DIY Papier Mache Christmas Baubles: 25 Charming Ideas for a Handmade Tree

There is nothing quite like a Christmas tree covered in papier mache baubles. DIY papier mache Christmas baubles are light, charming, and completely unbreakable, and they carry a handmade warmth that no store-bought ornament can match. A balloon, some torn newspaper, a little flour paste, and a pot of paint turn into baubles, stars, and snowmen that look like they came from a cozy craft fair, and the whole project costs just a few dollars.

Papier mache baubles are wonderfully forgiving for crafters of every level. If you can tear paper and paint, you can make a beautiful ornament. The paper hides small mistakes completely, and no two baubles ever come out exactly alike, which is exactly the point. Most of the projects below take under an hour of active time, cost less than five dollars each, and make beautiful gifts, stocking stuffers, and tree decorations that feel far more charming than they are expensive.

Before you begin, gather your basics: small balloons, old newspapers, flour and water for paste, acrylic paint in Christmas colors, a paintbrush, ribbon for hanging, and a tray to catch the drips. Cover your table with old newspaper or a plastic tablecloth, because papier mache is wonderfully messy, and wear old clothes you do not mind getting paint on. Put on some Christmas music, and let us turn a pile of paper into a whole handmade Christmas.

1. Classic Red Papier Mache Baubles

The classic red papier mache bauble is the place every papier mache crafter should start. Blow up a small balloon, cover it in strips of newspaper dipped in flour paste, and let it dry completely. Pop the balloon, paint the bauble a rich Christmas red, and add a gold ribbon hanger. The finished bauble is light, unbreakable, and beautifully handmade.

These baubles look beautiful in any color, but red is the most traditional and the most festive. Make a whole set in red for a coordinated tree, or mix red with green, gold, and white for a classic collection. They are a perfect first project for beginners, because the technique is simple and every bauble looks charming on the tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, red acrylic paint, ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

2. Gold Papier Mache Baubles

A gold papier mache bauble is a warm, glowing ornament that looks like it came from a high-end boutique. Make a papier mache bauble as usual, paint it with gold metallic acrylic paint, and add a few coats until the gold is rich and even. The finished bauble catches the light beautifully, and it looks stunning against green branches.

These baubles are perfect for an elegant tree, and they look wonderful mixed with red, green, and white baubles. Try a mix of matte gold and shiny gold for extra texture, or add a few gold baubles to a tree of natural ornaments for a festive sparkle. A gold papier mache bauble is Christmas glamour made from paper and paint.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, gold metallic paint, ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

3. Papier Mache Baubles in Jewel Tones

Jewel tone papier mache baubles bring a rich, luxurious feel to a Christmas tree. Make a set of baubles and paint them in emerald, sapphire, burgundy, and plum, then hang them together for a collection that glows like a jewelry box. The deep colors look especially beautiful with gold ribbon hangers and warm white lights.

These baubles are a lovely choice for an elegant tree, or for anyone whose Christmas style leans more sophisticated than rustic. Make one bauble in each jewel tone for a coordinated set, or paint a single bauble with a mix of jewel tones for a stained-glass effect. A jewel tone papier mache bauble is proof that handmade can be glamorous too.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, jewel tone acrylic paints, gold ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

4. Papier Mache Snowman Baubles

A papier mache snowman bauble is the most charming ornament on a handmade tree. Make a small papier mache bauble, paint it white, and add a tiny black top hat, a carrot nose made from orange felt, and two coal eyes made from small black beads. The finished snowman is adorable, and it looks like it just stepped out of a storybook.

These snowmen are lovely for a children’s tree, and they make wonderful gifts for anyone who loves snow. Make them in different sizes for a sweet snowman family, or make one large snowman as a statement ornament. A papier mache snowman bauble is a little bit of winter magic on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, white and black paint, felt, beads, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 45 minutes active, plus drying time.

5. Papier Mache Baubles with Glitter

Glitter gives a papier mache bauble a dazzling, festive sparkle that is perfect for a glamorous tree. Paint a bauble in your favorite color, brush a little craft glue over the surface, and sprinkle glitter generously over the glue. The glitter catches the light beautifully, and the bauble looks like it has been dusted with starlight.

