How To Make Your Own Biodegradable Glitter Ornaments For The Tree

The holiday season brings joy, warmth, and a tradition of decorating homes with festive ornaments. Yet, many conventional decorations—especially those with synthetic glitter—are far from environmentally friendly. Standard glitter is made from microplastics that persist in ecosystems for centuries, contributing to pollution in soil and waterways. As awareness grows, more people are seeking sustainable alternatives without sacrificing sparkle. One elegant solution? Crafting your own biodegradable glitter ornaments for the tree.

Creating these ornaments allows you to celebrate sustainably while adding a personal touch to your holiday decor. Made from plant-based materials like eucalyptus cellulose or mineral mica, biodegradable glitter breaks down naturally and safely. When combined with natural substrates such as salt dough, air-dry clay, or recycled paper, the result is a beautiful, eco-conscious ornament that honors both tradition and the planet.

Why Choose Biodegradable Glitter?

Synthetic glitter may be shiny, but its environmental cost is steep. Most commercial glitter consists of aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic film that does not decompose. Once released into the environment—whether through disposal, wind, or wastewater—it becomes microplastic pollution, harming wildlife and entering food chains.

In contrast, certified biodegradable glitter is typically derived from responsibly sourced cellulose, often from eucalyptus or hardwood pulp. This material is non-toxic and fully compostable under the right conditions. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), true biodegradable glitter must meet standards like ISO 14851 (freshwater biodegradation) or ISO 17556 (soil biodegradation).

“Switching to biodegradable glitter isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsible shift toward reducing microplastic pollution during one of the most wasteful times of the year.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Environmental Scientist & Sustainable Materials Researcher

While some brands market “eco-glitter” without certification, it's crucial to verify claims. Look for labels from reputable suppliers such as BioGlitz, LusterLeaf, or EcoStardust, which provide third-party testing data confirming biodegradability.

Materials You’ll Need

To create your own biodegradable glitter ornaments, gather supplies that prioritize sustainability and safety. Below is a checklist of essential and optional materials:

Tip: Order biodegradable glitter in bulk from eco-conscious suppliers to reduce packaging waste and lower per-unit costs.

Basic Supplies

• Biodegradable glitter (in holiday colors: gold, silver, red, green, blue)
• Natural base material (e.g., salt dough, air-dry clay, or recycled paper pulp)
• Mixing bowls and spoons (wooden or stainless steel preferred)
• Cookie cutters (metal or wood, in festive shapes)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Acrylic sealer (non-toxic, water-based, and biodegradable)
• Hemp twine or organic cotton string for hanging
• Pencil or skewer for making hanging holes

Optional Enhancements

• Dried botanicals (rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, pressed holly)
• Essential oils (for scent infusion in salt dough)
• Natural food coloring (to tint dough or clay)
• Beeswax polish (for a soft sheen on finished pieces)

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Ornaments

Follow this detailed process to make durable, shimmering ornaments that will grace your tree year after year—or return harmlessly to the earth if composted.

1. Prepare your base material. For salt dough, mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup warm water. Knead until smooth. Add a few drops of natural food coloring if desired. For air-dry clay, follow package instructions or use homemade cornstarch-based clay (1 part cornstarch, 2 parts white glue).
2. Roll out the dough. On a floured surface, roll the mixture to about ¼-inch thickness. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Cut into shapes. Press cookie cutters firmly into the dough to form stars, trees, snowflakes, or other designs. Gently lift each shape onto a lined baking tray.
4. Create hanging holes. Using a skewer or pencil, poke a small hole near the top edge of each ornament. This will later hold the twine.
5. Apply glitter. While the surface is still slightly damp, sprinkle biodegradable glitter generously over the top. Tilt excess glitter into a tray for reuse. For precision, use a small brush to apply glitter in patterns.
6. Add botanical accents (optional). Press tiny sprigs of rosemary or dried orange slices into the dough before drying for a rustic, aromatic touch.
7. Dry thoroughly. Allow salt dough ornaments to dry at room temperature for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway. Air-dry clay typically sets in 24 hours. Avoid ovens unless following specific salt dough baking instructions (usually 200°F for 2–3 hours).
8. Seal for durability. Once completely dry, apply a thin coat of non-toxic, water-based sealer to protect the glitter and extend the ornament’s life. Let dry between coats; two coats are recommended.
9. Attach hanging strings. Cut 6–8 inch lengths of hemp twine. Thread through the hole and tie a knot at the end.
10. Label and store extras. Keep unused ornaments in a breathable cotton bag with a note indicating materials used—ideal for future gifting or composting guidance.

