Crafters of all ages will enjoy making a primitive scrap ribbon Christmas tree ornament to gift or keep this holiday season. In this post, learn how to use shades of green and brown scrap ribbon to emulate the welcoming branches of a Christmas tree.
Related: Primitive Scrap Fabric Tree Ornaments
How to Make a Scrap Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornament
My oldest son received his first pair of sneakers with laces this week! He is incredibly excited to learn how to tie his shoes. To help him practice, we spent some time creating a ribbon Christmas tree ornament.
These Christmas ornaments are lovely and we can’t wait to give them away to friends and family. More importantly, they helped my son master the first step in shoe tying.
Related: Heartwarming Christmas Books for Kids
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments
Crafters of all ages will enjoy making a primitive scrap ribbon Christmas tree ornament to gift or keep this holiday season. In this post, learn how to use shades of green and brown scrap ribbon to emulate the welcoming branches of a Christmas tree.
Ingredients
- Straight sticks or cinnamon sticks, 6-inch
- Ribbons
- Hot glue gun
- Twine
- Scissors
Instructions
- After gathering supplies, invite kids to tie the scraps of ribbon down the twig or cinnamon stick.
- For best results, bunch the ribbons close together. The ribbons will bend and slightly overlap. Gently tug them into place until you are satisfied with their placement.
- Use sharp scissors to trim the ribbon scraps into the shape of a Christmas tree.
- If desired, melt the edges of the ribbons with a match so the ribbon doesn’t fray.
- Hot glue or tie a loop of twine to the top of the tree.
- If desired, top the tree with a wooden star, yellow button, or primitive metal star.
- Your Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornament is complete!
To Make a Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornament You Will Need
- Straight sticks (6″ in length) or cinnamon sticks
- Ribbons (cut into 9-inch strips)
- Hot glue gun
- Twine
- Scissors
Directions for Ribbon Tree Ornament
1. After gathering supplies, show kids how to tie the scraps of ribbon down the twig or cinnamon stick. I’ve found that wide ribbons, tied into single loose knots, give the best coverage.
2. For best results, bunch the ribbons close together. The ribbons will bend and slightly overlap. Gently tug them into place until you are satisfied with their placement. We used between 13-16 strips of ribbon for each ornament.
Related: Spice Jar Lid Ornament
3. Use sharp scissors to trim the ribbon scraps into the shape of a Christmas tree. If desired, melt the edges of the ribbons with a match so the ribbon doesn’t fray.
Tip: Worried about ribbon waste? Use your small scraps of leftover ribbon to make an adorable Pine Cone and Ribbon Turkey!
I happen to adore how a little fray gives the ornaments a more primitive look. (I even tugged a little more at the edges of the ribbon to make this happen!) This effect can also be replicated with cotton and wool fabric scraps; I’ve also made this ornament with cinnamon sticks and flannel…it looks just as adorable!
4. Hot glue or tie a loop of twine to the top of the tree. If desired, top the tree with a wooden star, yellow button, or primitive metal star.
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments are beautifully rustic and simple. They look especially cute dangling from the Christmas tree or a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix!
Video Tutorial: Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornaments
Watch the video below to be guided through each step of this craft. You can view more easy kids craft tutorials on our Facebook Page, Teachers Pay Teachers Page, or right here on our website.
Save This Craft
Don’t forget to save this craft on Pinterest for later! Be sure you are following along with Fireflies and Mud Pies here.
More Homemade Christmas Ornaments
Click the images below to view more creative homemade Christmas ornaments.
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
I love these! What a fun way to practice tying (and pretty too!)
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Thank you, Emma! Have a Happy Christmas!
tracy garbett says
I have just shared. Such a sweet idea. My boys always struggle with tieing shoe laces. This wil give a new spin on it. 🙂
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Let me know if it helps them out!
Nicole @ Working Kansas Homemaker says
This is so beautiful – makes a great craft project and gift as well. We have so many little twigs in our front yard just screaming for this project! 🙂 Thank you for posting, glad your little one mastered his shoe laces!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I’d love to see a picture of some of the ornaments you make! Have a great holiday!
Laura says
So perfect!!! I love this idea!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
You are too sweet! Thanks for the compliment!
Veens says
That’s definitely a fantastic idea!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Kate says
Do you know about how long the pieces of ribbon were before you cut them down?? These are so cute! Thanks!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Hi Kate! They were probably 5 inches long…easy for my son to tie! Have a great holiday!
Mud Hut Mama says
This is so lovely – I’m pinning to remember!!
Heather says
Saw this on facebook & had to do an image search to find who made this! Just love it!
