Are you ready to transform old books into festive big Christmas ornaments? Join me on this budget-friendly Dollar Tree craft upcycling adventure. Today, we are creating old book ornaments that look high-end.
If you look for ways to decorate your home with festive flair, you will enjoy saving money while upcycling old books destined for the discard pile. While traditional ornaments and decorations can be charming, they often have a hefty price tag. However, with a touch of creativity and some budget-friendly supplies, you can transform old books into enchanting Christmas ornaments that will add a touch of whimsy and vintage charm to your holiday décor.
So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and prepare to be amazed at the magical transformation that awaits your old books and cheap Dollar Tree big Christmas ornaments.
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How Do I Find Old Books To Recycle or Upcycle?
I love vintage and old books. I have several that I would never use for a recycling project. However, many books are tossed in the trash and taken to landfills when they are no longer useful.
I find many books with broken spines or missing pages at thrift stores. Most are sold for less than 50 cents each. My local Salvation Army Thrift Store has a huge bin of old books priced at 10 for $1.00.
If you don’t want to use an old book, you can use a newspaper or magazine print for this project.
Big Christmas Ornaments from Dollar Tree
Don’t you just love Dollar Tree? I’m always finding items that can be upgraded into a high-end look for a Dollar Tree craft.
This year, I grabbed several of these big ornament balls without a clue what I might do with them. However, I knew they would disappear fast from the store, and I might find a use for them.
Upcycle Old Book Page Christmas Ornaments
Inspiration sparked as I wanted something new to add to the garland above my kitchen sink, so the Dollar Tree craft project began.
I would use some old book pages to create unique big Christmas ornaments to hang on the garland.
Supplies
So, let’s gather the supplies needed to make your fun ornaments.
- Dollar Tree Big Ornament Balls 5-inch
- Old Book
- Hot glue gun
- Finger Protectors
- Scissors
- Optional – Elmer’s glue
- Optional – Fine Glitter
- Optional – Small Paint Brush
Upcycle Old Book Pages
To begin, determine a design for your upcycled big Christmas ornaments.
I used a petal design cut from the old book and attached it to the ornament balls.
Cut a template of your design from some heavy scrap paper such as junk mail. Then, trace the design onto the old book page.
Next, stack several pages together. Cutting the petals can be tedious, so I like to simultaneously cut as many as possible.
Use small, sharp scissors to cut the petals. You will also need to cut a circle approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter to attach to the bottom of the big ornament ball.
Determine the exact center at the bottom of the ball and use hot glue to attach the circle.
Add Petals to the Oversized Christmas Ornament
Now, you are ready to begin adding the petals. Begin at the bottom, and using hot glue, attach the rounded side of the petal to the circle you just attached. You will also want to add hot glue to the other flat end and press it to the ornament. Allow each petal to overlap, covering the ball ornament completely as you go. Be sure to wear the finger protectors for this project.
This is the only round that you will attach both ends of the petal to the ornament.
For the next round, attach the flat end of the petal to the ornament and allow the rounded end to overlap the previous row. Continue to slightly overlap from the sides to completely cover the ball.
Work upward from the ornament’s bottom until you reach the hanger hook. If any areas allow the original ornament color to be exposed, fill in with additional petals.
Just lift the petal, slide another one under, and attach it with hot glue.
Finished Old Book Big Christmas Ornaments
The big Christmas ornaments are now covered with old book page petals and look nothing like the original Dollar Tree ball ornaments.
You are ready to attach a ribbon and hang it from a tree or to a garland. Or wait, could they be improved upon?
Optional Enhancements for the Dollar Tree Craft
Although I love how the upcycled old book page big Christmas ornaments look, I decided I wanted a little sparkle over my kitchen window.
So here’s what I did to enhance the Dollar Tree craft.
Begin by preparing a surface with wax paper to catch the glitter.
Now, find a small paintbrush and use the handle to add drops of glue to each petal on the ornament.
Finally, sprinkle with a fine glitter that will adhere to the glue dots. The glitter only sticks to the glue, so shake to remove excess glitter.
Insider Tip
Don’t waste the glitter.
Prepare an area with wax paper and sprinkle the ornaments over the paper.
Shake the ornaments to catch any loose glitter.
Now, fold the paper and capture the glitter in the center.
Open the cap on the glitter bottle and use the wax paper as a funnel to pour the extra glitter back into the bottle.
The old book ornaments now have a little extra sparkle to capture the holiday lights.
How To Decorate With Big Christmas Ornaments?
The big Christmas Ornaments are a fun Dollar Tree craft idea, but what will you do with them?
They look amazing on the Christmas tree, attached to a garland, or hanging from a pegboard.
Because they are larger than most ornaments, they are statement pieces and will add a festive feel wherever they are placed.
As planned, I have started adding mine to the garland above my kitchen window. They really add to the rustic ambiance I have planned for this area.
Check out my Curated Christmas Home Tour and see how the garland looks.
Updated Decorating Ideas
First, the old book page ornaments look great after being stored for a year. I’ve been stagging them around the farmhouse and deciding how to use them for the second year. Let me know what you think.
I love them on the banister garland and they are adorable added to brass candlesticks on the mantel.
Video
Related Articles
- How To Turn a Dollar Tree Christmas Tree into A Faux Vintage Tinsel Tree
- Vintage Inspired DIY Christmas Bells From Dollar Tree Ornaments
- Upcycle Old Books For A Magical Christmas Village
If you enjoyed this budget-friendly tutorial, check out 5 Easy Dollar Tree Ornament Makeovers for fun ways to create boutique-worthy Christmas decor.
Resources
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CoCo
Tuesday 28th of November 2023
OMG Rachel, when is your book coming out! You are seriously the most creative person I know. I am in love with these ornaments. I would have never guessed they came from the dollar tree. They look like they were shipped over from a French market. Pinning now and will share them on Fridays From the Front Porch - they're gorgeous, CoCo
Rachel
Wednesday 29th of November 2023
Coco, You are so kind me and are always so encouraging. I appreciate you so much.
Margie Clements
Thursday 23rd of November 2023
I just love that idea! In fact I love all your craft ideas! I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving and we are grateful for the goodness that God has given us each day🙏 thank you for sharing all your crafts and I love your home tours!
Rachel
Thursday 23rd of November 2023
Margie, I appreciate your comments so much. You lift me up and keep me going. Thanks and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Judith Schanzer
Sunday 19th of November 2023
You can always find old books at your public library. Some beautiful coffee rable books might be there.
Nina
Wednesday 22nd of November 2023
@Rachel, Very unique ornament!! Old world charm!!
Rachel
Sunday 19th of November 2023
Judith, Oh, thanks for the tip.
Kathleen A.Randolph
Saturday 18th of November 2023
Awesome ideal,thank you.
Rachel
Saturday 18th of November 2023
Kathleen, Thank you so much. I'm glad you like it.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Saturday 18th of November 2023
This is just the cutest ornament, Rachel. Thanks for sharing!
Rachel
Saturday 18th of November 2023
Kim, I'm glad you like them.