This cute little buffalo plaid Christmas ornament has a tiny pocket on the front that’s the perfect size for tucking in a mini candy cane, a note to Santa, or a small gift. Plus it makes an absolutely charming gift card holder.
Every year I can’t wait to make a few handmade Christmas ornaments to add to our tree. This year I’m starting things off with a super cute upcycled ornament with a fun twist – it has a pocket!
I’m thrilled to be participating in the fourth annual Handmade Christmas Ornaments Blog Hop hosted by An Extraordinary Day, The How to Home, and Celebrating Everyday Life.
Every year I am blown away by the adorable, creative ornaments shared and this year is no different. You can see everyone’s fabulous ornament ideas at the bottom of this post.
My own little ornament began when I repurposed part of a buffalo plaid shirt for another DIY ornament. I had plenty of the shirt left over and I knew I could figure out a creative way to use it all.
When I saw the cute little pocket on the front, a lightbulb went off. I knew it would make a fun ornament.
I mean pretty much everything is better with pockets, why not ornaments too!
This ornament is really simple to make. It only requires a few supplies and takes less than ten minutes.
And best of all (for me anyway), no sewing!
This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more. Click here to see my full disclosure policy
Materials for Buffalo Plaid Christmas Ornaments with Pockets
- Wooden ornament shapes – I used these wooden ornaments from Michaels. There are also lots of wooden ornament shapes on Amazon that will work, but most of them aren’t as thick.
- pocket from a child’s plaid shirt – if you don’t have any outgrown shirts from your own kids, you can find them for a couple of bucks at thrift stores or kids consignment stores
- hot glue gun
- scissors
- small wood or chipboard letters
- red paint and paintbrush
- black paint pen or black paint
How to make a Plaid Christmas Ornament with Pockets
This ornament really is incredibly simple to make.
If you’re having trouble finding a good plaid shirt to use, try hitting up a kids’ consignment store. The ones near me are packed with little plaid shirts this time of year and they are only a few dollars each.
Or you can also make a similar ornament without the pocket using wide buffalo plaid ribbon or a scrap of fabric.
Cut around the pocket and figure out exactly how you want to place it on the ornament.
Trim off the excess fabric, leaving about an inch border around the ornament.
Wrap the fabric around the ornament, attaching it to the back with your hot glue gun.
When you get to the top of the ornament, you can cut off the fabric around the ornament ‘hanger.’
I used a black Sharpie oil based paint marker to color the top of my ornament but you could also use paint if you prefer.
To cover the glued edges on the back, cut a circle of leftover plaid fabric and carefully glue it over all of the messy edges.
To decorate my pocket, I added the word joy. I painted some small wood letters red and then attached them to the front of the pocket.
This would also be a great way to personalize your ornament with your name or the name of whoever you are giving it to.
Lastly, I replaced the rustic twine that came with my ornament shape with baker’s twine.
Look how cute it is!
And with a note and a few little branches tucked in the pocket it is even more darling!
I really wanted to stick some mini candy canes in there, but it’s a bit early for them to be in stores. :)
Not only is this a fun ornament, I also think it would make a fantastic gift card holder.
I’m always looking for creative ways to give gift cards that are a bit more creative and heart-felt than a plain envelope. This sweet ornament would be the perfect thing.
Want more ideas? You can see all of my DIY ornaments right here. And if you love buffalo plaid, I have a huge collection of DIY buffalo plaid Christmas projects as well.
I’d love for you to pin this project on Pinterest!
Buffalo Plaid Christmas Ornaments with a Twist
This cute little DIY Buffalo Plaid Christmas ornament has a tiny pocket on the front that’s the perfect size for tucking in a mini candy cane, a note to Santa, or a small gift.
Materials
- wood ornament shape
- pocket from a child’s plaid shirt – if you don’t have any, you can find them for a couple of bucks at thrift stores or kids consignment stores
- small wood or chipboard letters
- red paint
- black paint pen
Tools
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
Instructions
- Cut around the pocket and figure out exactly how you want to place it on the ornament.
- Trim off the excess fabric, leaving about an inch border around the ornament. Wrap the fabric around the ornament, attaching it to the back with your hot glue gun.
- When you get to the top of the ornament, you can cut off the fabric around the ornament ‘hanger.’ I used a black Sharpie oil based paint marker to color the top of my ornament but you could also use paint if you prefer.
- Cut a circle of leftover plaid fabric and carefully glue it over all of the messy edges.
- To decorate my pocket, I added the word joy. I painted some small wood letters red and then attached them to the front of the pocket.
- Replace the rustic twine that comes with the ornament shape with baker’s twine.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ready to see a few more crazy good handmade ornament ideas? Just click the links below for plenty of inspiration.
Paula says
This is adorable! I love that it can be given as a gift with s gift card and then used on the tree as an ornament. You are so creative!
Diane says
Carrie, I love that you saw that little shirt pocket as a gift card holder on an ornament. That’s genius! You are so creative! So glad you’re hopping with us again this year!! xoxo
Mary Beth says
Your ornament is so cute, Carrie! The moment I saw the pocket I thought of a gift card holder. You are so clever!
Attta Girl Amy says
Everything is better with pockets! How adorable is this ornament. I love the idea of tucking a note to Santa inside the pocket. Too sweet!
Cami @ The Crafting Nook says
Oh my goodness! It looks so so cute! Using a plaid shirt pocket is so clever and looks so cute! Love how it looks with the frosted tree. Loev your ornament!
Hugs
Kristi Dominguez says
Carrie, these are just the cutest. Loving how you were able to incorporate that pocket into the design to make them super functional, too.
Kim says
I love buffalo check!! And I love that this ornament has a pocket!
Lora Drum says
Just discovered your webpage. Love your ideas- thanks so much for sharing your talents. I especially fell in love with your buffalo check JOY ornament- it is so cute!!!!! Please let me know if you have other ornament ideas on your page. I haven’t had a chance to explore it all yet, but I will.
Thanks again!
Carrie says
Thank you Lora! I have lots of other ornament ideas right here – https://www.lovelyetc.com/category/ornaments/ and I am hoping to make more this week!
Cristina says
Carrie, I love your ornament, specially the gift card holder idea and of course the plaid! The perfect gift for my kids teenager friends.
Kelly S Rowe says
I love the black and white — and hello to the genius idea of using an old pocket. ;)
Claire says
I love this idea! The pocket makes it!