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How to Decorate Your Tree in the Scandinavian Style with DIY Minimal Ornaments

by on Dec 7, 2018

 

Images by Marlene Sauer

Finding minimal holiday decorations isn’t always the easiest. Let’s face it, this is not a season known for restraint! 

As my own decorating tastes are turning ever more minimal, I decided to take a cue from my favorite design style and make a few DIY Scandinavian-inspired ornaments. I just love how simple and natural this look is, while still being festive.

Keep reading to see how to make all three decorations so you can style your own minimal holiday tree!       

DIY Scandinavian-inspired ornaments

First up we’ll make a super simple DIY wood bead ornament. It’s so easy you don’t even really need instructions, but for the sake of thoroughness, read on!

Materials

Scissors and other tools near beads.

 

Step

A blue tray holding white beads sits next to a pair of scissors and some thread.

Cut a length of thread about 10 inches long, fold it in half, and tie a double knot about 1/3 of the way down. This forms the hanging loop.

Step

scissors and marbles

Thread three beads onto the string, largest to smallest. If you are using metallic embroidery floss, which unravels easily, it can be helpful to use a needle to guide the beads onto the thread.

Step

Black scissors are sitting on a surface near other tools and a tray of beads.

Tie a double knot under the last bead, then trim the ends. Voila! 

DIY Wood Bead Ornament

 


Now let’s add a little color to our minimal Christmas tree with these DIY mini cranberry wreath ornaments. Aren’t they just the cutest?

materials

A black pair of scissors is sitting near beads and wires.

 

Step 1

Pink plyers near beads and wire.

Cut a length of wire about 10 inches long, and form it into a circle.

Step 2

A tool with pink handles used with beads.

Thread cranberries onto the wire until the ornament is the size you want.

Step 3

A pair of pink plyers sit on a surface with beads and string.

Close the “wreath” by twisting together the ends of the wire, like a twisty-tie. 

Step 4

A pair of pink plyers next to beads and wire.

Snip off the wire ends.

Step 5

Beads and scissors and other craft tools are shown.

Then attach a length of cord to hang the ornament. Done!

DIY Mini Cranberry Wreath


Finally, every tree needs a star or two. This DIY wood star tree topper looks fancy, but is really simple to make, promise. And I’ve included a printable template!

materials

A paper having a design and decorative items on it.

 

Not pictured: a sturdy ruler, cutting mat, wire cutters, and a hot glue gun.

Step 1

A person drawing shapes on a white paper.

Print the template onto cardstock, and cut out the three shapes (the square and the two points). You don’t have to cut out the whole star, I just included it so you would know what the final piece should look like.

Trace the shapes onto balsa wood, and cut out using a craft knife and ruler. In addition to the square, you will need 4 large points, 4 small points, and 1 square.

Step 2

A paint brush resting on a paint holder with several colors of paint in it.

Paint the 4 small points with two coats of white paint. A shimmery metallic paint would also look nice!

Step 3

decorating leaves

Glue the points of the star to the square, alternating the large and small points. 

If your cuts aren’t completely accurate, you may have to trim the last piece a little to get it to fit. Don’t worry, that happened to me, too!

Step 4

A pair of plyers sitting near some  decorations.

Cut a length of wire about 10 inches long, and form it into a spiral. I wrapped the wire around my index finger since that was about the size of the top of my tiny tree. Make sure to leave a long tail on the narrower end of the spiral.

Step 5

A hot glue gun rests next to some simple Scandinavian style ornaments that are handmade.

Glue the “tail” to the back of the star. You can adjust the width of the wire spiral to fit your tree. That’s it!

DIY Wood Star Tree Topper

And just like that, you have a gorgeous, Scandinavian style tree for the holidays! 

DIY Scandinavian-inspired Ornaments

DIY Scandinavian-inspired Ornaments

DIY Scandinavian-Inspired Ornaments
Pin now, make later!

How do you like to decorate for the holidays? Are you a minimalist, or a maximalist?

Check out this post for more Scandinavian holiday decorating ideas!

A fireplace mantle decorated for Christmas.

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