DIY Glittered Cork Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide to Elegant & Easy Holiday Decor

The holiday season brings with it a cherished tradition for many: decorating the Christmas tree. While store-bought ornaments are beautiful, there’s a unique joy and personal touch that comes with handmade Christmas ornaments. Since childhood, I’ve found immense pleasure in crafting unique decorations, turning everyday items into festive treasures. This delightful practice not only adds character to our holiday display but also creates lasting memories, year after year. Every ornament tells a story, and each new addition becomes part of our family’s festive narrative.

Over the years, I’ve shared some of my favorite DIY ornament projects with you, from these elegant knockoff Anthropologie ornaments that add a touch of sparkle, to the charming rosette book page ornaments, and the incredibly simple yet effective book page punch ornaments, which continue to grace our tree annually. This year, I’m thrilled to introduce another easy and enchanting craft that promises to become a holiday favorite: adorable glittered cork ornaments. These charming pieces are perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of rustic glam to their holiday decor without breaking the bank or spending hours on complicated projects.

My inspiration for these glittered cork ornaments came from a discovery at Crate and Barrel. I was captivated by the idea of transforming a seemingly utilitarian and humble material like cork into something unexpectedly glamorous with a sprinkle of glitter. It’s a delightful juxtaposition – the natural, earthy texture of cork meeting the dazzling shimmer of glitter – that results in a truly unique and fun aesthetic. When embarking on any craft project, I adhere to a simple but strict set of criteria: it must be cheap, easy, and quick to create, yet yield a truly fabulous end product. The best part? It doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. In fact, the slight imperfections often lend a charming, handcrafted appeal. These glittered cork ornaments tick every single box, offering a high-end, catalog-worthy look for a fraction of the cost and effort. They embody the spirit of mindful crafting, proving that beautiful holiday decor can be accessible and enjoyable to make for everyone.

How to Make Glittered Cork Ornaments: A Simple DIY Guide

Crafting these glittered cork ornaments is a wonderfully straightforward process, making it an ideal project for crafters of all skill levels, including those new to DIY holiday decor. Follow these steps to create your own collection of sparkling, personalized ornaments that will add a special touch to your Christmas tree or festive displays.

Gather Your Cork Materials

Before you begin the cutting process, ensure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Having everything laid out will make the crafting experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

• Sheet Cork: I recommend using an 1/8-inch thick piece of cork, similar to this option. This thickness provides enough stability for an ornament while still being easy to cut. You can often find cork sheets at craft stores, stationery shops, or online. Thicker cork can be used, but it might require more effort and multiple passes with your craft knife. For a different aesthetic, consider cutting slices from wine corks for a more rustic look, though this project focuses on uniform shapes from sheet cork.
• Craft Knife: A sharp craft knife, like an X-Acto knife, is essential for precise cutting. While an X-Acto knife works well, I personally prefer this particular knife for its comfort and control. Always ensure your blade is sharp to prevent tearing the cork and to achieve clean edges.
• Self-Healing Cutting Mat: This is a crucial tool for protecting your work surface from knife damage. A good quality cutting mat will also help your blade glide smoothly and extend its life. Never cut directly on your table or countertop.
• Pencil: A regular pencil is perfect for tracing your chosen ornament shapes onto the cork sheet. Ensure it’s sharpened for clear, fine lines.
• Tree and Ornament Shape Templates: The beauty of this project lies in the variety of shapes you can create. For classic designs, I found excellent templates online:
  • For a charming Christmas tree shape, you can find a suitable tree template here.
  • For more traditional ornament outlines, discover a versatile ornaments template here. I typically trim off any overly ornate tops from these templates for a cleaner, more modern look that better suits the cork material. Feel free to explore other shapes like stars, snowflakes, hearts, or even letters to personalize your ornaments.

Step-by-Step Cork Cutting Instructions

With your materials ready, let’s begin shaping your cork ornaments. Precision and patience are key here, but remember, slight imperfections can add to the handmade charm.

