Make stunning wood ball ornaments in just 20 minutes with craft store supplies and paint. These Scandinavian-inspired decorations cost about $1 each, won't shatter like glass, and look beautiful on any Christmas tree.
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A Quick Look At This Craft
📋 Craft: DIY Wood Ball Ornaments
⏲️ Ready In: 20 minutes
✂️ Difficulty: Easy
💰 Budget: Under $15 (makes 12-15 ornaments)
🎨 Style: Scandinavian, Minimalist, Natural
💭 Top Tip: Use washi tape instead of masking tape for cleaner lines and easier removal with no sticky residue!
Why You'll Love These Wood Ball Ornaments
- Practically indestructible unlike glass ornaments that shatter.
- Budget-friendly at about $1 per ornament or less.
- Quick to make in just 20 minutes for a batch.
- Kid and pet safe for worry-free decorating.
- Timeless Scandinavian style that never goes out of fashion.
- Fully customizable colors to match any decor scheme.
- Perfect for gifting as handmade presents
Hunting for the perfect minimalist ornaments that won't break the bank or shatter on the floor? These DIY wood ball ornaments are the answer. With simple craft store supplies, a bit of paint, and about 20 minutes, you can create beautiful Scandinavian-inspired ornaments that look expensive but cost just a few dollars to make.
Unlike glass ornaments that require careful handling and storage, wooden balls are practically indestructible. They're perfect for homes with kids, pets, or anyone who wants beautiful decor without the stress. The natural wood grain shows through the paint, creating that warm, organic look that defines Scandinavian Christmas style. Plus, you can customize the colors to match any decor scheme, from traditional red and green to modern metallics or soft neutrals.
If you love minimalist Christmas crafts, you might also enjoy our Mini Macrame Christmas Ornaments with their simple boho style, our DIY Velvet Acorns for natural decor, or our Little House Christmas Wreath for more Scandinavian inspiration.
Materials
This project uses basic craft supplies you can find at any craft store. The beauty is in the simplicity.
- Wooden Balls -Unfinished wooden craft balls in your chosen size. We recommend 2-inch diameter balls for a classic look that's not too heavy for tree branches. Find these at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Amazon. For variety, mix 2-inch and 3-inch sizes. A bag of 12-15 balls typically costs $8-12.
- Screw Eye Hooks -Small screw eye hooks (size #216 works well) to attach hanging string. One pack contains enough for dozens of ornaments. About $3-4 per pack.
- Masking Tape or Washi Tape -For taping off sections before painting. Washi tape removes more cleanly and leaves no residue, but masking tape works fine too. If using masking tape, remove it while paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling.
- Acrylic Craft Paint -Choose colors that match your decor. White creates classic Scandinavian style. Metallics like gold or copper add subtle shine. Any acrylic craft paint works beautifully. One bottle paints many ornaments. About $1-2 per color.
- Paint Brush -A small to medium brush for applying paint. Foam brushes work well for smooth coverage.
- Hanging String -Gold twine, ribbon, yarn, or thin rope for hanging. Choose something that complements your paint colors. About $2-3 per spool.
Optional But Helpful
- Wood Stain -For staining balls before or instead of painting
- Pencil or Small Dowel -For leverage when installing eye hooks
Where to Buy
- Craft Stores: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn carry unfinished wooden balls in the wood crafts section.
- Online: Amazon has multi-packs at good prices. Etsy sellers offer various sizes.
- Budget Tip: Buy in bulk or use 40-60% off coupons at craft stores to save even more.
Size Guide
- 1-inch balls -Delicate, lightweight, great for filling in gaps in the Christmas tree
- 2-inch balls -Perfect standard size, most versatile
- 3-inch balls -Statement pieces, use sparingly as they're heavier
- 4-inch balls -Very large, only for sturdy branches or mantel display
For most trees, stick with 2-inch balls or a mix of 2-inch and 3-inch for variety without excessive weight.
How To Make Wood Ball Ornaments:
These simple steps create professional-looking ornaments. The technique is forgiving and perfect for beginners.
Step 1: Install Eye Hooks
Start by screwing the eye hooks into the top of each wooden ball. Push the pointed end into the wood while turning clockwise. You'll need some finger strength to get it started. Once it catches, keep turning until the eye hook is secure and flush with the ball.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble, stick a pencil or small paintbrush handle through the eye hook loop and use it as a lever to turn more easily. For very hard wood, you can create a tiny pilot hole with a small nail or a drill first, but this usually isn't necessary.
Install eye hooks in all your balls before moving to the next step. This assembly-line approach saves time.
Step 2: Tape Your Design
For plain natural wood ornaments, skip this step and go straight to adding hanging string.
For painted ornaments, use masking tape or washi tape to tape off the section you want to paint. We taped off about one-third to one-half of each ball with a straight line across for clean, modern look. Press the tape down firmly so paint doesn't seep underneath.
