I am sharing how to paint paper mâché ornaments for a cozy cottage Christmas. Paper mâché ornaments are one of my favorite blank slates for DIY decorating. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to customize for any season or style. Whether you love vintage charm, muted neutrals, or traditional Christmas colors, painting paper mâché ornaments is an easy way to create decor that feels personal and intentional.
This project is beginner-friendly, low-mess, and perfect for a slow afternoon of creating. Hand painting is not a quick process, but it is relaxing!
Paper mâché has a naturally textured surface, which is part of its charm. Before painting, lightly brush off any dust or loose fibers. No primer is needed — acrylic paint adheres beautifully on its own.
Start with a thin base coat of paint. I recommend lighter colors first, especially if you plan to layer later. Most ornaments need 1–2 coats depending on the color. Use an egg crate to prevent round ornaments from rolling around or hang to dry.
This is where the fun really begins. You can keep things simple or add subtle details depending on your style and ability. First, I like to sketch a little bit of the main design with pencil first, but add details and highlights on a whim. Next, it is important to let the paint dry between layers to prevent smudging. Lastly, have fun and don’t try to make it perfect; that’s the beauty of handmade.
Some easy ideas:
Don’t aim for perfection — handmade charm is the goal here. Be creative with your paint technique. For example, the wooden end of the paintbrush makes great dots. Often, craft stores have circle sponge brushes but you can experiment with objects, too, even to create a rough outline to follow.
Once you’re happy with your design, allow the ornaments to dry fully. Acrylic paint dries quickly, but giving them extra time helps prevent smudges or fingerprints.
If you plan to store these year after year or hang them where they might get handled, a clear spray sealer is a great finishing touch. One light coat is usually enough.
Painting paper mâché ornaments is one of those projects that reminds me why I love DIY — it’s slow, creative, and imperfect in the best way. You don’t need special skills or expensive supplies, just a little time and the freedom to play.
If you try this project, I’d love to see how you make it your own 🤍 But first, save this on Pinterest to your Christmas craft board.
SmartPixel Design 2018
Design by NXNW.
