how to make a braided trim christmas ornament

I just got back from vacation in Costa Rica, which was absolutely awesome, but my mind never completely escaped Christmas. It didn’t help that even the resort was all decked out in Christmas decorations. (You should have heard my squeals of delight when I saw lighted reindeer surrounding the pools….EEEEEE!)

there are reindeer in costa rica

a rare and elusive Costa Rican reindeer

So, with Christmas inspiration even on a beach, I had an idea for December. I am going to attempt to do a 12 Days of Christmas (ornaments!) blog project…12 posts of handmade ornament DIY’s. This is going to be tough, because these things can get really time consuming, but I’m going to try my very best. I am positive that I will not be able to manage these 12 days to be all in a row…but still, I will try to do them all before Dec 24th.

So…it’s December 1st… the perfect day to start!

And today, I have something really simple: an ornament wrapped in braided trim. So easy to do, but such pretty results:

braided trim ornament

What you’ll need:

  • a styrofoam ball (I used a 3″ ball)
  • a pretty trim. The candy swirled trim I used for my ornament turned out awesome.  Here is one I found that looks similar to the one I used. But then again, a solid color, like gold or silver, would be incredibly elegant! (Okay…future blog post idea.) The amount you will need depends on the size of the ball and the size of the trim…for my ornament, I used 1/8″ trim and it took just under 10 yards to cover the ball.
  • clear glue. My favorite craft glue is Beacon’s 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue. It grabs quickly, and dries perfectly clear and permanent. (Just don’t wipe your glued up fingertips across your jeans like my spacey self keeps doing, because when I say permanent, I mean nothing seems to be able to take this stuff out.)
  • a couple of pretty beads for the top and bottom of the ornament.
  • a couple of straight pins
  • some ribbon for the hanger and embellishments
I found it easiest to start from the bottom up. Thread a bead onto a straight pin:

 

And then stick it through the end of your trim:

 

Put a dab of glue on the end of the pin, and stick it into the styrofoam ball:

 

Now, put a little bit of glue on the styrofoam around the bead, and just start winding the trim snugly around it…the bead will help you hold the end in place and makes it easy to wrap the trim. (Which is exactly how I had the idea to use a bead here in the first place.)

 

Add glue here and there as you go to secure the trim.

wrap trim around the ball

If you do not have a continuous piece of trim, no worries…just make sure the end is glued securely, and start with a new piece. It will be hard to see where the pieces start and end once the ball is covered entirely.

starting a new piece of trim

It took me a good 25 minutes to wrap this…when you get to the other end, be sure to use a generous amount of glue so that the trim will stay put:

glue the end of the trim

And go until the whole thing is covered:

cover styrofoam ball with braided trim

Honestly, it looks really cool just like it is now. Wouldn’t a few of these grouped together make awesome bowl fillers?

But I wanted to make it into an ornament, so I cut a few pieces of coordinating ribbons into varying lengths, between about 3 to 4 inches each, angling the edges:

ribbons for top of ornament

I also used an 8″ piece of ribbon for a hanger. Just thread a second bead onto a pin, and form a loop with your hanger ribbon right after the bead:

pin through ribbon for a hanger

Then pin right through the centers of each of your pieces of ribbon:

make bow for ornament

Put some glue where your trim ended:

glue where hanger will go

…and stick in your hanger.

handmade christmas ornament wrapped with braided trim

A little dab of glue right under the bead doesn’t hurt either:

glue bead at top of ornament

All done!

candy twist ornament

Isn’t that so easy and cute?

98 Comments

  1. isaiah43123 on December 2, 2011 at 7:19 am

    Ooooooo! I find this idea very intriguing. I can’t wait to see the next creation. You have a wonderful gift and know you are up to the challenge!

  2. Joy Denise on December 2, 2011 at 8:06 am

    Oh now that’s just too cute. I think I will be making a run to my local craft supply store after work tonight! Thanks for this tutorial!