1. Trace Your Designs: Carefully place your chosen ornament templates onto the sheet cork. Using your pencil, meticulously trace around the edges of each template. Try to position your templates efficiently on the cork sheet to minimize waste, leaving just enough space between each shape for cutting. Press gently with the pencil to leave a visible line without indenting the cork too deeply.
2. Cut Out the Ornaments: Transfer your traced cork sheet to your self-healing cutting mat. Hold your craft knife firmly but comfortably. Slowly and steadily cut along the traced lines. It’s often better to make several light passes with the knife rather than trying to cut through the cork in a single stroke, especially for intricate designs or thicker cork. This technique provides more control and results in cleaner edges. Don’t worry if your cuts aren’t absolutely perfect on the first try. You can always go back and carefully shave off small areas that need evening up. Embrace the unique, slightly folk-artish look that uneven edges can create, particularly for shapes like tree branches – it adds to the handcrafted appeal. Safety first: always cut away from your body and keep your free hand clear of the blade’s path.

Glitter Application Essentials

Once your cork shapes are cut, it’s time for the fun part: adding sparkle! The right glue and glitter make all the difference for a stunning finish.

• Tacky Glue: This is the most crucial component for successful glittering. I highly recommend using tacky glue, such as Aleene’s Tacky Glue. It’s important because Elmer’s-type white glues are often too watery and will soak into the porous cork, resulting in a dull, uneven glitter adhesion. Tacky glue is thicker, sits on the surface, and provides a much better bond for glitter. Other suitable options include Mod Podge (especially the gloss finish) or even spray adhesive for a very fine, even coat, though tacky glue offers more control for edge work.
• Small Paint Brush: A small craft paintbrush, preferably with a flat edge, will give you precise control when applying the glue to the delicate edges and surfaces of your cork ornaments. A flat brush helps create clean lines and even coverage. You might want a dedicated brush just for glue.
• Glitter: The quality and fineness of your glitter can significantly impact the final look. The finer the glitter, the better the coverage and sparkle. After completing my first batch, I found that my initial glitter choice was a bit too coarse, and I wished I had used a finer grain for a more dazzling effect. Consider extra-fine craft glitter or even cosmetic-grade glitter for maximum impact. While gold and silver are classic, don’t shy away from experimenting with iridescent, pearl, or even custom glitter mixes to match your holiday theme.

Step-by-Step Glittering Instructions

Now for the magical transformation! Applying the glitter is a simple process, but taking your time will ensure a professional-looking finish.

3. Apply Glue to Edges: Working on one ornament at a time, use your small paintbrush to carefully apply a thin, even coat of tacky glue to the cut edges of the cork shape. Focus on getting a consistent layer of glue all around the perimeter. I find it easiest to glue and glitter one side at a time, allowing it to dry slightly before moving on to the next. This prevents smudges and ensures full glitter coverage.
4. Accentuate with Front Edge Glue: For an extra touch of sparkle and definition, use the flat edge of your brush to paint a thin line of glue along the very front edges of the ornaments. This creates a beautifully defined border of glitter that truly makes the shapes pop. You can also get creative here – paint small dots, stripes, or even cover the entire surface for a fully glittered effect.
5. Glitter and Dry: Immediately after applying the glue to a section, generously pour glitter onto the wet adhesive. Hold the ornament over a piece of scrap paper or a tray to catch excess glitter, which you can then funnel back into its container, minimizing waste. Gently tap off any loose glitter. Repeat this process for all glued areas, ensuring complete coverage. Once glittered, carefully set the ornaments aside to dry completely. I found that placing them on upturned jars or small cups works perfectly, allowing air circulation around all sides and preventing the glitter from sticking to surfaces. Drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the glue and humidity, so allow several hours, or even overnight, for the best results.

Finishing Touches: Adding Hangers

The final step is to add a hanger, transforming your glittered cork cutouts into functional ornaments ready for display.

