I have fond memories of opening the ornament box each year and finding all of my handmade childhood decorations. Today I’m sharing an easy pasta star ornament DIY inspired by one of my favorites: a macaroni star with a photo in the center. I made a version with my nephew featuring photos of his favorite people—our family.
Below I’ll walk you through the supplies and step-by-step method to make these charming, personalized ornaments. They’re simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for crafting with kids.
This post is brought to you by King of Christmas. The tree shown here is the King Noble Fir, 8 feet, unlit. A quality tree makes a lovely backdrop for handmade ornaments and family memories.
What you need:
Here’s a quick list of materials and tools. I created a star template that fits an Instax photo with only minor trimming; the center cutout holds the photo nicely.
Tools and materials:
- Scissors
- Glue (craft glue or hot glue, depending on preference)
- Instax camera and film (or any small instant photos)
- Gold spray paint
- Elbow macaroni
- Empty cracker or cereal box (for sturdy card stock)
- Ribbon or string for hanging
Method:
1. Print and cut the star template, then trace it onto thick card stock or an empty cracker/cereal box. Cardboard from boxes works well and provides a sturdy base.
2. Cut out the stars and carefully remove the center area where the photo will sit. Use scissors, a craft knife, and a cutting mat for clean edges.
3. Glue the elbow macaroni to the star frame. Arrange the pasta in a pattern you like—overlapping pieces create texture and depth. This is a fun step for kids to help with.
4. Once the glue is fully dry, take the pieces outside and spray them with gold paint. Apply several light coats for even coverage and allow them to dry completely between coats.
5. Add ribbon or string for hanging and tie small bows if desired to give each ornament a finished look.
6. For photos, have family members wear festive shirts and take instant photos. Trim the photos slightly—removing a bit from the top corners and bottom—to fit inside the center cutout, then glue the photo to the back of the star so the face shows through the opening.
7. Hang your finished ornaments on the tree and enjoy the sparkle. Kids love helping hang these keepsakes, and they make great gifts for grandparents and relatives.
If you enjoy homemade Christmas crafts, try variations by changing shapes, paint colors, or photo sizes. These pasta photo ornaments are a simple, sentimental project that capture memories and brighten your tree for years to come.