These baubles are a perfect project for a crafty afternoon with children, because glitter is easy to use and hard to get wrong. Work over a tray to catch the glitter that falls, and seal the finished bauble with a clear spray sealer so the glitter stays put. A glittered papier mache bauble is a little work of art on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, craft glue, glitter, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

6. Papier Mache Baubles with Decoupage

Decoupage gives a papier mache bauble a beautiful, vintage look that is perfect for a traditional tree. Make a papier mache bauble, paint it white, and glue on small pieces of vintage Christmas wrapping paper, old sheet music, or printed images of holly and snowflakes. Seal the whole bauble with Mod Podge, and the finished ornament looks like a treasure from another era.

These baubles are lovely for a nostalgic tree, where the vintage images feel warm and familiar. Use images from old Christmas cards, or print your favorite vintage designs from the internet. A decoupaged papier mache bauble is a little piece of Christmas history on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, white paint, vintage paper images, Mod Podge, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 40 minutes active, plus drying time.

7. Papier Mache Baubles with Stripes

Striped papier mache baubles are bold, cheerful, and wonderfully easy to make. Paint a bauble in a solid base color, let it dry completely, and use painter’s tape to mask off stripes. Paint the exposed stripes in a contrasting color, peel off the tape, and the finished bauble has crisp, clean stripes that look like they came from a professional workshop.

These baubles are perfect for a playful tree, and they look wonderful in classic combinations like red and white, green and gold, or navy and silver. Try thin stripes for a subtle look, or wide stripes for a bold statement. A striped papier mache bauble is proof that a little tape and paint can make a big difference.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paints, painter’s tape, ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

8. Papier Mache Baubles with Polka Dots

Polka dot papier mache baubles are playful, cheerful, and perfect for a family tree. Paint a bauble in a solid base color, let it dry, and use the end of a pencil eraser or a small round sponge to stamp dots in a contrasting color all over the surface. The dots are easy to make, and the finished bauble looks like it came from a toy shop.

These baubles are lovely for a children’s tree, where the playful dots feel fun and festive. Try white dots on red, gold dots on green, or silver dots on navy for a classic look. A polka dot papier mache bauble is a little bit of joy on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paints, pencil eraser or sponge, ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

9. Papier Mache Baubles for a Rustic Tree

A rustic tree is a tree covered in papier mache baubles, and it is more charming than you might imagine. Make a dozen baubles in warm, earthy colors like cream, sage green, and terracotta, add twine hangers and a few sprigs of pine, and hang them all on a tree with warm white lights and no other decorations. The paper baubles do all the work, and the whole tree feels like a cozy cabin.

Rustic trees are perfect for a living room that needs a warm, natural feel, or for a farmhouse Christmas where handmade is the whole point. Keep the tree skirt simple, a burlap sack or a woven basket, and let the baubles shine. A papier mache rustic tree is the most charming tree on the block.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, earthy acrylic paints, twine.

Cost: about $1 per bauble · Time: about 30 minutes active each, plus drying time.

10. Papier Mache Baubles with Ribbon Bows

The hanger is half the charm of a papier mache bauble, and a beautiful ribbon bow makes all the difference. Tie a generous bow from red gingham, cream velvet, or gold satin ribbon, and attach it to the top of the bauble with hot glue. A big bow adds color and softness to the bauble, and the finished ornament looks like it came from a high-end craft shop.

Try tying a small bow where the ribbon meets the bauble for a finished look, or layer two ribbons in different widths for extra texture. Ribbon bows are also a lovely way to coordinate your baubles with the rest of your tree, matching the ribbon on your garlands and wreaths. A papier mache bauble with a ribbon bow is a little luxury.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, ribbon, hot glue.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

11. Papier Mache Baubles with Wooden Beads

Wooden beads give a papier mache bauble a natural, rustic finish. String three or four wooden beads onto a loop of twine, knot the twine at the top of the bauble, and the beads become both the hanger and the decoration. The warm wood tones pair beautifully with the painted paper and the handmade texture.

These baubles are lovely on a woodland or Scandinavian tree, where natural materials are the whole theme. Try beads in different sizes, or paint a few beads red or green for a pop of color. A bauble on a wooden bead hanger looks handcrafted in the best possible way, simple, honest, and warm.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, wooden beads, twine.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

12. Papier Mache Baubles in Pastel Colors

Pastel papier mache baubles are a soft, dreamy alternative to traditional Christmas colors. Paint baubles in blush pink, powder blue, mint green, and lavender, and hang them on a white or flocked tree for a look that feels like a winter sunrise. The gentle colors are beautiful in a nursery, a bedroom, or a home that leans shabby chic.