  3. Katla A. on December 2, 2011 at 9:25 am

    Beautiful! Thanks for a great tutorial!

  4. Diana B. on December 2, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Really cute! I’ve used to do something similiar using the string of pearls. Who carries the Beacon glue that u mentioned??? I love ur ornaments, gorgeous. Thanks for the many ideas.

    • ornamentgirl on December 2, 2011 at 9:44 pm

      Thanks, Diana! I had seen some wrapped beaded ornaments and that is what made me think of using the trim this way. :)

      I know for sure that JoAnn’s carries the glue, but I think they probably have it at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby as well.

      • Diana B. on December 4, 2011 at 3:06 am

        Thank you. Checked both Michaels today nothing but thank goodness Joann’s had it and I almost missed it. I live in Sarasota, do u all have the hobby lobby in Orlando??? Have a great weekend.

        • ornamentgirl on December 4, 2011 at 3:26 am

          Glad you found it! There is a Hobby Lobby in Orlando, but I am a good hour away from it, and have only been there once. But I loved it, and am hoping to get there at least once before Christmas!

          You have a great weekend, too! :)

          • Anonymous on March 4, 2016 at 12:42 pm

            I really can’t wait to try this . All of your ornaments are beautiful! !

            I’m on vacation, so I’ll try it when I get home.

          • Maryann Gerber on March 4, 2016 at 12:43 pm

            I really can’t wait to try this . All of your ornaments are beautiful! !

            I’m on vacation, so I’ll try it when I get home.

  5. Anne Marie on December 3, 2011 at 2:04 am

    Love this ornament – cannot wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing – will be looking forward to the ones to come.

  6. Nancy on December 3, 2011 at 9:55 am

    I love this ornament! I will definitely be making a few of these for my tree. Thanks for the tutorial and pictures. Merry Christmas!

    • ornamentgirl on December 4, 2011 at 3:27 am

      You’re welcome Nancy, and Merry Christmas to you too! :)

  7. Sherry on December 5, 2011 at 11:06 am

    You rule the handmade ornament world! I LOVE your stuff and always look forward to checking out your website and seeing what’s in store! I love this tutorial, it’s easy enough for my 11 year old daughter to do. Thank you for giving us a craft to do together…special Christmas memories will be made, thanks to you!

    You rock, Ornament Girl!

  8. Personalised jewellery on December 6, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    These are really awesome ornaments.May I gift to my girlfriend?

  9. Yannie on December 8, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    You are very creative! I’m backreading your posts and I totally love all your ornaments..

  10. Elaine on December 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

    OMG! That is genius! And I love the styrofoam ball idea. No breakage!! I have been working with glass and it’s touch and go. And your ornament looks less time consuming with fabulous results. I love it, thanks for sharing!

  11. Kathy on December 30, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Hi, I’m sad that I found this too late to use for this Christmas, but now I’ll have a jump start on ideas for next year. Can you please share where you got your trim? I love the red and white. Kind of looks like baker’s twine but thicker. I’d love to get some, but don’t remember seeing anything similar. Thanks for the tutorial and thanks for sharing.

    • ornamentgirl on December 30, 2011 at 11:56 pm

      You’re welcome, Kathy! I got the trim at Michael’s…they have it right next to all of the Christmas ribbon. They might still have some left, and if so, it will all be super cheap…hopefully you can find some before it’s gone!

      • ornamentgirl on December 30, 2011 at 11:58 pm

        If you can’t find it at Michael’s, I just remembered…they do have a few Christmas trims at JoAnn’s that are available year round…it is sold by the yard. They don’t have a huge selection, but they do have a few. :)

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  13. Carl Hancock Marketing Godalming on April 28, 2013 at 5:32 am

    It’s not exactly the right time of year, but I’ll definitely be bookmarking this page for next Christmas. Not made my own decorations since I was a kid, but I think that’s about to change. :)

  14. Cynthia on May 27, 2013 at 1:39 am

    Absolutely adorable! Reminds me of my younger days making ornaments. I will make a bunch of these for my tree and gifts!

