Debi Taylor, who lives northwest of Lawrence, makes ornaments such as these balls out of papier-mâché. She also makes ornaments that look like Santa Claus faces.

To decorate for the holidays without overspending, local artists suggest making special Christmas tree ornaments at home.

Although homemade ornaments range from artistic masterpieces to simple accessories, any type of ornament can add character to a Christmas tree. They can be given away as gifts or just used as an activity to keep children occupied during the holiday season.

• Creating decorations is a tradition for Lori Dalrymple. She uses cross-stitching to embellish her tree.

After cross-stitching a Christmas-themed design, permanently place it in a small wooden embroidery hoop 2 to 4 inches wide. Mask the back of the stitched cloth with fabric and decorate the hoop itself with trim.

• For her Christmas tree, Bertha Molenda uses felted wool and Christmas cookie cutters for templates. Children can participate in this project as well.

Trace the cookie cutter on the felt and cut out the design. Depending on the thickness of the felt, two templates of each shape may have to be cut and glued or sewn together to make the ornament more rigid. Molenda said she has even tried stuffing the shapes with fiber to give them a 3-D appearance. Once the shape is prepared, decorate with beads, buttons, trim and decorative stitching. To hang, use a string or piece of yarn.

• Mary Jane Grinter makes small ornaments with watercolor paper. She paints tiny scenes on the paper, but those less artistically inclined can simply use bright colors.

Cut the paper in the shape of a cross. Paint it with watercolors or acrylics, then punch two holes at the top of the paper. Fold it into a 2-inch cube using tape on the inside. String a ribbon through the holes to hang it on the tree. As a variation, the paper can also be varnished or spray-painted.

• John Brewer makes a three-dimensional, eight-pointed flower made from multi-colored ribbons.

Directions for various types origami flowers can be found on the Internet. Brewer suggests packaging the flower to prevent it from getting crushed, but it can also hang separately.

• Debbie Taylor uses paper mâché to create two types of ornaments.

Make a paper mâché paste by mixing one part water with two parts glue. Create a candy cane shape with cardboard. For an easier version, a rod shape also works. After tearing newspaper into strips, dip them into the glue mixture and coat the shape. Once the shape is dried, paint it with acrylics. Taylor paints a Santa Claus face on her ornaments, but red and white stripes offer a simpler alternative.

• Paper mâché can also be used to make round ornaments. Instead of cardboard, use a balloon as the base. Once it dries, make it more attractive with paint and glitter. To hang the ornaments, use a hot glue gun to attach a ribbon to the top of the ornament.

Ornaments can be made from a variety of objects. Pinecones, lace, Styrofoam balls, paper cups, tin can lids, and clay dough are other materials that offer a challenge of creativity.