These handmade paper Christmas decorations are not only cost-effective and the perfect way to make the festive season more sustainable, they also look absolutely stunning. With a couple of packs of origami paper, scissors, glue, a dash of patience and some ribbon, you’ll have your very own bespoke paper Christmas baubles!
However, if you want the homemade decor look without the effort, why not shop our favourite handmade decorations for a warm and rustic Christmas look?
Folk Wooden Bauble Box - Set of 8, £10.00 - Shop here
Felt Holly and Berries Christmas Gift Trim 2m, £5.00 - Shop here
Folk Light Up Green Fir Christmas Wreath, £20.00 - Shop here
Our mate Emily Dawe will show you how it’s done, but for the folds, we’d recommend following the steps after the video!
What you’ll need:
- Origami papers (or very thin paper)
- Scissors
- PVA glue and a small brush
- Thin ribbon
For large decorations, use two 21cm paper squares.
For small decorations, use two 17cm paper squares.
Paperworks A4 Silver Metallic Paper - Pack of 30, £6.00 - Shop here
Clear and Rose Gold Scissors, £5.00 - Shop here
Medium Pritt Stick, £3.50 - Shop here
Multi Paper Ribbons 4m - Pack of 10, £12.00 - Shop here
Step 1
Take one square of paper, fold diagonally in half then open it out.
Step 2
Fold the square diagonally in half the other way, this time keeping it folded.
Step 3
With the base of the triangle towards you, take the right point down to the bottom point and fold.
Step 4
Repeat this by taking the left point down to the bottom point, and fold.
Step 5
Turn the diamond shape around 180 degrees. Open out the left side of the diamond and fold the inner piece over to the right, then press along the crease. Do the same on the other side.
Step 6
With the open side of the diamond facing away from you, fold in the two sides to the central crease to create a kite shape. Flip it over and do the same on the other side.
Step 7
Cut off the excess triangles from the top.
Step 8
With the base of the triangle facing towards you, use the same technique as in step six. Open out a section, fold the inner piece to the right and press along the crease. Repeat this technique on all of the sections.
Step 9
With the base of the triangle towards you, take the right point and fold it up to the central crease. Repeat this technique on all of the sections.
Step 10
Open out the shape. Fold the small triangles youâve just created inwards, and crease. Do this all the way around and place to one side.
Step 11
Repeat the whole process to create a second identical shape.
Step 12
Cut a 25cm-long piece of thin ribbon or twine and thread it onto a large needle. Cut a small slit in the centre of one of the shapes and thread the ribbon through the hole, then back down again to create a loop.
Step 13
Remove the needle and tie a large knot in the ribbon (you don't want it coming up through the hole you just made.) Apply a little glue to the knot to secure it.
Step 14
Apply some glue to two of the points of one paper shape. Take the other paper shape, line up the points and hold in place until secure.
Step 15
Continue gluing around the edges, two or three points at a time, until you have created one whole shape. Leave to dry.
Top tip: it's a good idea to work on gluing a few decorations at once, say four or five, as by the time you have glued a couple of sections of them all, the first one will be strong enough to work on again.
Hey presto – you have your first (but hopefully not your last) finished origami bauble!
Why stop there? Get crafting your whole Christmas with our guide on all things festive DIY!
Got the creative crafting bug? Check our all our signature How-to guides here and start making exciting pieces for every day and every occasion.