Pastel baubles pair wonderfully with silver ribbon, white lights, and frosted ornaments. They are a lovely choice for a first Christmas in a new home, or for anyone who finds traditional red and green a little too bold. A pastel papier mache tree is proof that Christmas can be soft and still feel completely festive.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, pastel acrylic paints, silver ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

13. Papier Mache Baubles with Stencils

Stencils give a papier mache bauble a professional, detailed look that is surprisingly easy to achieve. Paint a bauble in a solid base color, let it dry, and hold a stencil of a snowflake, a star, or a Christmas tree against the surface. Dab paint through the stencil with a sponge, lift the stencil carefully, and the finished bauble has a crisp, beautiful design.

These baubles are a lovely choice for anyone who wants a detailed look without freehand painting. Use a stencil adhesive spray to hold the stencil in place, and work with a nearly dry sponge so the paint does not bleed under the edges. A stenciled papier mache bauble is a little work of art on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paints, stencils, sponge, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

14. Papier Mache Baubles as a Garland

A garland of papier mache baubles turns a whole mantel or doorway into a handmade Christmas display. Make a dozen small papier mache baubles, string them on twine with a few inches between each one, and hang the garland across your fireplace, along a banister, or in a window. The baubles catch the light as they turn, and the whole garland feels warm and festive.

Garlands are a wonderful way to use up a big batch of papier mache baubles in one project, and they look beautiful in a living room or a bedroom too. Space the baubles evenly, add a sprig of pine or a small bow between a few of them, and tie the ends with big red bows. A papier mache bauble garland is the kind of decoration that makes a whole room feel like Christmas.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paints, twine.

Cost: about $6 per garland · Time: about 2 hours active, plus drying time.

15. Papier Mache Baubles with Monogram Letters

A papier mache bauble with a monogram letter is a personalized ornament that a family will treasure for years. Paint a bauble in your favorite color, then paint a wooden or chipboard letter in a contrasting color and glue it to the front. Hang one bauble for each person in the family, and everyone will love finding their own initial on the tree.

Monogram baubles make wonderful gifts for a wedding, a new home, or a baby’s first Christmas. Choose a letter in a contrasting color so it stands out against the bauble, or paint the letter gold for a luxurious look. A papier mache bauble with a monogram is not just an ornament, it is a little piece of family history.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, wooden letters, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

16. Papier Mache Baubles with Faux Snow

A papier mache bauble dusted with faux snow looks like it was just gathered from a snowy forest. Brush a little craft glue onto the bauble, sprinkle faux snow or white flocking powder over the glue, and shake off the excess. The bauble gains a soft, snowy texture that feels like real winter, and it looks beautiful on a white or flocked tree.

These baubles are lovely for a winter wonderland tree, where the snowy texture blends into the frosty branches. Use a light hand with the faux snow, because a little goes a long way, and let each bauble dry completely before you hang it. A papier mache bauble with faux snow is a little piece of winter on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, craft glue, faux snow, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

17. Papier Mache Baubles with Twine Hangers

Papier mache baubles with twine hangers have a rustic, farmhouse feel that suits a natural Christmas tree perfectly. Wrap a loop of jute twine around the top of the bauble, tie a simple knot, and hang the bauble from a branch. The rough texture of the twine against the smooth painted paper is a lovely contrast, and the baubles look like they came from a country Christmas.

These baubles pair beautifully with wooden ornaments, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. They are a wonderful choice for a cabin or farmhouse tree, and they make lovely gifts when tied to a present with the same twine. A papier mache bauble on twine is simple, honest, and completely charming.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, jute twine, hot glue.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

18. Papier Mache Baubles with Cinnamon Sticks

A papier mache bauble tied with cinnamon sticks is an ornament you can smell as well as see. Bundle two or three cinnamon sticks together with twine, glue the bundle to the top of the bauble, and the whole ornament smells like Christmas every time you walk past the tree. The warm brown of the cinnamon against the painted bauble is beautiful too.