You can create different looks by taping at various angles or taping off multiple sections. Experiment with diagonal lines or geometric patterns.
Step 3: Paint and Dry
Apply paint to the exposed section. You'll likely need two coats for full coverage. Let the first coat dry completely (about 20-30 minutes) before applying the second.
Drying method: We rested out balls paint side up in the rolls of washi tape, you can also use small drinking glasses, or hang them from the eye hooks to dry.
Remove the tape once the paint is dry to the touch but not completely cured (about 30 minutes after final coat). This prevents the paint from peeling off with the tape. Peel slowly at a low angle for the cleanest edge.
Step 4: Add Hanging String
Cut a 6 to 8-inch piece of hanging string, ribbon, or yarn. Thread it through the eye hook and tie the ends together in a knot to create a loop. Trim any excess string.
Your ornaments are ready to hang! Display them on your tree, use them in garlands, or package them as gifts.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Eye Hook Installation -The wood may feel hard initially. Apply steady pressure while turning, and don't worry if it takes some effort. Once it catches the wood grain, it will screw in more easily.
- Tape Choice Matters -Washi tape creates the cleanest lines because it removes easily without residue. If using masking tape, choose painter's tape quality and remove it while paint is slightly tacky.
- Paint Application -Thin coats work better than one thick coat. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next. Two thin coats give more even coverage than one thick layer.
- Weight Considerations -If making very large ornaments (3-inch or bigger), use them sparingly and hang them on stronger interior branches rather than delicate outer ones. A mix of sizes creates the most visual interest.
Design Ideas and Variations
The basic technique opens up endless creative possibilities. Here are ideas to make these ornaments your own.
Paint Variations
- Classic Scandinavian -White paint on natural wood (what we made)
- Metallic Glamour -Gold, copper, or silver paint for subtle shine
- Bold Colors -Traditional red or green, or modern navy and blush
- Multiple Colors -Paint different sections in coordinating colors, or stripes
- Ombre Effect -Gradually fade from painted to natural wood
- Angled Lines -Tape diagonally instead of straight across
Natural Options
- Plain Wood -Leave balls completely natural with just eye hooks and string
- Stained Only -Apply wood stain for richer color while showing grain
- Half-Stained, Half-Painted -Combine stain and paint for contrast
Beyond Paint
Wood Burning -Add designs with a wood burning tool
Vinyl Decals -Apply cut vinyl designs or monograms
Glitter Dipped -Dip painted section in glitter while wet
Script -Hand-letter with paint pen once base paint dries
Wood Bead Alternative
Can't find solid wooden balls? Use large wooden beads instead. Thread ribbon or yarn through the bead hole and add a tassel, smaller beads, or felt balls on the bottom end. This creates a different hanging ornament style that's just as beautiful. The hole becomes a design feature rather than something to hide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two-inch diameter balls are the most versatile size. They're substantial enough to make an impact but not so heavy they weigh down branches. Mix in some 3-inch balls for variety if desired, but avoid going larger than 3 inches for tree ornaments.
Two-inch wooden balls weigh about the same as standard glass ornaments and work fine on most trees. Hang them on interior branches rather than delicate outer tips. If you're concerned, stick with 2-inch or smaller sizes.
Michaels, and Hobby Lobby carry them in the wood crafts section. Amazon sells multi-packs. Etsy has various sizes and quantities. Look for "unfinished wooden balls" or "wood craft balls."
Regular acrylic craft paint works beautifully. Any brand from the craft store will do. You don't need special wood paint. Two thin coats give better coverage than one thick coat.
Press your tape down very firmly, especially at the edges. Paint thin coats rather than thick ones. Remove the tape while paint is still slightly tacky (about 30 minutes after final coat) rather than waiting until it's completely dry.
Apply firm, steady pressure while turning. Use a pencil through the loop as a lever for better grip. If the wood is very hard, tap a small nail into the spot first to create a pilot hole, or use a drill, then screw in the eye hook.
If you make these wood ball ornaments or any other craft on my blog, please let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
More DIY Christmas Ideas
Materials
- Wooden Balls
- Eye Hooks
- Washi Tape or Masking Tape
- Paint Brush
- White Paint
- Gold String Ribbon, or Yarn
Instructions
- Start by screwing the eye hooks into the top of the wooden balls.
- For the plain ones, just attach a string and your ready to hang them.
- For the painted ones, use masking tape to tape off the section you want painted.
- Apply the paint, you might need to do two coats to really cover it.
- Remove the tape once the paint is dry and add the string for hanging.
Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist says
These are so easy and the perfect Scandinavian modern and simple Christmas ornaments.
dnr says
Hi Danielle, I think they were about 2 inches, and I picked them up at the craft store -Hobby Lobby if I remember correctly. Hope this helps, and happy crafting.
Dannyelle
Danielle says
Hi! Can I ask what size are those and where did you get them?