6. Create a Hole and Thread: Using an awl, a thick yarn needle, or even a small drill bit (for very thick cork), carefully create a small hole at the top of each ornament. Choose a spot that feels balanced for hanging. Be gentle to avoid tearing the cork. Once the hole is made, thread a piece of jute twine through it. I often pull the jute twine apart to make it a bit thinner, which makes it easier to thread through the small hole and gives it a slightly more delicate look. You can tie the ends together to form a loop, or thread it through and create a decorative knot. While jute twine offers a wonderful rustic charm, feel free to experiment with other hanging options like thin satin ribbon for elegance, fishing line for an almost invisible hanger, or traditional ornament hooks for a classic look.

Creative Ways to Display Your Glittered Cork Ornaments

Your beautiful glittered cork ornaments are now complete, and the possibilities for displaying them extend far beyond the Christmas tree! Their versatility, rustic charm, and festive sparkle make them perfect for various holiday decorating ideas, adding a personalized touch to every corner of your home.

Beyond the Christmas Tree

• Wreath Enhancements: Imagine these sparkling cork shapes nestled within a lush green wreath, perhaps accented with a burlap bow. They add texture and shimmer, transforming a simple wreath into a stunning focal point on your front door or above the mantelpiece.
• Charming Gift Tags: These ornaments make exceptional gift tags. Personalize them by writing initials, names, or a short holiday message directly onto the cork with a fine-tipped permanent marker before or after glittering (if writing on an un-glittered area). This adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your presents, and the recipient gets an extra little keepsake!
• Elegant Holiday Table Decor: Elevate your holiday table setting by using them as unique name cards or napkin rings. Simply write each guest’s name on an ornament and place it at their setting, or thread a napkin through the loop for a festive touch. They will undoubtedly be a conversation starter and add a touch of handmade elegance to your celebratory meals.
• Festive Garlands: String multiple glittered cork ornaments together with additional twine, ribbon, or even small beads to create a festive garland. This can be draped across a mantel, woven through stair banisters, or hung along a window frame for a delightful seasonal display.
• Wall Decor and Vignettes: Create a charming holiday vignette by hanging a few ornaments from decorative branches placed in a vase, or arrange them artfully on a wall using temporary adhesive hooks. They can also be incorporated into tiered tray decor for a cozy, rustic-glam look.
• Thoughtful Party Favors: If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, these ornaments make delightful and inexpensive party favors. Guests can take home a little piece of handmade cheer to remember the occasion.

Customization and Personalization Ideas

Don’t stop at just glitter! There are many ways to further customize your cork ornaments:

• Color Schemes: Experiment with different glitter colors to match your existing holiday decor. Beyond traditional gold and silver, consider vibrant reds, deep greens, snowy whites, or even trendy rose gold. You can also layer different colors of glitter for a multi-dimensional effect.
• Paint and Stamps: Before or after applying glitter (on non-glittered areas), use craft paint to add small designs, dots, or stripes. Rubber stamps with holiday motifs can also create beautiful patterns on the cork.
• Embellishments: Attach small beads, sequins, tiny bells, or even miniature pinecones to your ornaments with a dab of glue for added texture and visual interest.
• Different Cork Types: While sheet cork offers clean shapes, consider cutting slices from actual wine corks for a more rustic, varied look. These can be glittered in the same way, offering a different charm.

At less than .50 cents each (depending on your material sourcing), these DIY glittered cork ornaments are an incredibly economical way to achieve a high-end, catalog-inspired holiday look without the hefty price tag. They offer a unique blend of natural texture and festive sparkle, making them a truly special addition to your holiday traditions. The joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands, coupled with the affordability and versatility of cork, makes this a must-try holiday craft project.

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I’m sharing this at Monday Funday, Inspiration Monday, That DIY Party, Best DIY and Recipes Party, Tuts & Tips and The Inspiration Exchange.