DIY Twig Christmas Tree Ornament

This DIY twig Christmas tree ornament is simple and cute! Dress it up with a bow or star at the top for some extra pizzazz. And it’s so easy the kids can help make one!

My daughter’s each made one (with some help from me) and they all turned out so cute!

You could easily make this with a piece of scrap wood and drill holes for some twine, then find twigs in your back yard. So, you can get as fancy or budget-friendly as you’d like.

Add a bow or glittery star to the top, or any kind of Christmas embellishment your heart desires. And it’s doesn’t even have to go on the tree. I know some people don’t like

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Supplies You’ll Need to Make a Twig Ornament

Natural wood plaque with rope hanger
Wood craft twigs
Glue gun & glue sticks
Stain – I used Early American by Minwax
White paint – I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore
Fine sandpaper
Paint brush
Foam brush
Green paint
Hand saw
Painter’s Tape

Supplies you'll need to make a DIY Twig Christmas Tree Ornament

How to Make a Twig Tree Ornament

1. Tape off the jute rope where it meets the board.

If you bought the same board with jute rope that I used, you’ll want to use painter’s tape to tape it off in the front where it meets the board. This will keep it from getting stain and paint on it!

2. Stain the Board/Plaque.

Wait the allotted time for it to dry. I’ll be honest that I didn’t have time to wait the recommended 8 hours for the stain to dry, as my can directed. But I waited maybe 45 minutes and it was dry to the touch, so I went on to step 2.

3. Cut the twigs.

Do this step while the stain is drying. The twigs I bought were 3.75 inches long and that was perfect for the base of the tree. Then I gradually cut each one a little smaller until I had enough – it turned out to be 11 for each tree. And then cut a short twig for the stem. I used a hand saw to saw halfway through each twig, and then used my floral wire cutter to finish the cut.

4. Paint the Board/Plaque.

I used the white paint I had on hand: Simply White by Benjamin Moore. I just put a coat on and let it try for about an house.

5. Paint the twigs.

Do this step while the paint is drying on the board. I used a craft paint color called Hauser Medium Green by DecoArt for my twig trees, brushing it on lightly. My youngest daughter gave her twigs a full coat of paint, and that’s cute too. So paint them to suit your fancy. 🙂

6. Distress the board with fine sand paper, if you’d like.

I just sanded around the edges of the board to rough it up a little. Wipe off any excess paint dust.

7. Glue the twigs to the board with hot glue.

I placed all of the twigs on my board first and got them right where I wanted them, then glued down one at a time.

8. Add any embellishments you’d like.

I made some little bows out of ribbon I had already. It just needed a little something extra, but it’s super cute plain, too. I also thought about getting some small wooden craft stars and painting them glittery gold to go on the tops of my trees. Be creative and dress it up however you’d like!

That’s it! Your twig tree ornament is done. These are big enough that you could hang them on the wall or use them as decor in a vignette as well. I think it would be cute hanging in the middle of a wreath, too. I know some people are funny about putting tree decorations on a Christmas tree, so put yours whoever you’d love it most!

Happy crafting!!