07/27/2026
Last week I shared ornaments made from pretty vintage salt shakers… but sometimes I find the plain little square glass salt and pepper shakers at thrift stores and estate sales.
You know the ones. Nothing fancy. Usually cheap. Easy to overlook.
But they make really sweet Christmas ornaments too.
Here’s how I made these:
First, clean the salt shakers really well. I usually use a disinfecting wipe, but you could also wash them with Dawn. The main thing is to get off any greasy film.
Once they’re dry, fill them with faux snow. Glitter works too, if you’re feeling brave.
Then cut a piece of dark annealed wire and run it through two holes in the shaker top. Twist the short end around the longer wire a few times, then trim off the extra.
I added a clear faceted glass bead to the wire. After the bead is on, bend the wire a little above the bead, make a loop with round nose pliers, wrap the wire around a few times, and trim the end.
For the front, I kept these simple and glued on a pretty rhinestone embellishment. You could also use a tiny charm, broken jewelry piece, button, or whatever is in your stash.
Then I tied on a 12-inch piece of red and white gingham ribbon for the hanger.
That’s it. A plain little thrifted salt shaker becomes a handmade Christmas ornament.
I love projects like this because they don’t have to start with something fancy. Sometimes the “boring” pieces are the best ones to repurpose.
Would you fill yours with fake snow, glitter, tiny beads, or something else?
P.S. I’m sharing Christmas in July ideas all month, and I still have discontinued Christmas ornaments and gifts 50% off in my Etsy shop while supplies last.
