There’s just something about burlap that screams cozy country vibes, right? I still remember the first time I made a set of rustic burlap ornaments—it was right before Christmas, and I was determined to ditch the store-bought stuff. According to Pinterest trends, searches for “DIY rustic ornaments” have jumped 40% in the past year. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just want a bit of farmhouse flair, these burlap beauties are easy, affordable, and full of charm. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make something we’re actually proud to hang!
Materials You’ll Need for Rustic Burlap Ornaments
Let me tell you, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about doing DIY crafts on a budget—it’s that your tools make all the difference. Back when I first attempted making rustic burlap ornaments, I used this scratchy leftover burlap from an old potato sack. Huge mistake. The edges frayed like crazy, and the whole batch ended up looking like they went through a windstorm. Lesson learned.
Burlap Fabric Matters—A Lot
Pick the tight-weave burlap fabric. Not only is it easier to trace and cut, but it holds shape way better when you add fabric glue. The cheap stuff? It’ll shred when you try punching a hole or threading twine through it. I usually grab a yard from the craft store—costs like $4 and lasts forever. If you can find colored burlap, even better. Makes the whole ornament pop without needing extra paint.
Cookie Cutters = Secret Craft Weapon
You don’t need anything fancy. I’ve used gingerbread men, hearts, even stars. Just make sure they’re metal ones—they leave a cleaner outline. I tried plastic cutters once and couldn’t see the lines after tracing. Not fun.
A Good Fabric Marker Beats a Pencil Every Time
Okay, so here’s where I used to get it wrong: regular pencils barely show up on burlap. I kept having to squint and retrace. Then I switched to a washable fabric marker. Game changer. You can actually see what you’re doing, and it doesn’t bleed.
Sharp Fabric Scissors Only, Please
Don’t even try regular scissors unless you’re cool with jagged edges. Get yourself a dedicated pair of fabric scissors. They’ll cut through burlap like butter and help keep your ornament edges clean, which matters when you go to seal them.
Fabric Glue vs. Mod Podge—Which One?
I’ve tested both. Fabric glue gives you better hold, especially for the ribbon loop. But Mod Podge works magic if you wanna seal the whole piece. Just dab it on the edges and let it dry—it stops the fray without making it too stiff. Don’t overdo it though, or it gets crunchy.
Ribbon or Twine for Hanging
I like using jute twine because it adds that rustic touch, but you can totally use thin red ribbon for Christmas vibes. Just thread it through a small hole at the top, or glue it on the back if you’re lazy like me sometimes.
Optional: Embellishments to Up Your Game
This is where you get to be extra. Think mini pinecones, plaid bows, or even tiny holiday decorations from the dollar store. I once used cinnamon sticks and the whole tree smelled amazing for weeks. No lie.
If you’re stocking up, just head to the craft store or even Amazon. A quick search for “holiday craft supplies” will pull up most of this stuff. And remember, don’t overthink it. The beauty of rustic ornaments is in their imperfections.
Wanna know a little secret? The first time I nailed one of these, I actually felt proud enough to gift it. Handmade beats store-bought any day.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Craft Burlap Ornaments
Alright, here comes the fun part—and maybe a little frustration if you’re like me and get glue everywhere. I’ll walk you through exactly how I make my homemade burlap ornaments. This isn’t complicated, but there are a few places you can trip up (ask me how I know…).
Step 1: Trace Your Shapes
Lay your burlap fabric flat on the table—preferably on a cutting mat if you’re fancy, or an old magazine if you’re not. Choose your favorite cookie cutter and press it down firmly while tracing with your fabric marker. Don’t rush here. One time I skipped the cookie cutter and tried freehanding a snowflake… it looked like a spider. Lesson learned.
Pro tip: trace on the back side of the fabric so no marks show when you hang them up.
Step 2: Cut Carefully
Use sharp fabric scissors. I mean it—dull blades will fray the fabric and mess up your clean edges. I like to cut a rough square around each shape first, then go in tight around the lines. It gives you more control.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. That’s the charm of DIY Christmas crafts, right? A little wobble here and there adds character. (Or that’s what I tell myself when I mess up.)
Step 3: Apply Fabric Glue to Stop Fraying
Now, this part matters. Take your fabric glue and run a thin line along the edges. You can also use Mod Podge, but I’ve found glue is quicker. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before you mess with it. If you skip this step? Be prepared for burlap strings everywhere.
Optional: if you want a more structured ornament, brush the whole shape lightly with a mix of glue and water. Makes it firmer.
Step 4: Add a Hanging Loop
I’ve tried both the hole punch method and the glue-the-ribbon-on-the-back method. If your shape is big enough (like a star or heart), punch a small hole and thread some jute twine or festive ribbon through it. If it’s smaller or more fragile, just hot glue the twine on the back and call it good.
Either way, make sure that glue is dry before you try to hang it. I once had an ornament fall off the tree mid-dinner—ribbon pulled right off. Not my finest moment.
Step 5: Let Them Dry Flat
Final step—don’t rush it. Lay your ornaments flat on wax paper or a non-stick surface and let them dry completely. I usually wait a full hour just to be safe. After that, you’re golden.
Making these holiday decorations is seriously addictive. Once you do one, you’ll want to make a dozen more. Just don’t be surprised if you start eyeing every scrap of fabric in your house like it’s ornament potential. (Yes, I’ve done it with old shirts. No shame.)
Fun Ideas to Personalize Your Burlap Ornaments
So, you’ve got your burlap shapes all cut and dried—now comes the part where you make them yours. Personalizing these little guys is where the magic happens. I’m talking about turning basic burlap crafts into custom Christmas decorations that people actually ask about.
