How to Make DIY Napkin Christmas Ornaments (Easy Holiday Craft Tutorial)

It’s Christmastime, and that means the DIY projects are in full swing over here! I swear I craft more during the holidays than any other time of year—maybe it’s the cozy nights at home, but honestly, it’s the family time and that creative itch that kicks in every December. The good news for you? More easy Christmas craft tutorials coming your way! Today I’m sharing one of my new favorite hacks for DIY napkin Christmas ornaments. If you’ve been here a while, you might recognize this trick because it works for so many projects… and yes, it all starts with napkins. Let’s dive in and I’ll show you exactly how to make these beautiful Christmas ornaments using this simple napkin hack.

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Supplies you'll need:

Air-dry clay (white or colored linked here)

Napkins (any pattern or design you love. linked here)

Staw

Mod Podge (or another decoupage glue)

Soft paintbrush (for applying Mod Podge)

Rolling pin 

Cookie cutters

Fine-grit sandpaper (to smooth rough edges)

Rub 'n Buff in Gold Leaf (for a metallic finish. linked here)

Soft cloth or paint brush (to apply Rub 'n Buff)

When you realize that napkins can be used for more than just wiping your face, you will soon start to hoard them...trust me, I'm talking from experience. I went through my napkin drawer for this project and found the perfect ones to go with my holiday decor this year. 

I find napkins from everywhere...Amazon, Hobby Lobby...but mainly TJ. Maxx and Home Goods. They have the motherload. Yep. So, next time you are out and about, go check them out. They are pretty inexpensive as well. Use a few for crafts and the rest for your next dinner party :)

Okay, let's get going. Here are the steps to making these cute napkin ornaments.

Step 1: Roll out the clay to about 1/4" thickness. Use the cookie cutters to shape it. I used multiple sizes and styles. 

At this point, you will want to use a straw to make a hole.

Step 2: Dry the clay over night. I like to put them on a wire rack

Step 3: Find the napkin you want to use, and place the clay ornament on top of it for size. I like to figure out what design is going to be placed where as well so I know where to cut.

Step 4: Cut the napkin bigger than you need. I like to just cut the square section, keeps it easy.

Step 5: Now most napkins will have multiple plies. Separate the top printed ply from the rest.

Step 6: Add Mod Podge to the dry clay ornament. Just a small layer will do the trick. Apply with a brush.

Step 7: Place the ornament onto the napkin. I like to flip it upside down onto the upside down napkin just so I can see what I'm doing and where I'm placing it on the pattern.

You can then flip it over, and press and smooth out the napkin onto the ornament.

Step 8: Cut the napkin now closer to the shape of the ornament.

Step 9: Use fine grit sandpaper and gently remove the excess napkin. I do this by starting on top of the edge and moving the paper downwards off the edge. This tends to get the best cut for the napkin.

Step 10: Don't forget to add the hole back in before the next step; do this by just pushing the paint brush bottom through the hole.

Step 11: Add another layer of Mod Podge onto the napkin. If you want a little more durability, add a second. Wait for it to dry.

Step 12: Finish it off by painting or applying Rub n' Buff to the back and sides.

Step 13: Now it's time to hang it. You can do this is in multiple ways. Here's how I added the ribbon. I folded the ribbon in half, and pushed the middle folded piece in through the hole with the back of the paint brush.

I then pulled it through leaving about a 2 inch loop. I used the rest of ribbon and tied it in a bow.

You can also just as easily send a ribbon through like normal and tie a bow at the top, or use jute. I added some wood balls to the jute to give it a little more charm.

This is craft is similar to my other two favorite crafts during this time of year. Here's the tutorial on how to make a trinket dish...the perfect little Christmas present.

And a tutorial on how to add family photos to make the cutest ornament!

pin for later:

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”