15 Very Special Paper Christmas Ornaments Made by Hand

One of my favorite ways to prepare for Christmas is to give small, but beautiful paper craft tree ornaments to friends and family. Over the years I've made lots of different kinds and have gifted wonderful ones made by others as well. While thinking of ideas for this year, I visited Etsy and rounded up a gorgeous assortment of handmade ornaments... have a look!


Maeve S. of Maeve Made Shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania loves to do hands-on projects that require plenty of patience - I'd say she's found her calling! Maeve uses a variety of papers to create Polish Star ornaments, like these pretty gold and ivory ones.

Kelsey Kaptur of Dear Handcrafted in Royal Oak, Michigan makes hand bound journals, as well as tiny blank book ornaments to hang on your tree. She used Lokta paper from Nepal for the cover of this sweet red and gold mini-book ornament [currently unavailable, but check with Kelsey via the contact link] and stitched it with waxed linen thread. Fill in the pages with your Christmas traditions or whatever you wish. As an extra touch, Kelsey will hand-calligraph initials in metallic gold ink.


Valeriia of Fox Lab Jewelry in Ghent, Belgium makes quilled paper ornaments and pressed flower jewelry. This metallic snowflake [currently unavailable, but check with Valeriia] is perfectly formed and so pretty with its shiny edges and gold crystals.


Lisa of Blue Dragon Craft in Cleveland, Ohio proudly practices the 5 re's: recycle, reuse, reclaim, reduce, and rejoice. Have a look at her colorful rolled and folded paper ornaments.... there are nearly seventy designs including traditional Christmas themes. This Dala Horse is one of my faves.


Linsey Skelly of Tree Town Paper in Ann Arbor, Michigan makes pine cone ornaments using all sorts of paper, for example, sheet music, printed text, and maps. This song ornament is very neat... she's happy to create one using lyrics of your choice, as long as the song is downloadable.


Ada of Paper Art By Ada in Bucharest, Romania makes quilled tree ornaments using finely crimped paper strips that give a lacy look. She enhances the ornaments with silver glitter that you can see sprinkled on the branches of this elegant Christmas tree.

Christy Johnson of Enduring Vision [taking a break, but you can sign up to be emailed when she's back] in New York makes origami tree ornaments in a variety of colors, and also strings them on rustic roping to be used as mantel decor. The S scroll hangers add such a nice touch.

Christa of Wintergreen Design [shop is currently unlisted] in Vancouver, Canada is a creator of adorable 3D ornaments made of quilling paper. This set of three crimson Santas is just one of many designs... you'll also find detailed reindeer, elves, Wise Men, snowmen, Mrs. Claus, and more.


Theodora Mateeva and Angel Boraliev in Varna, Bulgaria of The World in Paper are the creators of intricate origami geo balls, as well as origami flowers and earrings. The metallic papers are beautiful and the folds are complex. 2021 Update: If you would like to order a geo ball, I recommend contacting Angel via her newest shop.

Ha, so apparently hiding a pickle on a Christmas tree is a thing - I know little ones who would enjoy the hunt! Here's a perfectly quilled pickle ornament made by Nanc Pfruender of Quilling Naturally in Midland, Michigan who offers quite a few styles of ornaments. 

Elizabeth Taylor of Sweet Punk Baby in Asheville, North Carolina makes pretty glass origami crane ornaments. The sprinkling of glitter adds a festive touch.


Wendy Talene of Papuan Lass in Lynden, Washington creates pocket-sized books like this beauty that contains a mini-collection of traditional Christmas carols. The hardcover looks very much like an aged, leather-bound tome... she even fashions cracks and worn spots on the leather.


Efthimia Kotsanelouof of Efthimia Papier Mache in Rhodes, Greece is a former graphic designer who turns simple paper pulp into all sorts of clever figures. Painted Santa ornaments come as a cute set of two.
I've included a link to each shop, as well as to the individual ornaments. Many sellers offer color choices and a variety of designs, so take a moment to click around the shops.
FYI, an international giveaway [ENDED] courtesy of Nikolina Angelova of Etsy shop NiJewels who makes beautifully unique silk thread and paperboard earrings is underway on my Instagram feed, @allthingspaper. It ends next Saturday, December 1st.