I started getting compliments (and requests!) when I added just a few simple extras. Here’s what’s worked for me—and a few fails you might wanna avoid.
Add Buttons, Lace & Tiny Bows
I keep a mason jar full of random craft embellishments—vintage buttons, scraps of lace, twine, old ribbon. You’d be amazed how much character a little wooden button or plaid bow adds to a plain burlap star. Once, I glued a mini red bow to a burlap heart and suddenly it screamed Christmas.
Tip: use fabric glue sparingly and press down for 10 seconds so nothing pops off later.
Try the “Snowy Edge” Paint Trick
This one’s super simple and makes a huge visual difference. Dip a small sponge or brush in white acrylic paint and gently dab the edges of the ornament. It gives this cute frosted effect that looks awesome on homemade holiday ornaments. But don’t dunk it like I did the first time—it’ll soak through and look like a crime scene. (True story.)
Use Stencils or Stamps for Lettering
If you’ve got decent handwriting—cool, you can freehand some festive phrases like “Joy” or “Noel.” But if you’re like me and write like a toddler in a bouncy house, stencils are your best friend. I use craft stamps and fabric paint for clean letters. Great for adding initials, which makes them perfect as DIY holiday gifts.
Seasonal Colors = Instant Upgrade
You don’t have to stick with plain burlap and brown twine. Add red stitching for Christmas, pastel ribbons for Easter, or orange buttons for fall. I once did a set of Halloween-themed burlap bats with purple thread and they actually turned out spooky-cute. Just think seasonally!
Layer Textures with Fabric Scraps
Got old flannel shirts? Tear up a sleeve and glue it behind a burlap cutout—now you’ve got a layered, shabby chic ornament that looks way more expensive than it is. I’ve even used leftover Christmas ribbon to line the edges for a more finished look.
Here’s the thing—when you personalize these ornaments, you’re not just crafting. You’re storytelling. Each little touch adds personality, and that’s what people notice. My neighbor still talks about the one I made with cinnamon sticks and gingham ribbon (smelled amazing, too).
So don’t be afraid to experiment. Worst case? You glue something on backwards and have a laugh. Best case? You end up with a whole tree full of custom, handmade ornaments that actually mean something.
Seasonal Themes You Can Try All Year
Here’s what I love most about burlap ornaments—they’re not just for Christmas. I used to pack mine away with the tree, but then one day it hit me: why not keep making them for every season? Once I realized that, I started going a little wild. Think: hearts for Valentine’s Day, pumpkins in October, even little eggs for Easter. Suddenly my whole house had this cozy, homespun vibe year-round.
Valentine’s Day: Hearts + Red Twine
Burlap hearts are a seasonal decor idea that’s both easy and sweet. I cut heart shapes using a cookie cutter, edged them with red embroidery thread, and glued on tiny felt roses. Hang them from a kitchen cabinet or pin them to a ribbon garland. If you’re giving someone a little handmade gift, tuck one inside a Valentine’s card. It’s charming and way more thoughtful than a store-bought trinket.
Spring & Easter: Eggs, Bunnies, and Flowers
Pastel burlap (yes, it exists!) is perfect for Easter. I made some egg-shaped ornaments with pale pink and mint green thread. One time, I even hot glued a tiny pom-pom as a bunny tail—total hit. If you’re into DIY holiday crafts, spring’s a fun season to try soft colors, floral stencils, or even attach mini faux flowers for that garden-fresh look.
Summer: Stars, Flags, and Sunshine
Okay, I know burlap doesn’t scream summer at first… but trust me. I made 4th of July stars with navy and red ribbon loops, and they looked awesome strung up on the porch. Use a star cookie cutter, some painted edges, and boom—instant custom seasonal decoration for your cookout. You can even stamp little suns or ice cream cones for a beachy vibe.
Fall: Pumpkins, Leaves, and Warm Colors
This might be my favorite season for crafting. Burlap just fits with autumn decor, doesn’t it? I’ve done pumpkin shapes with cinnamon stick stems (smells sooo good), maple leaves stitched in burnt orange thread, and even acorns using brown felt tops. The trick is using warm tones—rust, gold, and maroon—to bring out that fall coziness.
Winter & Christmas: Trees, Snowflakes, and Gingerbread
Obviously, DIY Christmas crafts are where burlap ornaments shine brightest. You can make snowflakes with lace overlays, mini trees with plaid ribbon, or even gingerbread men with white puffy paint outlines. Every year, I do a new batch and gift them to friends as handmade Christmas gifts. They’re affordable, personal, and surprisingly durable if you store them right.
That’s the beauty of burlap—it’s the blank canvas that works for literally every season. I’ve even seen folks do wedding themes with it (think: burlap doves or initials). So don’t box up your supplies after December. Keep crafting, keep decorating, and turn your home into a rotating gallery of rustic charm.
And there you have it—your complete guide to making rustic burlap ornaments that look straight outta a farmhouse catalog. From tracing your first cookie cutter shape to gluing on that final bow, these little projects pack a punch of charm and creativity.
Honestly, this has become one of my go-to DIY craft ideas year after year. They’re budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and make incredible handmade gifts for any season. Plus, once you start personalizing them with all those cute little extras—lace, buttons, cinnamon sticks—you’ll never want to stop.
So don’t just let these beauties hang on your tree alone—share your creations on Pinterest! Snap a photo, pin your favorite version, and inspire someone else to give burlap a go. Trust me, your board (and your tree) will thank you.
