How To Make Paper Straw Christmas Ornaments – 3 Simple Designs
Crafting with paper straws is a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way to create charming decorations.
Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the holidays or love DIY projects, these paper straw ornaments add a whimsical touch to any space.
In this post, I’ll guide you through three simple designs: a star, a tree, and a starburst.
Perfect for crafters of all levels, (even the littles) can help make these ornaments.
This craft requires just a few basic materials and a small amount of relaxed time to sit and create something hand-made and beautiful.
Materials Needed
What I love about making these ornaments is that you don’t need a hot glue gun.
Even low-temperature glue guns can get pretty hot, which is not a good combination for little hands.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Paper straws: Choose festive colors or patterns that match your theme. Polka dot straws, Striped Straws
- Paper Scissors
- Twine or Baker’s Twine
- Needle and sewing thread (starburst design)
- Craft glue (optional for tree ornament)
- Yellow cardstock (optional star for tree)
- Optional embellishments: Beads, sequins, buttons, glitter, or small pom-poms for extra flair.
Paper Straw Star – Instructions
You can make two ornaments with 5 straws). Or use 5 full-length straws to make an inexpensive tree topper.
I’m using paper straws here, but plastic straws will work too.
Step 1: Cutting the Straws
- Cut three straws in half. (You’ll need 5 equally cut straws per star). *Save the extra piece for another star.
Step 3: Forming the Star
(Here’s the Magic)
See photos for steps
- Take the last point that you moved (the point on the far left) and push it under the piece that it was resting on.
- See the image below to see the final star shape.
The straw star will hold its shape though you may want to play around with it to get it looking nice and star-shaped.
Paper Straw Tree – Materials and Items Needed
Paper Straw Tree – Instructions
Step 1: Cutting the Straws
- Start by cutting two straws in half.
- Cut one of the halves in half again. (You’ll need 2 long and one short straws) *Save the other short one to make another tree.
Step 2: Paper Star Tree Top (optional)
Trace a star (GET THE PDF TEMPLATE HERE) – SVG file available HERE
Step 3: Assembling the Tree
- Run the twine through one long straw then a short straw and end going the another long one.
- Join the two long ends together with a tight knot.
- Make another knot or bow about four inches from the joining knot to form a loop for hanging.
- Add an optional star to the top of the tree by using a dab of craft glue.
Paper Straw Starburst – Materials Needed
Step 1: Cutting the Straws
The paper straw starbursts can be made in several sizes. You will need
- 12 pieces of straw cut the same length. *The finished size of the starburst will be double the length of the cut straw.
- Suggested cut sizes: 1.5 – 4.5 inches
- Flatten one end of each straw segment by pinching the straw with your fingers. Only flatten about a ¼ inch of the end.
Step 3: Thread Needle
- Double-thread a long sewing needle and knot the end.
- Start by poking the needle into the flattened area of the paper straw segments and pulling the straw to the end.
- Repeat the process until all 12 of the straws have been added.
- Connect the two ends sewing through the first straw again.
- Pull tight to form a starburst.
- Secure a knot by looping the thread around the center.
- Rotate and repeat the process as shown in the picture.
- Make a knot and cut the thread.
Step 4: Making a Loop for Hanging
- Thread the needle with colored thread or metallic baker’s twine. *If using twine, you’ll need a larger needle.
- Poke the needle into the top of one of the starburst spokes. Make a loop and knot.
These simple paper straw ornaments are not only fun to make but also perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday décor.
Experiment with different colors and patterns to suit your style, and don’t be afraid to get creative with embellishments!
I’d love to see your creations—feel free to share pictures in the comments or tag me on social media #youmakeitsimple.
Have fun crafting!