  15. mary on August 26, 2013 at 1:15 am

    love this ornament and i have made several of your ornaments and i love everyone

  16. Sandy Long on August 26, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    I put in for your news letter. I hope to receive it.

  17. Sara on November 29, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    What a wonderful idea! thank you for sharing!

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  19. Cathy on December 16, 2013 at 2:52 am

    I really like this ornament !, wouldn’t it be cute if you made smaller ones for little trees or even bunch them together ..thank you for sharing :)

  20. Johnna on December 16, 2013 at 4:23 am

    I love your ornaments. They are just beautiful. I wanted to make this one for my daughter but couldn’t find the same trim you used. Where would I be able to find it. Looked in all the craft stores and Joann’s

  21. terri on December 16, 2013 at 5:52 am

    Do you have any ideas for clear ornaments? I love this one and I’m gonna do it too. But I bought some clear ones and looking for some ideas.

  22. Gail Addison on November 9, 2014 at 7:20 am

    Love this one. Gr8 for ladies gift

  23. Anonymous on November 10, 2014 at 7:39 am

    Very cool! I can see it done up in other colors too! Thanks!

  24. Barbara Young on November 11, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    I Still have not get my two pattern One was theFabric pine cone ornament the other was Rockin Around the Christmas Tree Ornament. Been looking at my E mail. and have not seen it there. they are payfor. Thank You,Barbara

    • Staci Ann Lowry on November 14, 2014 at 12:14 am

      Hi Barbara…. I am so sorry that you still did not receive them… I am wondering if there is a spam filter or something that is blocking my emails, because of the attached pattern files. I am going to try and re-send them right now. Will you let me know if you still don’t see them in your email? Again, I truly apologize!

  25. Imelda on November 18, 2014 at 8:01 am

    what a great idea and the tutorial is great thanks

  26. Sue Wilde on November 20, 2014 at 12:40 am

    Awesome – I have defintely got to try this one! Love your stuff!

  27. Anonymous on November 23, 2014 at 1:20 am

    Your ideas are always awesome, Thanks! I am working the braided trim Christmas Ornament.

  28. Sherry on January 23, 2015 at 5:05 am

    Are you supposed to take out the original bead once the trim is in place? I wasnt sure!

    • Staci Ann Lowry on March 16, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      Sherry, I left mine on because it was pretty, but depending on the trim/colors/ design, I think you could do whatever you think looks best once it’s completely dry and in place. :)

  29. Vanessa on February 5, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I love the new braid ornament. I will try this one. Let you know how it comes out.

  30. Kayse S on March 12, 2015 at 8:07 am

    Wondering if this would work with a string of small beads or small pearls, or would that be too heavy to glue? It would be elegant. Thanks for sharing your tutorial!! You, girl, are a peach!!

    • Staci Ann Lowry on March 16, 2015 at 11:08 pm

      Thank you, Kayse! Great idea….I think pearls would be gorgeous; they have strands of pearls in the “trims” section at JoAnns that are very lightweight….I bet those would work wonderfully. Thank you for the idea!

  31. Mary Canfield on March 12, 2015 at 8:19 am

    I am so thankful I found you! Not only do you make it super easy to do, your color combos are fantastic! I’m learning so much from you!

    • Staci Ann Lowry on March 16, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      That makes my day! Thank you so much, Mary! :)

  32. Dora Scott on April 24, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    You are so talented. So easy but looks great. Love your ornaments. I will definitely be making some of these ornaments and some of your other ornaments. I am so glad I found you on the web. Thanks for the free instructions.

