DIY Paper Honeycomb Ornaments: Budget-Friendly Festive Decor

Updated at: 21/04/2025

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, dazzling decorations. But festive cheer doesn't have to break the bank! This year, ditch the expensive store-bought ornaments and embrace the charm of DIY with our guide to crafting beautiful paper honeycomb decorations. These delightful ornaments, made from readily available materials, add a touch of whimsy and elegance to any space, whether it's your Christmas tree, mantelpiece, or even window displays. They're incredibly versatile, allowing for customization in color, size, and even pattern to perfectly match your unique holiday style.

Creating these stunning paper honeycomb ornaments is easier than you might think. From simple supplies to surprisingly satisfying assembly, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can transform basic paper into stunning festive accents. Ready to add a touch of handmade magic to your holiday décor? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and bring your creative vision to life.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Paper
  • Ruler
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Twine/Ribbon
  • Optional: Hot glue gun
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when crafting. Small honeycomb pieces pose a choking hazard.
  • Use a sharp craft knife or scissors with caution. Adult supervision is required for cutting.
  • Avoid using flammable materials near open flames when working with the paper honeycomb decorations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create a Template

    • Draw parallel lines 1 inch apart on a piece of paper. Alternate between two colors (e.g., red and black) to easily identify gluing lines.
    Create a template: Draw parallel lines 1 inch apart on a piece of paper. Alternate between two colors (e.g., red and black) to easily identify gluing lines.
    Create a Template

  2. Prepare Honeycomb Paper

    • Place your chosen paper (book pages, etc.) onto the template and apply glue along one set of lines (e.g., red lines). Add the next page, aligning it carefully, and glue it down.
    Prepare honeycomb paper: Place your chosen paper (book pages, etc.) onto the template and apply glue along one set of lines (e.g., red lines). Add the next page, aligning it carefully, and glue it down.
    Prepare Honeycomb Paper

  3. Repeat Gluing and Layering

    • Alternate gluing along the other set of lines (e.g., black lines). Continue layering pages, alternating lines until you have sufficient layers (around 50-60).
    Repeat gluing: Alternate gluing along the other set of lines (e.g., black lines). Continue layering pages, alternating lines until you have sufficient layers (around 50-60).
    Repeat Gluing and Layering

  4. Cut the Semicircle

    • Once dry, use a semicircular template (e.g., drawn around a plate) to cut a semicircle from your honeycomb paper. Note: Cutting thick honeycomb paper is challenging, use caution.
    Cut a semicircle: Once dry, use a semicircular template (e.g., drawn around a plate) to cut a semicircle from your honeycomb paper. Note: Cutting thick honeycomb paper is challenging, use caution.
    Cut the Semicircle

  5. Assemble the Honeycomb Ball

    • Cut two matching smaller semicircles. Glue these to the edges of the larger semicircle. Trim excess edges for a cleaner look. Apply glue generously and press the two edges of the larger semicircle together to form a ball. Secure with paper clips to help it dry.
    Assemble the ball: Cut two matching smaller semicircles. Glue these to the edges of the larger semicircle. Trim excess edges for a cleaner look. Apply glue generously and press the two edges of the larger semicircle together to form a ball. Secure with paper clips to help it dry.
    Assemble the Honeycomb Ball

  6. Add a Hanger

    • Once the glue is dry, add a hanger (twine, ribbon, etc.) by gluing it to the top. Hot glue or strong multipurpose glue is recommended for a secure hold.
    Add a hanger: Once the glue is dry, add a hanger (twine, ribbon, etc.) by gluing it to the top. Hot glue or strong multipurpose glue is recommended for a secure hold.
    Add a Hanger

Read more: DIY King-Size Tufted Headboard: Budget-Friendly Guide

Tips

  • Use a glue stick for easy application and minimal mess.
  • 50-60 pages are ideal for a good-sized ball.
  • Be careful when cutting the honeycomb paper; it's thick and may be challenging.
  • Trim excess edges after cutting the semicircle for a neater finished product.
  • Use paper clips or other weights to secure the ball while the glue dries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Glue Application

Reason: Inconsistent glue distribution leads to some strips sticking poorly or not at all, resulting in a wobbly or collapsing honeycomb.
Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of glue to each strip before adhering it to the next.

2. Using the Wrong Paper

Reason: Too thin paper will tear easily, while too thick paper will be difficult to fold and crease sharply resulting in an imperfect honeycomb structure.
Solution: Use cardstock or other medium-weight paper for optimal results.

3. Incorrect Folding and Creasing

Reason: Improper folding techniques lead to uneven honeycomb cells and a messy final product.
Solution: Ensure each fold is sharp and precise, using a bone folder or similar tool for clean creases.

FAQs

What kind of paper is best for making paper honeycomb ornaments?
Cardstock or heavy-weight construction paper works best. It holds its shape well and prevents the honeycomb from becoming flimsy. Avoid using thin printer paper, as it's too delicate for this project.
How can I make my honeycomb ornaments more unique?
Get creative with colors and patterns! Use different colored paper, add glitter, sequins, or small embellishments. You can also cut the honeycomb shapes into different shapes (stars, hearts, etc.) before assembling them.