Today we are making DIY balloon ornaments!
If you’ve been here awhile, you know I love finding ways to make affordable holiday décor look high-end, neutral, and modern. These DIY balloon ornaments were one of the easiest (and most surprising!) projects I’ve done this season—and they look designer on the tree.
The secret?
You simply stretch a matte balloon over a clear plastic globe ornament. That’s it. No paint, no mess. The finish ends up looking like a soft ceramic or frosted glass… for just a couple of dollars.
I grabbed my clear plastic ornaments at Dollar Tree, but I’ll link identical ones on Amazon for convenience. I also used matte balloons and the prettiest skinny velvet ribbon from Amazon. The result? Neutral, elevated Christmas ornaments that fit right into my rustic-modern holiday decor.
Let’s make them together.
Supplies For Your DIY Balloon Ornaments
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Clear plastic globe ornaments (Dollar Tree or Amazon)
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Matte balloons in your choice of color
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Skinny velvet ribbon
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Small scissors
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Optional: tweezers for adjusting balloon edges
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Optional: ornament hooks
Why This DIY Balloon Ornament Project Works
Matte balloons naturally have a soft, velvety surface that instantly elevates inexpensive clear ornaments. Instead of painting or spraying (which can chip or streak), the balloon provides:
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A smooth, even finish every single time
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No dry time
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An elevated, pottery-like look
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Budget-friendliness — each ornament costs under $1–$2
This technique also lets you customize your palette easily. Think warm taupe, ivory, muted charcoal, sage, tan—whatever fits your neutral holiday theme.
How to Make DIY Balloon Ornaments
Step 1: Remove the ornament cap
Take the metal top off your clear plastic ornament. Set it aside—you’ll be putting it back on at the end.
Step 2: Stretch the balloon
Give the balloon a gentle stretch with your hands. This makes it easier to pull over the ornament without tearing.
Tip: Matte balloons are slightly thicker, so stretching helps them flex more easily.
Step 3: Slide the balloon over the ornament
Hold the ornament in one hand and pull the opening of the balloon wide with the other. Slowly stretch it over the entire ornament until it fully covers the surface.
Don’t worry if you see wrinkles—keep smoothing and adjusting. They disappear fast as the balloon tightens.
Step 4: Trim the excess
Use small scissors to trim around the ornament opening so the cap will fit back on cleanly. If you want the cleanest edge, tuck any excess balloon inside using tweezers.
Step 5: Replace the ornament cap
Slide the cap back on. The balloon should hold snugly underneath it.
Step 6: Add velvet ribbon
Tie a simple bow or loop using skinny velvet ribbon. This step completely transforms the ornament and gives it that high-end, minimalist look.
You can match your palette or mix tones—warm brown, cream, black, dark olive, soft gold.
Styling Ideas For DIY Balloon Ornaments
Use them on:
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Christmas trees
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Mantles
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Wreaths
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Garland
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Decorative bowls on your coffee table
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Holiday place settings
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Gift toppers
They also make great gifts or fillers for holiday baskets and hostess gifts.
Color Palette Ideas For Your DIY Balloon Ornaments
If you want a curated look, choose a range of muted tones:
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Warm greige
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Ivory / cream
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Matte black
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Dusty olive
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Soft latte brown
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Sandstone beige
Mixing finishes and ribbon colors adds depth while staying cohesive.
Troubleshooting
The balloon won’t stretch far enough.
Try warming it in your hands or stretching it more. Matte balloons are thick!
I see wrinkles.
Keep smoothing. Once fully stretched, they usually disappear.
The cap won’t fit on.
Trim the balloon a bit more around the opening.
The ornament looks lopsided.
Turn it slowly as you pull the balloon down for an even tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use glass ornaments?
Plastic ornaments work best because they won’t crack under tension.
Do the balloons ever pop?
I’ve never had one pop, especially with matte balloons—they’re thicker and sturdier.
Do these last multiple seasons?
Yes. Store them gently and out of heat. Mine still look perfect.
What size ornaments work best?
2.5″–4″ is ideal, but you can experiment with larger ones if your balloons stretch enough.
How to Store Your DIY Balloon Ornaments
Place them in a container with tissue or bubble wrap so the balloons don’t crease. Store at room temperature—heat can weaken the balloon over time.
Final Thoughts
These DIY balloon ornaments are the perfect example of simple materials creating a high-end holiday look. They’re fast, affordable, and completely customizable, which makes them great for busy seasons or last-minute decorating.
If you try them, I’d love to see how they turn out!
Pin this post for later, and shop the supplies below.
Shop the Supplies
- Clear globe ornaments with silver tops
- Matte balloons in black
- Matte balloons in brown
- Matte balloons in blush
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Love DIY Ornaments? Try My Air Dry Clay Sweater Ornaments Next
If you love simple, neutral, high-end holiday crafts like these DIY balloon ornaments, you’ll also love my air dry clay sweater ornaments. They have the same cozy, handmade feel and pair perfectly with this project on your Christmas tree.
Click here to see the full tutorial and learn how to create the sweetest little clay sweaters using basic tools, patterns, and paint. They’re another great option for anyone who wants a handmade holiday without spending a fortune.What I love about those ornaments is how versatile they are. You can leave them raw for a Scandinavian look, add texture using everyday items around the house, or paint them with soft neutral tones to match your tree. They also make great gift toppers, stocking stuffers, or thoughtful handmade presents for grandparents, teachers, or neighbors. If you’re decorating in a modern rustic or neutral style this season, pairing the clay sweaters with your DIY balloon ornaments adds such pretty contrast — one smooth and velvety, the other textured and handcrafted.
More Ways to Use Your DIY Balloon Ornaments
These ornaments are so easy and affordable that you can decorate more than just your tree. Try styling a bowl of DIY balloon ornaments on your coffee table, or hang them along your stair garland for an intentional layered look. They also look beautiful tucked into wreaths, tied onto presents, or layered into tabletop holiday styling. Because the color palette is completely customizable, you can make these in warm taupes, matte blacks, creams, or soft sage greens — whatever works with your neutral Christmas décor.
If you’re hosting this year, consider making a set of these DIY balloon ornaments as a simple hostess gift or party favor. Tie one to a bottle of wine, a loaf of homemade bread, or a wrapped gift for a special touch.
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