DIY Cartonnage Ornaments / Handmade Christmas Gifts mini series

Bonjour and welcome back to this mini-series on handmade gifting from the French countryside.

Today we’re making simple cartonnage ornaments using fabric scraps, cardboard, and a touch of glue — an easy and charming project that adds a handmade touch to your Christmas decorations.
These lightweight ornaments look beautiful on a door handle, tucked onto a cupboard knob, hung on the tree, or used as an elevated gift tag. I hope this project inspires you to slow down and create something thoughtful and decorative.

This tutorial is part of my Handmade Gifting mini-series, with one gentle project every day this week.
You can watch the full playlist here:    • Handmade Gifts - mini-series  

✂️ Materials
2 mm cardboard
Acid-free glue
Pencil
Precision craft knife or sharp fine scissors
Bone folder (optional but useful)
Fabric scraps
Ribbon or string
Hole punch
Templates can be screenshotted at the end of the video.

🧵 Step-by-Step (Quick Guide)
1. Prepare the Shapes
Trace your chosen template onto 2 mm cardboard.
Cut two identical shapes for each ornament.
Punch a small hole at the top for hanging.
2. Cover with Fabric
Brush glue evenly onto one side of the cardboard.
Press the glued side onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Trim the fabric, leaving about 1 cm around the edge.
Snip small “teeth” all around the fabric to reduce bulk.
3. Fold & Glue the Edges
Apply a thin 1 cm strip of glue around the back edges of the cardboard.
Fold the fabric teeth inward and press them down firmly.
Use a bone folder or your fingers to smooth the edges.
4. Assemble the Ornament
Repeat the fabric-covering process for the second cardboard piece.
Glue the two decorated sides back to back.
Place under a book for a few minutes to help them set flat.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Thread a string through the hole.
Add a ribbon or bow to finish.

🎄 How to Use Them
Christmas tree ornaments
Door or cupboard handle decorations
Pretty gift tags
Small keepsakes for holiday guests

🌿 About this Series
I’m sharing one handmade project every day this week — simple, warm, countryside-inspired gifts you can make with intention and love.

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