4 Scrapbook Paper Ornament Designs for Christmas Baubles
Add a homemade touch to your holiday decorations with these DIY scrapbook paper ornament baubles that are both easy and affordable.
Paper decorations are lovely as they have that vintage, traditional feel. But they don’t need to be plain. You can use all kinds of colourful scrapbooking paper, sparkly adornments and pretty ribbon.
In this post, I’ll share with you how to use the accordion fold and attach paper strips together for a variety of different DIY paper ornaments. The great thing is that with the basics mastered, you can be as creative as you like in making paper ornaments with a different look.
The process is simple. Which is exactly what you want so you can use your time to think about the designs you’d like to make.
As a bonus, if you’re a crafter, then you may have all of the supplies already. Which is a great way to use your craft stash and make something handmade and beautiful at the same time.
This post includes gifted products and affiliate links so you can easily find the products I use myself and recommend to friends. If you purchase these products, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to Make a Scrapbook Paper Ornament Step by Step
Materials Needed
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Scrapbook Paper for DIY Ornaments
You can choose either one-sided decorative paper or double-sided. The difference is that the white of the one-sided paper will be visible once the paper is folded.
Which can either look plain or be a nice contrast, depending on the look you want.
You can use either a festive card or paper. Paper will be slightly more fragile but will fold easily. Card will make a sturdier ornament but if it is too thick it will be difficult to get neat folds.
Step 2: Cut Strips of Scrapbook Paper
You should use paper at least 12in or 30cm in length. But this can be one or multiple strips of paper taped together.
The important thing is that they can’t be too short. If they’re too short then the paper doesn’t have enough give to bend into a disk shape.
Having a paper trimmer is a very helpful tool for getting precise cuts on your paper craft projects. Both for speed and getting straight lines.
But you can just use scissors. Then it’s a good idea to use a ruler and pencil to make sure your lines are straight before cutting.
You don’t need to start with really long pieces of scrapbook paper. You can cut several pieces of the same width and tape them together.
Attach them with either hot glue or double-sided tape. Or even normal tape, but that will be visible.
Depending on the design of the bauble you make, is how many strips of paper you’ll need. And if you want them to be varied lengths or the same, which makes different shaped ornaments.
The sizes shown below make a classic bauble shape. With smaller layers at the top and bottom. The longer the paper is to start with, the larger the folds you can make.
These sizes are a guide, and not essential to copy. I recommend making your first one with these measurements and then playing around with the design from there.
I’ll share with you four different scrapbook paper ornament designs. Each with a slightly different structure and paper length.
Step 3: How to Fold Scrapbook Paper
The key part of building the shape of these paper baubles is folding the paper like an accordion. Simply start at one end of the paper strip and fold it back and forwards until it is all folded.
A great idea for keeping the size of the folds consistent is to use a lollipop or popsicle stick to fold it against.
The size of the folds doesn’t matter, as long as they are consistent. If the folds are about 1cm or .4 inch then you will get small zig zags.
Once the paper is folded, the next step is to turn it into a folded circle. For this, secure the ends of the strip of paper together with hot glue.
Then flatten it into a circular shape so that the middle meets together.
Add hot glue to the centre points and hold the paper in place until it is secure.
Step 4: How to Assemble a Scrapbook Paper Bauble
After each of the paper strips have been glued into circles, it’s time to assemble the ornament. The layout depends on your preference.
See which ones you like below.
Finally, use hot glue to attach a ribbon or string to the top of the scrapbook paper ornament.
DIY Christmas Ornament Paper Crafts
In this design, the bottom two pieces are not glued together in the centre. This gives them more flexibility to stretch out. In this shape, it gives the look of a skirt.
Imagine a little pair of felt legs dangling under them for a little dancing ornament!
This Christmas tree paper ornament needed a cone-shaped top. But creating a folded accordion in a cone shape is quite a feat.
So for a simple version, cut triangles of paper to create the top. Attach them into each valley in the top-most layer.
It’s a good idea to attach the ribbon or string before adding the top of the tree shape.
You can add embellishments on the paper if you want a more sparkly look. For example with glitter, gems or bows. This design has red gems to look like tree baubles.
But you can be as creative as you like.
For a classic ball shape, put the smallest pieces (approximately a 2 inch circle) at the top and bottom. With the largest paper circle in the middle.
Aren’t these Christmas paper ornaments so charming?
The handmade look is such a nice element for Christmas decorations. And as they’re paper, you can create them in any colour scheme or shape you like.
Plus they’re affordable, use only a few supplies and are light to hang.
What’s not to love from your new ornaments?
My Favourite Supplies
Here are some of the supplies that I used when making this project.
paper cutter
A great tool if you cut a lot of paper or struggle with getting straight lines with scissors.
festive paper
Pretty festive paper for an endless list of crafty projects.
Answers to Your Questions About Making Scrapbook Paper Ornaments
Can you make paper ornaments from square paper?
The shape of the paper or card stock that you start with doesn’t matter too much. A square is fine as long as you cut enough strips to attach it together until you have a rectangular length of paper.
How else could you display DIY paper Christmas ornaments?
You could create several and attach them together to make a garland. Or you could display them dangling in a window. And wouldn’t these be adorable as little present decorations and gift tags too?
If you loved this project, you’ll love these projects too:
Did you make this craft?
I love seeing what you do. Please mention @teaandforgetmenots and share your creations with me!
Pin it for later – Scrapbook Paper Ornament Designs
Hi there! I'm Rachel Bowyer, a passionate DIY enthusiast with a knack for transforming the old into something beautifully new. With a deep love for furniture painting, refinishing, and the art of crafting. I've been documenting my DIY projects and restoration journey since 2018. I specialise in techniques like decoupage, stencilling, and decor transfers. Join me as we explore the world of creativity and home improvement, one project at a time.
These ornaments are so sweet! Thanks for giving me several budget friendly Christmas crafts to put together with my girls.
Glad I could help, thanks so much.