These baubles are wonderful for a kitchen tree or a tree near the front door, where the scent greets everyone who comes in. Replace the cinnamon sticks each year if the scent fades, or refresh them with a drop of cinnamon oil. A papier mache bauble with cinnamon sticks is Christmas for all five senses.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, cinnamon sticks, twine, hot glue.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

19. Papier Mache Baubles with White Paint Wash

A white paint wash gives a papier mache bauble a soft, frosted look that is perfect for a winter tree. Brush a thin coat of watered-down white acrylic paint over the finished bauble, letting the base color show through the paint like snow on a window. The effect is subtle and beautiful, and it makes the bauble look like it has been dusted with frost.

These baubles are lovely on a white or flocked tree, where the frosted look blends into the snowy branches. Use a dry brush for the lightest touch, and let each coat dry completely before you add another. A whitewashed papier mache bauble is a little bit of winter magic on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, white paint, paintbrush, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 35 minutes active, plus drying time.

20. Papier Mache Baubles as Table Scatter

Papier mache baubles scattered down a Christmas dinner table make the whole table sparkle with handmade charm. Make a dozen small papier mache baubles in coordinating colors, and scatter them among the pine branches, candles, and place settings. The baubles catch the candlelight beautifully, and they double as favors your guests can take home.

Table scatter baubles work best when they are small, about the size of a golf ball, so they do not crowd the plates. Make them in the colors of your table setting, or in classic red and gold for a timeless look. A papier mache bauble on a dinner table is a little jewel among the candles.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paints.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 25 minutes active each, plus drying time.

21. Papier Mache Baubles with Gold Leaf

Gold leaf gives a papier mache bauble a warm, luxurious glow that is perfect for an elegant tree. Apply a thin coat of gilding size to the bauble, press on small pieces of gold leaf, and brush away the excess with a soft brush. The gold catches the light beautifully, and the bauble looks like a treasure from a winter forest.

These baubles are lovely on a gold and white tree, where the warm tones blend into the elegant branches. Work slowly and gently, because gold leaf is delicate and tears easily, and seal the finished bauble with a clear spray sealer. A gold-leafed papier mache bauble is a little piece of luxury on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, gold leaf, gilding size, soft brush, clear sealer, ribbon.

Cost: about $3 · Time: about 45 minutes active, plus drying time.

22. Papier Mache Baubles with Pine Sprigs

A papier mache bauble with a pine sprig tucked behind it looks like it was just picked from the forest. Glue a small sprig of fresh or faux pine to the back of the bauble, add a few red berries, and the bauble gains a lovely natural frame. The green against the painted paper is a classic Christmas combination.

These baubles are beautiful on a woodland or cabin-themed tree, and they smell wonderful if you use fresh pine. Use a dab of hot glue to attach the sprig securely, and replace fresh sprigs each year if they dry out. A papier mache bauble with a pine sprig is a little piece of the forest on your tree.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, pine sprigs, red berries, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

23. Papier Mache Baubles with Dried Orange Slices

A papier mache bauble paired with a dried orange slice is a beautiful combination of paper and nature. Glue a thin dried orange slice to the side of the bauble, or hang the bauble and the orange slice together on the same ribbon, and the warm orange against the painted paper is a classic Christmas pairing. The orange adds color, scent, and a lovely translucent glow when the light hits it.

These baubles are wonderful on a natural or rustic tree, and they look beautiful mixed with cinnamon sticks and pinecones. Dry your orange slices in a low oven until they are crisp, and let them cool completely before you glue them. A papier mache bauble with a dried orange is Christmas in two textures at once.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, dried orange slices, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus drying time.

24. Papier Mache Baubles as Place Card Holders

A papier mache bauble as a place card holder is a dinner party detail your guests will never forget. Stand a small papier mache bauble on the table, tuck a small card with a guest’s name into a slit at the top, and the bauble becomes a beautiful, handmade place card. The baubles double as favors, because every guest takes theirs home.

Place card baubles work best when they are small and sturdy, so they stand up on the table without rolling away. Use a flat-bottomed bauble, or glue a small wooden disc to the base for extra stability. A papier mache bauble place card is the kind of thoughtful detail that turns a dinner into a celebration.

Materials: Small balloons, newspaper, flour paste, acrylic paint, place cards, wooden discs.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 25 minutes active each, plus drying time.

25. Papier Mache Bauble Gift Sets

When you have made a whole collection of papier mache baubles, turn them into a gift set that anyone would love to receive. Choose four or five of your best baubles in coordinating colors, nestle them in a small kraft box lined with tissue paper, and add a handwritten tag and a sprig of pine. You have a handmade gift that looks like it came from a high-end craft fair.