    • Staci Ann Lowry on April 27, 2015 at 12:22 pm

      Thank you Dora! I hope you enjoy making these. :)

  33. Anonymous on June 5, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    How do i copy the pattern only & not all of the other stuff as i
    don,t want all of the other stuff , just the pattern
    Pearl Livengood

    • Jessica on December 9, 2016 at 6:56 pm

      You have to purchase her ornamental tutorials, they all come in instructions of ornamental ball decorations. Because everything is in pictures and written instructions… if u dont want to purchase, she has a freebie. Which is a blue ornamental at top of website. This will show u everything and go from there. And sign up for newsletter, she sends some execllent tips etc… these are relatively easy! When u save newsletter and freebies, u can print these out and save them. These do not come in patterns. Pictures and instructions go together as very detailed.

  34. Gkieffer on June 5, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Oh! And Don’t you know I have both those Items in my Stash! WHOOP WHOOP! Here I go! Friday night and nothing to do!

  35. Libby on June 12, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Love it!Cannot wait to make some!

  36. Ellen Barrick` on June 12, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Each one I see is prettier and prettier. You do a wonderful job and it shows. Enjoy them much.

    • Staci Ann Lowry on July 30, 2015 at 10:42 am

      thank you so much! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. :)

  37. Barb on August 7, 2015 at 10:33 am

    Nice idea to make an ornament! we’ve done this in the past with egg shape styrofoam “balls” and use them as Easter decorations. also instead of this type of trim it works really well with cotton crochet yarn. Fun, fun, fun! !!

  38. Gwendoline Steele on August 21, 2015 at 4:25 am

    I can see who is having these for xmas along with a candle on a mat with some acorn thingys. Fabulous and easy
    Thank you

  39. Vicki on October 16, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    Love the look of this ornament! And the bowl filler idea is great! What size/kind of bead do you use, and where do you find them? I look for beads, but the larger ones have holes that are too large for the pin.
    Thanks!

    • Staci Ann Lowry on October 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      Hi Vicki….. I’m glad you like the idea! I can’t remember the size of this bead I used, but something you can do if the hole is too big in a bead you want to use, is to use another smaller bead, or even a sequin, between the bead and the head of the pin. :)

      • Vicki on October 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm

        That’s a great idea! I do like the look of a slightly larger bead though! I’ve thought of maybe using a corsage pin too! :)
        I love all your ornaments! You are an inspiration! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful creations!

  40. Gracie on October 23, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Love it…thank you

  41. Sylvia on October 28, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    I just made these today and they are beautiful! They are so pretty that it is hard to believe how easy they are to make!

    • Staci Ann Lowry on October 29, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      I’m so glad you made them and love them!! Thank you, Sylvia! :)

  42. Mary on November 13, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    Absolutely stunning. So easy.

  43. Paula B on November 28, 2015 at 2:21 am

    Absolutely beautiful!!!

  44. Jayne on December 25, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Wondering did you put the glue all the way to the end??? To start used the red bean and end of the twine still put another red bean??

  45. Donna Apperson on November 25, 2016 at 11:28 am

    I made some of these “accidentally.” I had the trim and a Styrofoam egg, and just started wrapping. They really are cute. Love your beaded pin idea. I bought pins with colored heads and used those, but your bead is so much prettier. I wonder if I have any of the trim left to make more!?!

  46. Linda on December 10, 2016 at 2:42 am

    I love it! Thank You for such great instructions and sharing

  47. Cathleen M Noonan Flores on January 6, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Just love all your idea’s. Can’t wait to be in your club. Have a great day!

  48. Barbara Marry on January 6, 2017 at 10:51 am

    Thank you for the pattern. I picked up some trim at WalMart that was on sale so I’m going to try this one. Still disappointed that I couldn’t get your $17 special at Christmas time. Enjoy your day…Barbara

  49. Jane Rausch on January 7, 2017 at 10:23 pm

    I’ve got trim!! I will make this tomorrow!!!!

  50. Jeanette on January 13, 2017 at 4:17 am

    After making the quilted ball which turned out great, I showed our craft club how to make one and the result was outstanding, so now we will be making this one which looks beautiful. Keep your ideas coming the ladies at our church craft club can’t get enough of your beautiful baubles God Bless x

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