How to: make your own tree ornaments

Christmas tree decorations are the perfect, quick and easy small craft projects to get your teeth into at this time of year before the tree arrives and you're flat out dealing with presents, relatives and cooking. I've picked out a few project ideas for ornaments that are simple to make but could end up becoming family treasures.

Follow the jump for tutorial links, pictures and ideas

Yarnball tree ornaments

The fun 'ball of yarn' decorations pictured above are from a wonderfully simple illustrated tutorial on Craftster. If you look closely, you can see that the two 'needles' are in fact cocktail sticks, while the structure is created by a bog-standard bauble. Genius! See the tutorial here.

Pine cone tree ornaments

These will add a natural and tasteful touch to your tree (depending on what colour you decide to spray-paint them, that is!) There are some instructions here on how to make the most out of pine cones, and the method is so simple that even children of two or three can get involved with the creative process.

Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments

A tried and tested favourite of Mums everywhere, you don't need kids to enjoy making these simple, baked ornaments. Either stick to the original candy canes, angels and tiny trees, or indulge your imagination with crazy characters of your own devising. Remember you can use glitter, food colouring and all manner of embellishments to create dazzling effects. Finish off the ornament with a nice bright bit of ribbon. You can find a 'recipe' for dough ornaments here.

Cross-stitch ornaments

If you're a cross-stitcher, you should not be short of ideas for tree decorations: mini tapestries work so well as ornaments when attached to the tree with a festive ribbon. This fab Russian Doll design is by Thrifty Goodness

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