5-Minute DIY Paper Ornaments Made from Paper Plates

This might sound a little unusual, but stick with me!

After my son’s construction-themed birthday party, I found myself with a stack of leftover paper plates. We don’t normally use disposable plates, but hosting the party at a park made them the practical choice. Rather than toss the extras, I decided to turn them into ornaments—an easy, inexpensive craft that gives the plates a new life.

There are no strict rules when it comes to ornaments, so repurposing items you already have on hand makes perfect sense. Paper plates are usually thicker than standard paper, which makes ornaments cut from them sturdier and more durable. That means they can be saved and reused year after year as tree decorations, garlands, tree toppers, gift tags, or gift toppers.

As someone who loves DIY ornaments, I’m still on the fence about whether paper plate ornaments are delightfully resourceful or a little bit bonkers. The truth is, once they’re cut and hung on the tree (or tucked onto a present), it’s hard to tell what they started as—so why not?

Materials

• Decorative paper plates
• Scissors — or an X-Acto knife, if you prefer
• String — embroidery floss works well
• Hole punch (or a sharp tool to make a hole)

How to Make DIY Paper Ornaments (from Plates)

1. Cut the shapes

Trace and cut a variety of shapes from your leftover paper plates. Think stars, trees, diamonds, candy canes, or any silhouette you like. Vary the sizes for a more interesting display.

2. Punch holes

Punch a small hole near the top of each cut shape. A standard hole punch works well; if you don’t have one, a paper awl or the pointed end of scissors can do the job—just take care.

3. Thread the string

Thread a length of string, twine, or embroidery floss through each hole and tie a knot to form a loop. Trim any excess string and your ornaments are ready to hang.

These simple pieces can be used in many ways: hang them on a Christmas tree, string them into a garland, stack several for a tree topper, or attach them to gifts as unique toppers or tags.

This is a great kid-friendly project, especially for older children who can safely use scissors. It’s virtually free if you already have plates and string, and because no paint or glue is required, there’s minimal mess.

Can you use plain paper plates instead?

Absolutely. Plain white plates are a blank canvas—let kids paint or draw designs before you cut them into shapes, or simply cut classic snowflake silhouettes for a clean, simple look.

Where did the checkered plates come from?

I purchased the checkered plates for Hayes’s birthday party; they felt playful and worked perfectly for both the celebration and this craft. Any patterned or plain plates will work, so pick whatever matches your style or what you already have at home.

Paper Plate Ornaments

Brittni

Leftover paper plates from a park birthday party become quick, charming ornaments. They’re sturdy, easy to make, and can be reused every year.

Equipment

• Scissors (or X-Acto knife)
• Hole punch

Ingredients

  

• Decorative paper plates
• String or embroidery floss

Instructions

Cut the shapes.

• Cut a variety of shapes and sizes from the paper plates.
  

Punch holes.

• Punch a hole near the top of each shape using a hole punch or a sharp tool.

Thread string.

• Thread string through each hole, tie a knot, trim the excess, and your ornaments are ready to use.
  
• Use them on the tree, in garlands, as a stacked tree topper, or as gift tags. They’re inexpensive, kid-friendly, and cute.

Notes

Using plain plates:

Plain white plates are a great option—let kids paint or draw designs before cutting, or create snowflake shapes for a simple, wintry look.

Patterned plates:

Patterned plates add instant charm; choose prints that suit your party or holiday décor.

Did you make this?
Share your finished ornaments on social media and tag the account you follow for more DIY ideas.