Tip: Work on a tray lined with parchment to catch falling glitter. Reuse what collects—minimize waste and maximize sparkle.

Comparing Ornament Bases: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right base affects durability, texture, and environmental impact. The table below compares common materials used in DIY biodegradable glitter ornaments.

Material	Drying Time	Durability	Compostable?	Best For
Salt Dough	24–48 hrs	Moderate (can chip)	Yes	Families, kids, rustic charm
Air-Dry Clay	12–24 hrs	High	Yes (if no synthetic additives)	Detailed designs, long-term display
Recycled Paper Pulp	48+ hrs	Low–Moderate	Yes	Textured, artistic pieces
Beeswax-Coated Fabric	Immediate (no drying)	High	Partially (fabric yes, wax slow)	Reusable, flexible ornaments

A Real Example: The Green Family’s Zero-Waste Tree

The Green family of Portland, Oregon, decided three years ago to transform their holiday traditions. After learning about microplastic pollution from a local environmental workshop, they committed to a zero-waste Christmas. Their first step was eliminating all plastic-based decorations.

Using online tutorials and biodegradable glitter samples from a farmers’ market vendor, they began crafting ornaments with their two children. They started with simple salt dough stars, pressing in biodegradable glitter and adding drops of peppermint oil for scent. Over time, they experimented with air-dry clay snowmen and pressed flower discs sealed with natural resin.

Last year, their entire tree featured only handmade, compostable decorations. After the holidays, they carefully removed the twine and placed the ornaments in their backyard compost bin. Within eight weeks, decomposition was well underway, confirmed by their garden thermometer and visual inspection.

“It feels good knowing our celebration doesn’t leave a toxic legacy,” says Maria Green, a middle school science teacher. “Our kids now see holiday magic as something we can enjoy responsibly.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can biodegradable glitter dissolve in rain or humidity?

No, biodegradable glitter is designed to remain stable during normal use, including exposure to indoor humidity. It only breaks down under specific conditions—such as in industrial composting facilities with microbial activity, moisture, and heat. Indoor ornaments will retain their sparkle for years.

Are these ornaments safe for children and pets?

Yes, when made with non-toxic materials. Salt dough and air-dry clay are generally safe if accidentally ingested in small amounts, though not meant for eating. Always supervise young children during crafting. Avoid using essential oils toxic to pets (e.g., tea tree, citrus) if animals are present.

How do I dispose of them at the end of their life?

If the ornament contains only natural materials (dough, clay, paper, biodegradable glitter), remove any non-compostable elements like metal hooks or synthetic strings. Break the ornament into smaller pieces and add to a home compost bin. In optimal conditions, breakdown takes 4–12 weeks. If unsure, check with your municipal composting program.

Checklist: How to Make Biodegradable Glitter Ornaments

Use this quick-reference guide to stay on track:

• ☐ Source certified biodegradable glitter from a trusted supplier
• ☐ Choose a natural base: salt dough, air-dry clay, or paper pulp
• ☐ Prepare workspace with reusable trays and parchment paper
• ☐ Roll, cut, and pierce holes for hanging
• ☐ Apply glitter while surface is tacky
• ☐ Let dry completely (do not rush with heat unless required)
• ☐ Seal with non-toxic, water-based varnish
• ☐ Attach hemp or cotton string
• ☐ Store extras in breathable containers
• ☐ Compost at end of life or pass down as heirlooms

Conclusion: Celebrate Sustainably, Sparkle Consciously

Creating your own biodegradable glitter ornaments is more than a craft project—it’s a meaningful choice. Each shimmering piece reflects a commitment to beauty that doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. Unlike mass-produced plastic trinkets, these ornaments carry intention, care, and a story. They invite conversation, inspire creativity, and align holiday joy with ecological responsibility.

You don’t need perfection to begin. Start with a single batch of salt dough stars. Involve children, friends, or neighbors in a low-waste crafting session. Share extra ornaments with notes explaining their compostable nature. Turn tradition into transformation.

💬 Ready to make your mark—without leaving a trace? Craft your first biodegradable glitter ornament this weekend and share your creation online with #SparkleResponsibly. Inspire others to shine sustainably.