MsMcGruff says
Here it is, almost a year after you posted the ribbon tree idea (which I’m seeing for the first time, thanks to Pinterest) and I have to join the others in saying what a fun, neat, lovely (and on and on) idea it is, whether you have kids or not. I love to change up the decor on my tree — one year white lights with burgundy and white bows, another year a more traditional multi-colored motif, etc. This year, I’d already decided on a rustic, handmade look and these little trees will be just the perfect addition! Thank you for this ribbon tree idea and for the entire blog, for that matter!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
That post has been crazy viral all year! Thanks so much for your kind words and for reading my blog!
Virginia says
You might also use fabric strips to tie bows onto twins or jute and make an old-fashioned garland. I did that a few years ago and everyone loved it. Add birds and other creatures and you have a very rustic tree.
Lacy says
Did you use wired ribbon? How did you get the longer ribbon (bottom of the tree) to stick out straight?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
No wired ribbon involved! Just bits and pieces of what I had in the craft box. If you leave it too long, it will probably flop.
Krista Boschert says
If you double tie the bow should stay straight for you.
Jackie in Toronto says
My daughter’s grade 5/6 class is doing this one this year.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Awesome!!! Promise you’ll send me a picture!?
Katy says
Jackie- how much ribbon did you need for the whole class? We are looking to do this as a class service project to help decorate a beloved community center. Thanks!
Emma says
These are beautiful! My daughter is looking to learn to tie her shoes; these would be perfect to practice!
Ashley says
Adorable little trees! You could use some white to add snow too!
Victoria says
This is way too cute! Definitely trying it with my girls this Christmas!
Jennie says
Adorable! May have to scavenge friends for ribbon scraps, OR make fabric strips work instead. Plan to have 5-yr-old granddaughter help make these when they come visit! Picked up sticks in the yard yesterday for another project – think I’ll switch to this for my 2014 ornament. OR get more stick and do both!
Cat says
These are so cute. Do you knot the ribbon, or just leave it at one overhand tie?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Just tied it once – like when you tie shoes.
Chelsea says
Doing this with cinnamon sticks instead of twigs. My ribbon doesn’t seem to want to stick out evenly on both sides. One side will points own and the ther side will point up so you can’t tell when u cut them that it’s the shape of a tree. 🙁 I’m using different fabric ribbon so the feel of the ribbons is different. Some are polyester and some are like a plastic ridged feel. Any advice?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
No advice except to fuss and fidget with it. Love the cinnamon stick idea!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Hi Vicki! It’s not uncommon for blogs and websites to display text ads. It is a way I have chosen to monetize my blog so that I can continue to share the crafts and activities that we enjoy at home, while earning an income. They are not hidden or placed deceptively. If you check again, you will notice they are double underlined and indicated by a little square with an arrow pointing out. Sorry you had trouble with it!
Renee says
I agree Chelsea. My ribbon won’t stick out straight either. I just spent a bunch of money to make these at our middle school craft faire and the ribbons all turn out crooked no matter what kind I use. Very disappointed. Not going to use this idea and will return what ribbon I can. I’m frustrated, so I know the kids would just give up and throw it away. The pic was really cute online. And yes I worked over a half hour on 2 of these trying different ribbon.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
So sorry this craft didn’t work out for you, Renee. Paula and Kala have found a method (double knotting) that worked for them. Perhaps it will work for your too. I did not use any tricks to make the ribbon stay straight, and I even posted live phone pictures of the ornament on my Facebook Page for those who didn’t believe me. If you look closely in my pictures, you’ll see that even my ribbons aren’t perfectly straight – some are lower or higher than others. Again, sorry for your frustration. Hope you have a happy holiday season!
Wanda says
This will be perfect for the senior residents that I work with ! Thanks so much for this. I also like the cinnamon stick idea to.
Lee says
I love the look of ornament and thought it would fit right in as a colonial craft for kids for a holiday event in a historic home. I just made one to have as a model and have to agree with Chelsea that the ribbon points up and down and does not stay straight even after fusing with it. I even duplicated the same ribbon and cuttiing per your suggestion of 5 inches. I am dissappointed! Is there something I’m missing? I really would love to make this work.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I don’t think you’re missing anything. My son (who was 5 at the time) tied the ribbons on (I had them at 5 inches to make it easier for him), and trimmed them into the shape of a Christmas tree with scissors. After he trimmed them, I tightened the ribbons and adjusted them. We didn’t use wired ribbons or any tricks like that. Keep trying, and good luck!
ann says
I’m having the same trouble
Brenna says
Try using cinnamon sticks instead of twigs. Their Brown and smell delicious.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Yes, but twigs are free! 🙂
jennifer says
Hi there, Is there a secret to getting the ribbon to lay flat?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Hi there! So many people seem to be having trouble with this! No, there is no secret. Just adjust until you are satisfied, or you could try trimming it a little shorter to make the ribbon stiffer.
