Old-school Christmas ornaments bring back nostalgic memories of childhood holidays. But these vintage baubles can be given new life with creative repurposing. Here are 11 clever ways to reuse classic Christmas decor in fun, innovative ways.
Give ornaments a second life as jewelry
Vintage Christmas ornaments make charming pendants, earrings, and charms. Use wire or ribbon to transform ornaments into necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Glittery gold and silver baubles work especially well as jewelry. Upcycle lone earrings into ornament garland or make a statement piece by stringing several mismatch earrings together.
Craft wine charms with orphaned ornaments
Leftover ornaments from incomplete sets make cute wine glass charms for parties. Use silver and gold tones to indicate different guests’ drinks. Or assign each guest a different ornament shape or color to identify their glass. It’s an easy way to add a festive flourish to cocktails.
Create whimsical windchimes
Recycle orphan ornaments, leftover beads, bells, and keys into DIY windchimes. Attach them to a piece of driftwood or a garden stake using wire or string. Add a metal hook to hang the creation. Display outdoors or indoors for a gentle, musical décor piece.
Upcycle ornaments into candleholders
Convert ornaments into holders for tealights or votive candles. Look for plastic or shatterproof ornaments that can safely encase a flame. Set tealights inside flat-bottomed ornaments or nestle tapers into the hook of hanging baubles. Grouped together, they create lovely ambient lighting.
Embellish holiday greetings with ornament accents
Add shine to holiday cards by affixing bits of old ornaments as accents. Use hot glue to attach a small cluster of beads, glitter, or faux pearls. Let a 3D element like a poinsettia flower or mini bow stand alone. Embellishments make great alternatives to ribbon or stickers.
Fashion funky drawer pulls
Update boring cabinetry with one-of-a-kind drawer pulls made from upcycled ornaments. Look for sturdy plastic or wood baubles with a loop or hook on top. Attach them to cabinets and dressers using short screws. Mix colors and textures for an eclectic, artsy look.
Craft decorative fridge magnets
Transform random orphan ornaments into custom decorative magnets. Choose lightweight plastic or wooden ornaments. Attach magnets to the back using strong glue or hot glue. Display photos under them or let them hold shopping lists and reminders on the fridge.
Create an ornament wreath
Put lone ornaments to good use in a showstopping ornament wreath. Attach ornaments of varying sizes and colors to a basic wreath base using florist wire. Incorporate pinecones, berries, evergreen clippings, and ribbon as well. Hang the creation on the front door or above the mantel.
Fashion festive napkin rings
Dress up holiday tables with DIY ornament napkin rings. Select lightweight plastic or metal baubles that open at the top. Place folded napkins inside and close the ornament to secure. Use complementary colors and patterns for a coordinated look.
Craft whimsy with ornament critters
Design magical miniature creatures, like mice, hedgehogs, and woodland elves, using old ornaments and findings. Glue on googly eyes, pom pom noses, and pipe cleaner antennae. Use twigs and faux moss to build small woodland scenes inside cloches. Display year-round for a whimsical accent.
Grow mini terrariums
Repurpose large glass or plastic ornaments into tiny terrariums. Add a layer of pebbles for drainage, then small plants like succulents or air plants. Mist occasionally and display long after the holidays. Grouped together, mini terrariums create a unique living centerpiece.
With a little imagination, vintage Christmas ornaments can find renewed purpose in crafts, jewelry, decor, and more. Upcycling nostalgic decor allows you to celebrate cherished heirlooms in new and unexpected ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repurposing Christmas Ornaments
What types of ornaments work best for repurposing projects?
Lightweight plastic and shatterproof glass ornaments work best for repurposing. Look for sturdy ornaments with metal caps, flat bottoms, and tops that open for versatility. Avoid thin, fragile glass.
How can I incorporate ornaments into jewelry making?
Ornaments transform nicely into pendants, earrings, rings, and charms. Use wire, chain, or ribbon to attach them to jewelry findings. Glittery, silver, and gold ornaments complement most jewelry designs.
Can any ornament be turned into a candleholder?
Only flame-resistant plastic or metal ornaments should encase candles. Glass could crack from the heat. Look for flat-bottomed ornaments that securely hold tealights and tapers.
What types of materials complement ornaments in wreaths and arrangements?
Ribbon, pinecones, evergreen stems and leaves, dried flowers, holly berries, and mini gift boxes all enhance ornament wreaths and centerpieces. Spraypaint ornaments for a cohesive color scheme.
How do you attach an ornament securely to a cabinet or drawer?
Choose lightweight wooden or sturdy plastic ornaments with a built-in hook or loop. Attach to cabinets using short screws drilled into the loop backing. Avoid heavy ornament materials that may loosen over time.
Conclusion
Old Christmas ornaments carry fond memories but often languish in storage after the holidays. With a little creativity, they can be incorporated into many DIY projects with beautiful results. Upcycling ornaments gives cherished keepsakes new life and purpose year after year. Whether repurposed into jewelry, decor, or clever gifts, these nostalgic finds offer endless inspiration.
