Lightweight EVA foam, twisted chenille wire, and a simple tassel come together to make dimensional Christmas ornaments that look much more detailed than their materials suggest.
Christmas decorations do not always need a complicated supply list to look special. Here, a few inexpensive craft materials are shaped into a layered ornament with enough dimension to stand out among flatter tree decorations.
The interesting part is the contrast between the soft foam rings and the flexible chenille wire. Once the wire is curved into a spiral, the flat foam pieces begin to look almost like a small sculptural decoration rather than simple cut shapes.
Color can change the whole appearance, too. Two contrasting foam shades make the layers easier to notice, while metallic, glitter, or guide sheets can give the same design a completely different holiday personality.
At the bottom, a tassel adds movement, while the small bead cap and hanging loop finish the ornament neatly. The making itself is straightforward, but accurate circles and controlled bends are what keep the finished piece looking balanced.
Things that you need before crafting:
Gather everything before cutting the foam so you can move from one stage to the next without stopping.
- EVA foam sheets in two colors
- Chenille wire or pipe cleaners
- Small bead cap
- Tassel pendant
- Strong craft glue or hot glue
- Thin thread or cord
- Scissors
- Precision craft knife, if preferred
- Ruler
- Pencil or pen
- Paperclip
- Cutting mat if using a craft knife
Choose the Size
The sample uses four circles measuring 3.5 cm in diameter.
That size produces a compact ornament that works well on a Christmas tree, wreath, or garland. If you want a larger decoration, increase the circle size rather than stretching the original pieces.
For a coordinated set, make all the ornaments from the same circle measurement. For a more varied display, create two or three sizes while keeping the proportions of each individual ornament consistent.
How To Make:
Mark Four Circles
Place the EVA foam on a flat surface.
Using a ruler and a suitable round guide, mark four circles, each 3.5 cm across.
Try to keep the pencil line light. A heavy outline can remain visible along the edge after cutting.
Make the Rings
Inside each circle, mark a second circle while leaving approximately 4 mm between the outside and inside edges.
Carefully cut along the inner lines.
You should now have four matching foam rings.
Take your time here. The rings do not need to be mathematically perfect, but they should be close enough in size that they can be layered without one side noticeably extending beyond another.
Build the Foam Layers
Join the Rings
Pair two foam rings together.
Apply a thin amount of glue and press the matching pieces together.
Repeat with the other two rings.
Avoid using a large amount of adhesive. Excess glue can squeeze out around the edges and make the foam look uneven.
Allow the glued layers to set enough that they can be handled without separating.
Add the Chenille Wire
Position the First Ring
Lay the chenille wire flat.
Apply glue to the section where the first foam layer will sit.
Place one prepared foam ring over the wire and press it gently into position.
Keep the wire centered rather than letting it drift toward one edge.
Sandwich the Wire
Take the matching foam ring and place it behind the first layer.
The chenille wire should now sit between the two foam pieces.
Press the layers together carefully and give the glue enough time to grip.
This sandwiching step is what makes the wire feel integrated into the ornament instead of looking like a separate piece attached afterward.
Shape the Ornament
Start the Spiral
Once the foam and wire are secure, begin bending the chenille wire.
Make gentle curves rather than forcing the wire into tight angles.
Work from one section to the next, checking the shape as you go.
Keep the Curves Even
Use your fingers to adjust the distance between the curves.
If one section becomes too tight, open it slightly before continuing. If another section spreads too far, bring it inward with a small bend.
A paperclip can temporarily hold a section while you work on another area.
The goal is not to make every curve identical. A natural spiral can have slight variation, but the overall shape should still feel intentional.
Set the Foam in Place
After shaping the wire, gently reposition the foam rings so they follow the spiral cleanly.
Do not pull hard on the foam.
Small movements are enough to correct the alignment and prevent the rings from looking twisted.
Finish the Top
Add the Bead Cap
Apply a small amount of adhesive to the top area.
Attach the bead cap and hold it in place until it is secure.
Keep the cap centered because it will also help define where the ornament hangs.
Make the Hanging Loop
Cut a short piece of thin thread or cord.
Pass it through the top section and tie a secure loop.
Before trimming the ends, give the loop a gentle pull to make sure the knot does not loosen.
Add the Tassel
Attach the Bottom Detail
Position the tassel at the lower end of the ornament.
Add a small amount of glue and press the tassel into place.
Let the adhesive set completely before lifting the ornament by its hanging loop.
The tassel should hang freely rather than being glued so tightly that it cannot move.
Check the Shape
Before calling the ornament finished, hold it at eye level and look at it from more than one direction.
Check that:
- The foam layers are still attached.
- The spiral is not pulled noticeably to one side.
- The hanging loop sits at the top.
- The tassel hangs naturally.
- No large glue marks are visible.
- The foam edges remain clean.
If something looks slightly uneven, correct it now while the wire can still be adjusted easily.
One Spiral Fix
If the ornament looks uneven, do not immediately remake the foam pieces. First, check the chenille wire.
A tight bend in one area can pull the foam toward that side and make the entire ornament appear crooked. Gently loosen that bend and redistribute the curve through the neighboring sections. This usually gives you a more balanced shape without disturbing the glued layers.
Make It Your Own
The basic form stays the same, but the materials can change its personality.
- Pair white and silver foam for a snowy look.
- Combine red and green for a traditional Christmas palette.
- Try gold with cream for a softer decorative style.
- Use glitter EVA foam when you want the ornament to catch tree lights.
- Replace the tassel with a small lightweight bell or charm.
- Make several ornaments in different sizes for a layered tree display.
- Use guide foam for one or two accent pieces among solid-color ornaments.
Note: If you face any hurdles in creating this project, then you can watch the tutorial here.
Where to Use Them
These ornaments are small enough to work beyond the Christmas tree.
Hang several together as a short garland, add one to a wrapped gift, or place a few around a holiday centerpiece. A group made in coordinated colors can also bring different areas of a room together without requiring every decoration to match exactly.
The finished ornament is lightweight, easy to customize, and built from simple shapes. Once you understand how the foam rings and chenille wire work together, you can change the colors, proportions, and hanging details while keeping the same basic method.
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