Ornament Tutorial

  
  
Introducing a how-to for making quick little ornaments for your Halloween tree! (AKA dead branches spray-painted black)

These cute numbers would also look great bunched together in a wreath for your front door (I'll have to make some more and make a wreath to show you) or as gift tags. 

They would also be super for Christmas, with different colors, of course!

 
These ornaments are double-sided, which works out well for hanging on branches - you could also hang them, mobile-style, from a chandelier or other suitable light fixture.

To make them, you'll need ribbon, scrapbook paper, double-sided tape, needle/thread, and circle die-cutters in 2 different sizes. 

In this example I used 3 strips of ribbon about 6 inches long.

Using the same technique I described in my tutorial for the Ribbon Bow (see sidebar to the right), loop the 3 ribbon strips and sew in place with a few stitches of thread.  When all three loops are secure, tie off and snip thread.

Using double-sided tape, on one side of the bow attach a large paper circle.  Attach the small circle either with a tiny piece of tape or a dot of glue.

Flip the ornament over.  Attach another piece of double-sided tape to the other side, and place an 8-inch strip of skinny ribbon onto the tape as shown.  Put another piece of double-sided tape on top and

place the other 2 circles in the center to cover the skinny ribbon ends.  That's it!  In about 5 minutes or less, you have a darling little decoration.

If you have ribbon that is the same on both sides (as opposed to a design printed on one side like the example above), an alternative way of making them is to use short strips (these are 3 inches long) of ribbon, notch them as shown, and

 
 

stitch them together in a similar fashion as the first example.  With ribbon that is notched (instead of having the raw edges hidden), I like to treat the cut edges with a liquid stop-fray product to prevent the edges from fraying.

Two great looks, one simple method!

Happy ornament making...and watch out - they're addictive!

This tutorial was approved and paid for by Mr. Owl, whose tree is now bedecked with cheery spots, stripes, and circles.

 

Comments

[Rachel]

Wow, this is such a great idea! So pretty and what a great impact! Thanks so much for the great idea, I'll be linking.

[Beth@The Stories of A2Z]

These are gorgeous! I love this idea and will have to do this for Christmas.

[Carrie]

i LOVE this idea, thanks!!! i can't wait to make one for my house :)

[גוף חימום]

Amazing tutorials!! Thanks for sharing such a great idea about ribbon and their uses. I will try out for this one definitely.

[Lindsey Emberton]

Hi! I love your ornaments! Quick Question... I am DYING over your vase (the orange and black one)... please tell me where you got that! :) Thanks, Lindsey

[shelley]

Thanks everybody! Lindsey, I bought the vase about 3 years ago at HomeGoods...so unfortunately your chances aren't very good of finding an identical one, but they always have a great selection of orange and black glassware in September at HomeGoods. Happy hunting! :-)