Amanda says
This is my suggestion – Cut the ribbons to 5 inches and then iron them ahead of time. It will remove the curve from the packing wheel and they will lay flat!
Nancy Taylor says
I LOVE this adorable ornament!! Also love the ideas of using cinnamon sticks! If anyone is wanting to make this and is looking for ribbon scraps check out my website or my Etsy shop (Ribbonunlimited) as I sell ribbon for all occasions and scraps as well! I plan to make some of these for my grandchildren’s Christmas tree this year! Can’t wait! Thank you for sharing.
Nancy
daisy says
Love this awesome tree!!! thank you so much for sharing this idea; I’m off to make some to decorate my patio 🙂
Gretchen says
Hi! I love this idea, but like others am also having trouble with the ribbon pointing all directions, have tried shorter pieces…just one tie right? can you add a picture of the other side, maybe my tie is not the same as yours. Thanks.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
My tie is just a regular old tie! The view on the pictures you are seeing is of the back of the tie. I think that side looks prettier, and I hang them on the tree with that side facing out. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to get you a picture until I decorate for Christmas the first week of December. The ornaments are packed away right now.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I dug out the ornament and posted a picture here: https://www.facebook.com/firefliesandmudpies/posts/760486404006628
Annie says
Hi, love the idea have all supplies and made three but they don’t look the same please help I don’t know what Im doing wrong. I tried trimming shorter ribbons and still does not look good. Certain ribbon width maybe? Certain kind of knot?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Hi Annie! We just tied a regular old knot (like when you tie your shoes!). The ribbon is just regular ribbon. My tree isn’t “perfect” either! Some of the ribbons point up or down, and I think it’s imperfection is what makes it lovely. The important thing to do is to make sure you tie all your ribbons on the same side of the twig.
Shirley says
Hello! Thank you for this primitive tree ornament idea! I made a couple last night and although the fabric does turn in opposite directions after making a knot, they were still very cute. I was thinking of trying to coat the fabric strips with a sugar starch solution or hairspray to see it it stops the flopping. Will let you know if it works. Thanks for the fun project idea!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Awesome!
Gretchen says
Me too, knot was straighter
Debra says
Such a cute and easy idea. Instead of using a lighter or match to secure the ends from fraying use Fray Check.
Paula says
Love this craft and I am in the process of making my example to take to our advent craft supper at church tonight. This is what I am presenting to do!
For everyone who is having trouble with the ribbons not laying just so, I did too and what i am doing is a square knot. I was taught this way of tying a bow as a child…left over right and under, right over left and under. My ribbons are lying perfectly now, both sides pointing out!
Thanks for the cute and easy craft!
Joey says
I’m glad I scrolled down and saw your comment Paula! The square knot works better!
Kala says
Thank you Paula for telling us how you tied the knots. I have been trying to get them to lay like the picture. Your explanation was great and worked perfectly! Thanks!!!
Noel says
Love this! 🙂
Lynne Calame says
Can’t wait to do this craft with my grandsons!
Suzanne Holt says
What a fun way to decorate! You could also have kids help make this. I also envision five twigs wrapped into a star pattern. Pinned.
maryanne says
I did this project, minus the hot glue, with my Mom, who has alzheimers and she was thrilled with the results. Good project…thanks.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I’m so glad! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Tara says
I did this recently for a craft with a group of kids and we combined it with the story “Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect” printed out on parchment paper.
The shiny/smoother ribbon we tied a double knot and the grosgrain we only tied in a single and it helped them stay perpendicular to the stick.
Great idea. Thanks!
Amber says
How do you get the ribbon to stick straight out to the sides? After I tie them, some are going more up or down than out to the side.
Beck says
I love this ornament! I shared it on my blog post “12 Quick & Easy Christmas Crafts” I would love it if you could check it out, http://eclectichandmadecreations.com/2014/12/19/12-quick-and-easy-christmas-crafts/
Janelle Marshall says
Two years later and I am just now seeing this?! Great idea Melissa.
We will be making these for our annual township recreation Christmas program.
Beautiful!
RONDA SIMON says
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PAGE AND ALL THE WONDERFUL IDEAS….SUCH FUN I WILL HAVE WITH MY GIRLS THIS WEEKEND BEING CREATIVE…HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Lisa says
I do not have a crafty bone in my body. For those who have had difficulty, my suggestions are to use a short stick and wider ribbon. Mine doesn’t look quite as nice as this example but using a short stick requires fewer ribbons so you can keep them relatively short and still make them taper like a Xmas tree. I need to double knot them to keep them from coming apart. That’s the part I don’t like as they don’t look quite as neat.
