Get a jump on the holidays with these quick and easy DIY tinsel ornaments—a perfect way to refresh your Christmas decor and reduce last-minute stress!
Last week we shared our favorite tips for making Christmas less stressful by getting a head start in July—and continuing to prep a little each month through fall.
Doing just a bit ahead of time can truly make the holiday season more joyful!
So today, we’re excited to share a quick and easy project you can knock out now: tinsel ornaments!
If you’re like us, you probably enjoy adding a little something new each year to freshen up your Christmas decor—and these DIY tinsel ornaments are just the thing.
I was able to make 45 of them in about an hour, which makes this the perfect project to get ahead without the last-minute stress.
Looking for tips to make your Christmas more joyful with less stress, click here.
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History of Tinsel Ornaments
Victorian tinsel ornaments have a fascinating (and somewhat disputed) history rooted in luxury and light.
Originally made from real silver hammered into thin strips by blacksmiths or jewelers, early tinsel was used in 17th-century Germany to adorn Christmas trees—an opulent decoration reserved for the wealthy.
Because silver tarnishes quickly, it required constant upkeep and was eventually replaced by tin, which offered a more affordable and practical alternative.
With the only source of light on Christmas trees being candles, these reflective metal strands helped bounce the glow throughout the room.
Many credit an 1848 engraving of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert gathered around a lavishly decorated Christmas tree with popularizing both tree decorating and the use of metal tinsel across Europe.
However, written records about tinsel’s early use remain sparse, and its precise origins are still debated.
What is clear is that by the 1920s, tinsel had become widely popular.
With the introduction of more affordable and safer materials like copper and eventually plastic.
Tinsel saw a major drop in popularity in the 1970s when it was found to contain lead and it was strongly discouraged to continue its use.
Nostalgia plays a big role in keeping tinsel alive today.
Vintage enthusiasts, retro decorators, and fans of mid-century Christmas décor are recapturing the sparkle and charm of holidays past.
Modern tinsel no longer contains lead and is safe for most homes, but like any decorative item, it should be used responsibly—especially around pets and kids.
Why Make Metal Tinsel Ornaments Today?
For many, it’s all about capturing the nostalgia and vintage charm that classic holiday décor brings to our homes.
Unlike modern plastic tinsel, metal tinsel offers incredible durability and can be reused year after year, making it a smart and sustainable choice.
As more people look for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional decorations, metal tinsel stands out as a stylish way to reduce waste while still adding sparkle to the tree.
Plus, this quick and budget-friendly project is perfect for adults looking to create unique handmade Christmas ornaments that bring personality and warmth to their holiday celebrations.
If you’re searching for DIY Christmas ornaments that combine charm, reusability, and affordability, metal tinsel ornaments are a fantastic option to try this season.
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Materials You’ll Need
To make your metal tinsel ornaments, you’ll need just a few basic supplies:
- flat aluminum wire
- fishing line or Christmas ornament hooks
- clear ultra thick embossing powder (optional)
Flat aluminum wire is easy to find in craft stores—usually in the jewelry section—but I’ve found it’s often more affordable on Amazon.
You’ll also need some tools to shape and cut the wire:
- needle nose pliers
- cutting dykes (if your pliers don’t have a built-in cutter)
- drill (it’s helpful for twisting the wire evenly, though you can also twist it by hand if you prefer)
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Cut and Shape Metal Tinsel Ornaments
First, cut your flat aluminum wire to length—between 8 to 10 inches works well.
If you plan to dip your ornaments in clear embossing powder for a shimmering finish, I recommend cutting them to 8 inches, which makes it easier to coat the entire ornament at once.
Use the cutting blade on your needle nose pliers or cutting dykes to make clean cuts.
Next, it’s time to twist the wire to create your ornament.
This step is much easier with a drill: place about a 1/4″ of the wire into the drill chuck, tighten and hold the other end firmly with needle nose pliers, leaving about a half-inch of wire straight in the pliers.
Slowly engage the drill to twist the wire evenly until you achieve the desired look.
Once twisted, release the wire from the drill and fold the straight 1/2″ tip over to form a loop.
This loop will be used to hang your ornament with a hook or fishing line.
If you’re not using a drill place pliers on each end of the wire and twist one end of the wire until you achieve your desired look.
If you’d like the lower end of your tinsel ornament to have more of a tip, angle cut the bottom with the cutting dykes and then use a file to smooth out any rough edges.
Repeat this process until all your tinsel ornaments are ready to sparkle on your tree.
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Shimmering Effect
I wanted my metal tinsel ornaments to look more like icy icicles, so I decided to coat them with clear ultra-thick embossing powder.
I found it easiest to work in batches of five.
First, cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil and place five ornaments on the pan.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and heat the ornaments for 5 minutes.
While they’re heating, pour a generous amount of embossing powder onto a paper plate.
After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and, using pliers, pick up one hot ornament and dip it into the embossing powder.
Place it back on the foil-lined pan and repeat with the remaining four.
Then, add five more uncoated ornaments to the pan and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes.
Remove the pan again, dip the newly heated ornaments, and remove the previously coated ones to cool on a sheet of foil or parchment paper.
Continue rotating through batches until all your tinsel ornaments are coated.
This treatment gives them a subtle wet, icy finish and adds extra sparkle when hung on a lit Christmas tree.
The tinsel ornament on the right is coated with the clear ultra thick embossing powder, the one on the left is just the twisted flat wire
This step is totally optional, but I love the added shimmer to my tinsel icicle ornaments.
Add Hanger
The final step is to add a hanger for your DIY Christmas tinsel ornaments.
I chose to attach a simple loop of fishing line to the top of each ornament, but a traditional wire ornament hook would work just as well.
Another option is to cut your wire slightly longer and form a hook at the top—creating a built-in hanger.
Safety and Storage Tips
When working with metal wire, always use caution.
Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts or scrapes while handling and shaping the wire, and keep tools like drills and wire cutters out of reach of children.
If you’re using embossing powder and heating the ornaments in the oven, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and use heat-resistant gloves or pliers to handle the hot wire safely.
Once your ornaments are complete, store them in a sturdy, labeled container with soft padding or tissue paper to prevent tangling.
Since these reusable tinsel ornaments are made from metal, they’ll last for many years and be ready to add sparkle to your tree each holiday season.
Shop for Supplies
More DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas
- Quick and Easy Cameo Christmas Ornaments
- Simple Frosted Pinecone Christmas Ornaments
- Make a Christmas Star with Bottlebrush Trees
- Personalized Christmas Ornaments
- Stunning DIY Glitter Ornaments
- Vintage Door Plates Christmas Ornaments
To see how we used the Victorian tinsel in our decorating this Christmas, click here.
And for tips for storing and organizing your Christmas decorations, click here.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about taking time to create your own ornaments—and starting now means you can enjoy the process without the holiday rush.
Making these metal tinsel ornaments early not only helps reduce stress later on, but also adds a meaningful, handmade touch to your Christmas decor.
I love the way they shimmer and add an elegant touch to the Christmas tree.
Whether you’re crafting solo or with loved ones, we hope this project brings a little joy and sparkle to your season.
If you give it a try, we’d love to see your creations!
Share your photos or tag us on social media, or drop a comment below to tell us how your DIY Christmas ornaments turned out.
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