How to Make a Christmas Ornament Holder

Introduction

A Christmas ornament holder is a fun DIY project that allows you to create a beautiful display for your holiday decorations. Holders keep delicate ornaments organized and prevent them from getting damaged. They also enable you to show off your favorite decor in an attractive way.

The main benefit of an ornament holder is that it keeps your decorations neatly stored when not in use, while still letting you appreciate them. No more rummaging through boxes to find a particular ornament! An organizer also protects your treasured decor from breaking, which can easily happen when ornaments are loosely packed away.

Making your own holder allows you to customize the design. Simple wooden holders are easy to DIY with just basic tools and materials like wood, screws, glue, and string. You can stain or paint the wood in festive colors and add decorative touches. This project is inexpensive, straightforward, and can be completed in an afternoon.

The key supplies needed are wood boards or dowels, wood glue, paint and stains, screws or nails, and hanging string or wire. You’ll also need basic tools like a saw, drill, sandpaper, clamps, and a hammer. With these minimal supplies, you’ll be able to create a beautiful Christmas ornament holder that reflects your personal style.

Selecting Materials

When creating a Christmas ornament holder, you have several options for materials to choose from. Some popular choices include:

Wood

Wood is a classic choice for DIY projects. Different types of wood like pine, cedar, or oak can provide a beautiful natural look. Wood is easy to cut, drill, and sand. It can be stained or painted. The cons are that solid wood can be more expensive, and it’s prone to swelling and cracking over time. Good options are plywood, MDF, or particle board as cheaper and more stable wood options.

Metal

Metal wire, rods, or tubing make a great base material for ornament holders. Metal is sturdy, durable, and inexpensive. It’s easy to cut and bend into custom shapes. The downside is metal can rust or corrode if not properly treated. Proper sealing and paint can help prevent this. Brass, aluminum, or galvanized steel are good anti-corrosion options.

Plastic

Plastic materials like PVC, acrylic, or polycarbonate sheets are affordable, weather-resistant, and easy to work with using basic tools. Clear plastic can create fun see-through designs. Drawbacks are plastic is not as durable long term compared to wood or metal and can become brittle and degrade over time when exposed to sunlight. Spray paints commonly used on plastics can help protect against UV damage.

Ultimately the choice comes down to the visual look you want, budget, and how durable you need the ornament holder to be for indoor or outdoor use. Any of these materials or combinations of them can create beautiful Christmas decor.

Design Considerations

When designing a Christmas ornament holder, there are a few key considerations:

Size and shape: Consider the size and shape of your tree and ornaments. A taller, narrower holder may suit a slim tree, while a wide, shallow design can accommodate bulkier ornaments. Make sure the holder is large enough to fit all your ornaments. A cone or square shape often works well. Adjust dimensions based on your space and needs.

Decorative elements: Part of the fun is decorating the holder itself! Add decorative touches like paint, glitter, ribbons, garland or other accents to complement your Christmas decor. Let your creativity shine. Going with your color scheme ties it together nicely.

Matching home decor: Aim for your holder to coordinate with your existing holiday decor. Matching colors, materials and style creates harmony. For example, a rustic wood holder suits a cabin, while glittered acrylic goes nicely in a contemporary space. Choose options suiting your aesthetic.

See this inspiration: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/224446714953473054/

Tools Needed

To make a Christmas ornament holder, you’ll need the following basic tools:

• Saw – A hand saw or hacksaw will be needed to cut the wood and metal pieces to size.
• Drill – A power drill with various sized drill bits is essential for drilling holes in the wood and metal pieces.
• Sandpaper – Sandpaper in varying grits will be used to smooth cut edges.
• Safety equipment – Wear safety glasses when cutting and drilling to protect your eyes from debris. Work gloves will also help protect your hands.
• Fasteners – Small screws, nails, or glue can be used to assemble the pieces. Strong adhesives like epoxy or gorilla glue work well.
• Pliers – Needle nose pliers help shape and cut the wire.

Make sure you have all the necessary tools before starting the project. Refer to the materials list to determine the best saws, drill bits, sandpaper, fasteners, etc. needed for your specific ornament holder design.

Cutting the Pieces

It is essential to cut the pieces precisely, so the ornament holder fits together properly. Carefully measure and mark your cuts before beginning.

For wood, use a fine-toothed hand saw or a jigsaw with a blade designed for cutting wood. Take your time and keep the saw steady for straight cuts. You may want to clamp a guide in place to ensure straight lines. Refer to this video for tips on getting clean cuts in wood.

For plastic, use sturdy scissors or a jigsaw with a plastic cutting blade. Make sure the plastic is secured in place before cutting. Let the tool do the work – don’t force it. Go slowly for the most control. A sharp blade will produce the cleanest cuts in plastic.

Metal can be cut using tin snips or a hacksaw. Clamp the metal tightly and go slow, keeping the blade perpendicular to the work surface. Lubricating the metal with light oil can help the blade move smoothly and prevent overheating.