Gift sets are perfect for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and hostess gifts, and they are a wonderful way to sell your crafts at a holiday market if you enjoy making baubles in batches. Make the sets in a consistent style, all red and gold, all pastel, or all rustic, so each box feels like a curated collection. A gift set of handmade papier mache baubles is a gift that says you spent time, not just money.

Materials: Finished papier mache baubles, kraft gift boxes, tissue paper, gift tags, pine sprigs.

Cost: about $8 per set · Time: about 30 minutes to assemble.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Papier Mache Christmas Baubles

How do I make papier mache paste?

The simplest papier mache paste is one part flour to two parts water, whisked together until smooth and free of lumps. Cook the mixture gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then let it cool completely before you use it. Some crafters add a spoonful of white glue to the paste for extra strength, and a pinch of salt to prevent mold. Store leftover paste in the refrigerator for up to a week, and stir it well before you use it again.

How many layers of papier mache do I need for baubles?

Three to four layers of newspaper strips are enough for a small bauble, because the balloon supports the paper while it dries. Apply each layer with the strips overlapping slightly, and let each layer dry completely before you add the next one, which usually takes a few hours or overnight. For larger baubles, add a fifth layer for extra strength. The finished bauble should feel firm and light, with no soft spots, and it should hold its shape when you pop the balloon.

How do I get a smooth finish on papier mache baubles?

Use small strips of newspaper, about one inch wide, and smooth each strip down with your fingers as you apply it, pressing out any air bubbles. After the final layer dries, sand the bauble lightly with fine sandpaper to smooth any rough edges, then wipe away the dust with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of white gesso before you paint, which fills in the tiny imperfections and gives the paint a smooth surface to stick to. Two thin coats of paint always look better than one thick coat.

How long do papier mache baubles take to dry?

Papier mache baubles usually take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, depending on the humidity and the thickness of the layers. Let each layer dry for at least a few hours before you add the next one, and let the finished bauble dry for a full day before you paint it. You can speed up drying by placing the baubles in a warm, well-ventilated room, or in a low oven at 150 degrees for 30 minutes. Never paint a bauble that is still damp, because the paint will peel and the paper can grow mold.

Can I make papier mache baubles with children?

Yes, papier mache baubles are a wonderful craft for children, because tearing paper and painting are safe and fun. Let children tear the newspaper strips, help them dip the strips in paste, and let them paint the finished baubles in their favorite colors. Use a child-safe flour paste instead of a glue-based paste, and cover the table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect it from drips. A papier mache bauble made by a child is the most precious ornament on any tree, and it is a craft they will remember for years.

How should I store papier mache baubles after Christmas?

Store papier mache baubles in a shallow box lined with tissue paper, with a layer of tissue between each bauble so the paint does not scratch. Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity, because moisture can soften the paper and cause the baubles to lose their shape. A silica gel packet in the box helps absorb any humidity, and a cedar block keeps moths away naturally. Never store papier mache baubles in a plastic bag, because trapped moisture can cause mold, and always let the baubles air out for a day before you pack them away.

Conclusion

DIY papier mache Christmas baubles are proof that the most beautiful decorations do not come from a store, but from a quiet afternoon at the kitchen table with newspaper, paint, and Christmas music playing. Each bauble carries the warmth of your hands, the charm of its handmade texture, and the little imperfections that make handmade things so much more meaningful than perfect ones. Whether you made a classic red bauble, a gold bauble, or a sparkling snowman, your ornaments are now part of your family’s Christmas story.

Start with one bauble tonight, even if it is just a simple red one, and see how quickly the collection grows. Before you know it, your tree will be full of soft, handmade warmth, your gift list will be shorter, and you will have a new Christmas tradition to look forward to every year. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be as sweet and handmade as the baubles on your tree.

If you loved these papier mache baubles, you will love these handmade Christmas ideas too:

• DIY Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments — soft, paintable ornaments in every Christmas shape.
• DIY Christmas Paper Chain Garland — colorful paper chains for a festive, handmade tree.
• DIY Christmas Gnome Ornaments — adorable gnomes with fuzzy beards and pointy hats.
• DIY Christmas Luminaries Mason Jar — glowing jars that light up your holiday nights.