Decoupage paper mâché Christmas ornaments are a simple and beautiful way to create handmade holiday decor with a timeless, collected feel. Using lightweight paper mâché ornaments and decorative paper, you can make custom ornaments that feel soft, vintage, and perfectly imperfect — ideal for a cozy cottage Christmas.
This beginner-friendly DIY requires minimal supplies and is a great way to personalize your holiday decor or create thoughtful handmade gifts. The nativity themed scrapbook paper set was found at Hobby Lobby.
If you are not so artsy, but a little crafty, decoupage is an easy way to go. It adds pattern and interest without needing painting skills, making this project approachable for all levels. They are perfect for creating a personalized look for your Christmas decor. Specifically for me, I loved this nativity themed scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby and wanted to integrate more Christ centered decor into my home for the holidays!
Paper mâché ornaments are one of the easiest bases for decoupage. Their lightweight structure, subtle texture, and affordable price make them ideal for crafting.
To make decoupage paper mâché ornaments, you’ll need:
• Paper mâché ball ornaments
• Decorative paper (napkins, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, or book pages)
• Mod Podge or decoupage medium
• Small paintbrush or foam brush
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint (optional, for base coat if using tissue paper or accents)
• Clear matte sealer (optional)
• Ribbon, glitter, wood beads or anything to embellish
If desired, paint the ornament with a light base coat (such as warm white) and let it dry completely. This step is optional but helps brighten thin decorative paper if you are using a napkin or tissue paper. If using napkins, separate and use only the top printed layer. I skip this step when using scrapbook paper, as shown.
Cut or tear your paper into smaller sections. Soft, uneven edges blend more seamlessly than sharp cuts, especially for a vintage look or when applying to round ornaments. For the six sided ornament, I cut a template of one side, allowing for some overlap and cut six pieces of scrapbook paper for each one.
Using a brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a small section of the ornament. Place the paper on top and gently smooth it down with your fingers or brush. Work slowly in sections to avoid wrinkles or tearing.
Once the paper is in place, apply another thin layer of decoupage medium over the top to seal it. Continue until the entire ornament is covered. Let dry completely before moving on.
After the decoupage layer dries, you can add embellishments or accents:
These details help tie the ornament into your overall Christmas color palette.
For durability, apply a clear matte sealer once everything is dry. Matte finishes preserve a soft, vintage appearance. Finish by adding ribbon, twine, or fabric strips for hanging if needed. In addition, you can add wood beads and jute tassels or corded ribbon along the edge with hot glue.
Some simple design ideas include:
Each ornament can be unique while still feeling cohesive when styled together. You can hang them on the Christmas tree, wreaths, garlands or display them in a bowl on the coffee table. Lastly, they make a beautiful handmade gift. If you love to decoupage, see the buckets I did for Christmas tree planters.
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Decoupage paper mâché Christmas ornaments are a simple way to create meaningful, handmade decor that feels timeless and personal. If you love making your own, be sure to read how to paint Paper mâché christmas ornaments, too.
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