How to Make Watercolor Christmas Ornaments Easy DIY

Learn how to make watercolor Christmas ornaments an easy DIY project.

Creating your own watercolor ornaments is a magical way to add personal charm to your tree during the holiday season, and they’re one of the most fun ideas in any collection of creative Christmas arts.

Whether you're using ornament circles, acrylic blanks, or watercolor paper coated with watercolor ground, this project is simple enough for older kids (with a bit of adult supervision) but beautiful enough for adults to treasure. 

The fun part is experimenting with analogous colors, blending liquid watercolors with clean water or even a little bit of warm water to create the watercolor effect you love. 

You can paint soft washes, vibrant gradients, or delicate snowflake designs, adjusting the tones to a lighter color at the edge of the ornament for the desired effect. 

Finish each piece with holiday words in elegant calligraphy for a professional, polished look.

These diy Christmas ornaments are the perfect Christmas projects for anyone who loves handmade creativity, and they make stunning keepsakes or gifts for happy holidays crafting.

Let's get started!

Materials Needed for Watercolor Ornaments:

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• Watercolor paper (cold-press works best)
• Arteza Watercolor paints in Shimmer/Metallics
• Watercolor brushes (small to medium round brushes)
• Pencil (for sketching)
• Eraser
• Black or metallic brush pen for calligraphy
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Pastel or festive chiffon ribbon
• Water container, palette, and paper towels

Step 1: Prepare Your Paints/Paper

Begin by adding a drop or two of clean water to each watercolor pan to get it ready for painting.

Lightly sketch your holiday designs with a pencil on the watercolor paper:

• Red door with a wreath
• Classic ornament
• Poinsettia flower

I didn't sketch these out, but you can sketch or trace a design so it's easier to paint the shapes.

Just have fun with it!

Step 2: Paint the Designs

Wet your brush and start layering watercolor paints on your sketches.

For the red door, use vibrant reds and subtle shading to add depth. Paint the wreath with greens, adding small details in a darker green or gold.

For the classic ornament, add reflective highlights and patterns to make it dimensional.

For the poinsettia, layer reds and greens for petals and leaves, using a small brush for detail.

Allow each layer to dry before adding details to avoid colors bleeding together.

Step 3: Add Calligraphy

Once the paint is completely dry, use a brush pen to write holiday words like “Joy,” “Merry Christmas,” or “Peace.”

Practice on scrap paper first to ensure smooth lettering.

Keep your calligraphy simple and elegant—don’t overcrowd the ornament.

Step 4: Cut and Hole Punch

Once your paint has dried and you’ve added any details—whether in shimmering watercolor, acrylic paint, or ink—the next step is to turn each ornament blank into something truly special. 

Cut your watercolor paper into small shapes suitable for ornaments (circles, squares, or rectangles).
Punch a hole near the top of each piece for hanging.

Step 5: Hanging the Ornaments

Cut a length of chiffon ribbon (6–10 inches, depending on ornament size).

Thread the ribbon through the punched hole and tie a knot or bow.

Ensure the ribbon is secure for easy hanging on the tree or as gift décor.

Step 6: Optional Finishing Touches

Add a light touch of metallic paint to wreaths, ornaments, or poinsettias for shimmer.

Seal your watercolor ornament with a spray fixative to protect the paint and calligraphy.

Create a set of matching ornaments for a cohesive holiday display.

Step 6: Display or Gift

Hang your watercolor art ornaments on your Christmas tree, in a window, or use them as elegant gift toppers. 

Handmade, hand-painted ornaments are a meaningful way to celebrate the season while showing off your creativity.

Tips for Success

• Use quality watercolor paper to prevent warping.
• Lightly sketch first; avoid heavy pencil lines that show through paint.
• Layer colors gradually for depth and dimension.
• Experiment with different holiday designs—snowflakes, candles, or holly leaves are also charming.

That's it!

These watercolor art ornaments combine the beauty of hand-painted art with the warmth of holiday tradition. They’re simple, customizable, and make each tree or gift truly unique.

Hang your own ornaments on the tree with a ribbon or hook for holiday decoration, or attach them on the top of the card for a greeting card or tag for a gift.

Creating beautiful works of art gives the best results for happy holidays!

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