Regardless of material, patience and care will result in neat, straight pieces that fit together nicely for an attractive final ornament holder.

Drilling Holes

When drilling holes in ornaments to create a holder, considerations should be made for hole size and placement. The hole must be large enough for the hook, ribbon or string that will hang the ornament, usually recommending at least a 1/8” hole. Determine how many ornaments will hang and space holes evenly around the ornament, about 1-2 inches apart.

When using a power drill, safety precautions should be taken. Wear safety goggles to protect eyes from debris. Operate the drill at a low speed setting to avoid cracking the ornament. Use a drill bit made for plastic to cleanly cut the hole. Apply light pressure, drilling slowly until the initial hole is formed, then increase drill speed. Be sure the ornament is securely held in place by a vise or clamp before drilling.

Refer to this source for more tips on safely drilling holes in plastic ornaments: Drill a hole i plastic ornament?

Assembling the Pieces

Once you have all the pieces cut out and holes drilled, it’s time to assemble the ornament holder. This is the most important part of the project to ensure structural stability so your holder lasts for years to come.

Start by laying out all the pieces and having your wood glue ready. Apply a generous amount of wood glue to the joints where pieces will connect. Then, clamp the pieces together either using C-clamps, rubber bands, or any other clamping mechanism you have available. Allow the glue to cure for at least 30-60 minutes before unclamping.

In addition to the glue, you’ll also want to reinforce the connections with screws. Using your drill, insert screws through the pre-drilled holes to secure the pieces together. Be sure to avoid over-tightening as this can cause the wood to split.

Pay special attention to ensuring the base and main upright supports are sturdy and level. This will provide stability for hanging heavier ornaments. Test the structure before moving to the next steps. If needed, add additional glue or screws to reinforce weak joints.

With careful gluing and screwing, your ornament holder should come together into a sturdy, freestanding structure ready for the finishing touches.

Finishing Touches

Once the main structure of the ornament holder is assembled, it’s time to add those final decorative details to really make it stand out. Proper sanding and finishing will help protect the wood and give it a polished look. Start with sanding using 120 grit sandpaper, then move up to 220 grit for a smooth finish. Wipe away any dust before applying your choice of stain, paint, or clear coat.

For a natural wood look, consider using a gel stain which provides rich color while allowing the wood grain to show through. Multiple coats may be needed for full coverage. If you prefer painted decorations, acrylic craft paints work well on wood. Primer helps the paint adhere and prevents bleed-through. Add interest with glitter, metallic paints, or by mixing colors. Ensure proper drying time between coats.

Once the stain or paint dries, protect the surface with a clear topcoat like polyurethane. Water-based options are low odor and easy to apply. Multiple thin coats allow the finish to fully cure. Finally, embellish with decorative elements as desired. Add sparkle with glitter, beads, buttons, ribbons, lace, or other trims. Affix any embellishments securely with hot glue, E6000, or other strong adhesives.

Sources:

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/crafts-diy/g33549660/christmas-decoration-ideas/

Hanging the Holder

Once your ornament holder is fully assembled and finished, it’s time to hang it up and enjoy! When choosing where to hang your holder, look for a location with good visibility so the ornaments can be fully appreciated. Some popular spots are near windows, along staircases, or in entryways. Just make sure the holder won’t get knocked into or damaged in high-traffic areas.

To hang the holder, you’ll need to install appropriate hanging hardware. For lighter wooden holders, command hooks or small nails/screws may suffice. Heavier holders may require anchors or hooks properly mounted into wall studs. Refer to the hardware instructions for proper installation. Most holders can be hung by the top piece or by an attached hanging loop or wire. Ensure hooks and screws used are long enough to fully secure the holder.

Once hung, double check that the holder is level and stable. Then go ahead and start decorating with beautiful Christmas ornaments! Enjoy the festive sight of your homemade ornament holder displayed in your home.

Caring for Your Holder

Properly caring for your homemade Christmas ornament holder will help preserve it for years to come. Here are some tips on cleaning, storage, and repairs:

For cleaning, avoid using too much water or harsh chemicals. A gentle dusting or using a slightly damp cloth is best for painted and delicate surfaces. Check manufacturer recommendations before using any cleaners on specialty materials like metals or plastics. Allow all parts to fully dry before storage.

Store the holder in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid attics or basements with extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations. Place a sheet or bag over the holder to protect from dust buildup. Take care not to stack or crush the holder.

Repair any loose joints, broken pieces, or frayed threads promptly. Use a non-toxic adhesive like tacky glue for reattaching loose elements. Touch up paint chips or scratches with acrylic craft paint. Replace hanging hardware like hooks or wire if needed for safety.

With proper care and maintenance, your homemade Christmas ornament holder can become a cherished holiday decoration for many seasons to come. Check for any signs of wear before each use and address issues right away to preserve its condition. Handle gently when decorating to avoid any damage.

Source: https://www.merrymaids.com/cleaning-tips/diy/how-to-clean-preserve-family-heirloom-christmas-/