Lisa says
Btw, I tried various ribbon and sticks first. Ribbon is inexpensive. I like this craft now that I’ve tried not to get fancy with it. 😉
Kathie Pipczynski says
I didn’t read all the comments, but maybe someone suggested this already: how about using cinnamon sticks? I saw some large ones at Michael’s and immediately thought of using those. I don’t have an abundance of trees around my house, so this would work better for me!! Very cute idea!
Jaime says
My kids and I make ornaments for gifts every year. This will definitely be the one we make this year! So cute and simple!
Lyrics for nursery rhymes and poems says
Exactly, one of the great activity to done with the little ones at Christmas time.
Paula says
Do you have an estimate of about how much ribbon is needed for each tree? Thinking of doing these for a whole school and I don’t want to have way too much or not enough. Or even how long is the first ribbon and the last?
Sandy H says
What a great and cute idea
We are making these as a family over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Our plan is to make at least 60 to deliver to the residents at a local nursing home.
Melissa Lennig says
I love that!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Dana E. says
So excited to make these with my Daisy Girl Scouts. We’ll be sending them to our Girl Scout pen pals in Minnesota and Scotland. And the girls (ages 5-6) will get to learn to tie to boot! Thank you!
Karyn says
I just wanted to comment & let you know how much I love this. I am helping a group of teens with a service project tonight. We are making craft kits for children in the hospital where we live. The kids will have these to put together in the hospital over the holidays to brighten their stay. Thanks for your great idea! 🙂
Pat C. says
What an adorable idea, Melissa! I’m already looking forward to making several for next Christmas! These sweet Christmas trees would also be fun if used as gift toppers for wrapped gifts or tied to gift bags.
I love Sandy H’s thoughtful plan to make a few dozen to deliver to a nursing home… for some of the residents, they might be the only note of holiday cheer in their rooms. Those who don’t have mini evergreen trees can hang them from door knobs, dresser drawer pulls, etc.
Some commenters wondered about using fabric strips instead of ribbon. I think that the strips would work quite nicely if placed flat on a cookie sheet covered in waxed paper and sprayed generously with spray starch; spray one side at a time, allowing the first side to dry thoroughly before turning it over.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy New Year, Melissa. xoxo
Memphis Mike says
These are super cute! I grew up on a Christmas tree farm and try to find new tree crafts to do with my kids to give to my parents each winter season. We will be making these this winter!
Russell Craig says
Oh my gosh!! These are so cute! And, what a great idea to get your son to practice tying a knot! My parents live on a Christmas tree farm up north and would swoon over this! A lot of handmade Christmas tree ornaments look a little kiddy, but these are actually so nice! I love the reader tip about using a cinnamon stick, but I wonder how long cinnamon sticks last… Will they “go bad”?
Dereth says
Thanks for this fun idea! I posted it on my Facebook page as day #1 of our 30 days of Christmas DIY gifts- the idea being that the gifts will actually get done in time for Christmas this year since the ideas will be decided upon 5 weeks before Christmas. I’m actually going to make these with our cub scout pack. Thanks again!
Melissa Lennig says
Thank you! Enjoy!
Kathryn says
Did anyone actually try with fabric? I have a stack of flannel squares I wanted to use. I don’t want to cut them up if they are not going to work.
Your reply is most appreciated!
Melissa Lennig says
Hi Kathryn,
I’ve never tried with flannel, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!
verona kruse says
How can I e-mail this
AdThrive says
At the top of the post there are 4 buttons. The light blue one with the envelope is for email. Thanks!
L.P. says
The scrap ribbon tree ornaments will be perfect to help my little cub scouts practice their overhand knots! Thank you!
Melissa Lennig says
You are very welcome!
Cindy says
Some ribbon is soft and I don’t think it would stick out like this. What kind of ribbon did you use!
Melissa Lennig says
No ribbon tricks! It’s just regular craft ribbon you would buy at the craft store. As you can see from the pictures, there is a variety of textures.
Jessica Chenier says
What size of ribbon should I get? I’m thinking the 3/8 is too small. What size ribbon was yours?
Melissa Lennig says
I didn’t measure it, Jessica.
Olivia says
Me and my mom are going to do the tree at the top for a Christmas craft fair at my school and we are super exited!!!
Leslie says
We made these yesterday and had floppy ribbons till I squished the knots together as tight as possible. This makes most ribbons stick out. We used a variety of widths and they came out great.
Lisa crandall says
I was wondering what width of ribbon you used for the christmas tree ribbon ornmanets. I tried using 3/8″ and found it was too narrow.
Thank you
Melissa Lennig says
Lisa, I used a variety of ribbon. The trick is to bunch it together! The trees look rather bare and silly if the ribbons are spaced apart. Have fun! Melissa
Anna says
All of these are pretty! My daughter is looking to learn to tie her shoes; these would be perfect to practice!