These cardboard ornaments are painted and decorated to resemble vintage glass baubles from years past. Kids of all ages will enjoy the creative process, and the finished pieces can be hung on your Christmas tree or used as gift toppers this holiday season.
Over the years we’ve made many versions of cardboard ornaments, and this project adds another favourite to the collection: Cardboard Vintage Christmas Ornaments.
You may also like our Cardboard Sugar Cookie Ornaments.
I’ve always loved the charm of vintage Christmas tree ornaments — those classic silver glass baubles decorated in metallic, shimmery colours. Recreating that look with cardboard in my daycare felt like a fun challenge.
Cardboard won’t mimic glass exactly, but with paint, a bit of varnish and some sparkle, these ornaments achieve a lovely old-fashioned feel. The results are surprisingly beautiful and handmade in a way kids can be proud of.
Aren’t they lovely?
This project is great because it leaves lots of room for creativity — colours, patterns and embellishments can vary widely. It’s an enjoyable, accessible craft for children of nearly any age.
Hang the finished ornaments on your tree, package them as thoughtful handmade gifts, or use them as decorative gift toppers for the season.
How to Make Cardboard Vintage Christmas Ornaments
Supplies:
- Cardboard
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Paint — acrylic craft paint works well
- Acrylic craft varnish (optional)
- Glue
- Glitter
- Craft gems and sequins
- Metallic thread or ribbon for hanging
Instructions:
Cardboard Vintage Ornament How-To:
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Cut out shapes
Draw simple ornament shapes on cardboard and cut them out.
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Paint
Apply two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry before adding the second. Once dry, add details in contrasting colours — stripes, dots, squiggles or zig-zags add character.
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Varnish
If you like a glossier, more polished finish, add a coat of craft varnish and let it dry completely. This helps the colours pop and gives added durability.
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Add glitter and gems
Use glue to attach craft gems, sequins and glitter to create sparkle and vintage flair.
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Add a hanger
Punch a small hole at the top of each ornament and thread metallic thread or ribbon for hanging.
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