Create a charming DIY Book Page Ornament this holiday season with just a few simple supplies. Upcycle pages from an old book to craft a timeless, vintage-inspired Christmas decoration your family will enjoy for years to come.
Take a little time this season to make meaningful handmade ornaments for your tree or to give as thoughtful gifts. This Book Page Ornament has a delicate, sparkly vintage feel and is easy to personalize. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is approachable and rewarding.
How to Make a Mod Podge DIY Book Page Ornament
These ornaments are perfect for gifting, decorating, or sharing with a book club or crafty friends. They pair well with many decorating styles, from farmhouse to traditional, and add a warm, handmade touch to holiday décor.
Supplies Needed
Gather these basic supplies to make multiple ornaments. Substitute what you have on hand to customize the look.
- Glass or plastic ornaments (plastic is less fragile and recommended for families with kids)
- Old book pages, scrapbook paper, or newspaper
- Mod Podge or similar decoupage glue
- Foam or regular paintbrush
- Glitter in your preferred colors
For the Tag
- Scissors, paper cutter, or tag punch
- Cardstock for tags
- Holiday-themed stamp or handwritten message
- Inkpad in the desired color
- Brown or tea-stained ink for a vintage edge
- Raffia, twine, or ribbon to tie the tag
- Small hole punch
Vintage book pages add authentic age and texture and are often inexpensive at thrift stores. If you prefer not to cut up a book, patterned scrapbook paper or newspaper pages make attractive alternatives. Plastic ornaments are more durable, but both glass and plastic yield beautiful results.
STEP 1: Glitter the Hanger
Remove the metal (or plastic) hanger from the ornament. Work over newspaper or a protective surface. Brush the hanger with Mod Podge, then sprinkle glitter to fully coat it. Allow it to dry completely before reinstalling.
STEP 2: Prepare Paper Strips
Tear pages from your book or cut scrapbook paper into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Depending on ornament size, you will typically need 7–10 strips per ornament. Smaller pieces also work well if you prefer more control while wrapping.
STEP 3: Attach Paper Strips
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto a section of the ornament, press a paper strip in place, and smooth gently to remove air bubbles and wrinkles. Overlap the strips slightly and continue until the entire surface is covered. Work in small sections so the glue remains tacky for a secure bond.
STEP 4: Add Glitter
While the Mod Podge is still damp, sprinkle glitter over the ornament to achieve the level of sparkle you like. Use a tray or shallow dish to catch excess glitter so you can return it to the container and minimize waste. Allow the ornament to dry fully before handling.
STEP 5: Create and Attach the Tag
Stamp or write a holiday greeting on a piece of cardstock and cut it into a tag shape. Distress the edges with brown or tea-stained ink for a vintage look. Punch a small hole at the top, thread raffia or ribbon through it, and tie the tag to the ornament. Reinsert the hanger and your ornament is ready to display or gift.
Ways to Display Book Page Ornaments
Book page ornaments look lovely beyond the tree. Try these display ideas to highlight their handmade charm:
- Fill a decorative bowl or bread bowl with several ornaments and place it on your dining table or entry console for an easy centerpiece.
- Top a candlestick or pillar base with an ornament to create an elegant winter vignette.
- Arrange ornaments along the mantel among greenery, candles, and other seasonal accents.
These ornaments also work well as place settings, package toppers, or clustered in a clear glass vase for a simple, stylish display. Experiment with different glitter colors, paper sources, and ribbon choices to coordinate with your holiday palette.
Enjoy crafting these heartfelt decorations and sharing them with friends and family. Happy holidays and happy crafting!