Making wooden ornaments with pictures is a heartfelt way to add a personalized touch to your holiday decor or create memorable keepsakes for special occasions. By combining the timeless charm of wood with cherished photographs, you can craft unique ornaments that capture precious moments and sentiments.
Whether you’re commemorating family milestones, celebrating friendships, or simply expressing your creativity, creating wooden ornaments with pictures allows you to infuse your decorations with meaning and warmth.
In this article, we will explore step-by-step instructions and creative ideas for how to make wooden ornaments with pictures. From selecting the right wood and preparing the pictures to cutting, assembling, and embellishing the ornaments, you’ll discover how to turn ordinary materials into cherished treasures that bring joy and nostalgia to your holiday celebrations and beyond.
Importance of Personalized Ornaments
Personalized ornaments hold a special place in the hearts of many because they encapsulate more than just aesthetic appeal; they are carriers of personal histories and connections. Each ornament tells a story, often invoking fond memories every time it is viewed or handled.
Such ornaments serve as yearly reminders of growth, change, and the enduring bonds between loved ones. They become more than mere decorations; they are timeless heirlooms that can be passed down through generations, preserving a family’s legacy and personal narrative within each unique piece.
Materials Needed
To get started, gather the following simple but essential materials:
- Wooden Discs – You can find these at craft stores, or cut them yourself from a slice of wood.
- Drill – If your discs don’t already have a hole for hanging, you’ll need a small drill bit.
- Mod Podge – For adhering your pictures to the wood.
- Brushes – Small and soft for applying Mod Podge.
- Pictures – Choose your favorite photos, printed on paper.
- Scissors or Craft Knife – To cut out your pictures.
- Varnish or Sealer – To protect and give a glossy finish to your ornament.
- Ribbon or String – For hanging your finished ornaments.
Remember, having all your materials at hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Selecting and Preparing Wooden Blanks
When choosing wooden blanks for your ornaments, opt for quality and uniformity. Look for discs that are smooth and free of significant cracks or splinters, which will not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also ensure a more reliable canvas for your photos. The thickness of the blanks should be sufficient to maintain durability yet light enough for hanging without weighing down the branches of a tree.
Before you start, sand the surface of the wooden discs lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even texture. This step is paramount as it helps in the seamless adherence of the pictures onto the wood. If your blanks do not already have holes for hanging, carefully drill a small hole at the top, ensuring it is centered and the edges are smooth.
Once your blanks are sanded and drilled, wipe them down with a lint-free cloth to remove any wood dust or debris, ensuring a clean starting point for applying your images with Mod Podge. Remember to handle your blanks with care to keep them pristine for the best outcome of your crafting.
Selecting and Preparing Photographs
Selecting the right photographs for your wooden ornaments is both a personal and creative choice. Opt for images with clear, high-contrast subjects that are meaningful to you. Remember, the wooden disc will likely be smaller than a typical photo, so choose pictures where the focal point can be easily seen at a reduced size. You might favor close-up shots of loved ones, special occasions, or any memorable moment that brings joy.
Once you have selected your photographs, print them on high-quality paper that is suitable for crafting. It’s ideal to use a printer that produces vibrant, fade-resistant images, ensuring your ornaments retain their visual appeal over time. Trim the printed photos carefully with scissors or a craft knife to fit the wooden discs. If desired, you can round the edges of the photos to match the curvature of the wooden edges for a more integrated look.
Prior to affixing your photographs to the wood, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the photo. This step will prevent the wood texture from showing through and help the picture adhere smoothly. Position the photo on the wooden disc, ensuring it’s correctly aligned and pressed firmly to remove any air bubbles. Once in place, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step of sealing and embellishing your personalized ornament.
10 Steps How to Make Wooden Ornaments with Pictures
1. Gather Materials:
Begin by gathering all the materials you’ll need for making wooden ornaments with pictures. You’ll require wooden blanks or pre-cut shapes, printed photographs, mod podge or adhesive, paint or stain, paintbrushes, scissors or a craft knife, ribbon or string for hanging, and any decorative embellishments you wish to include.
If you’re planning on using digital images, print them out beforehand on regular paper or photo paper. Once you have all of your materials ready, lay them out on a flat work surface so they’re easily accessible.
2. Select Wooden Blanks:
Choose wooden blanks or pre-cut shapes that serve as the base for your ornaments. Wooden blanks are available in various shapes and sizes at craft stores or online. Consider the size and style of your ornaments when selecting the wooden blanks. If you are creating detailed designs, choose a larger blank to give yourself more room to work with. For simpler designs, smaller blanks may be more appropriate.
Some popular wooden blank shapes for ornaments include circles, stars, hearts, and snowflakes. You can also find specialty shapes such as animals, trees, and holiday symbols. Consider the overall theme of your ornament collection when selecting the shapes of your blanks.
For example, if you are creating a rustic or farmhouse themed collection, choose blanks that have a natural or distressed look. If you are going for a more modern or minimalist theme, opt for simple shapes and clean lines.
3. Prepare Photographs:
Select the photographs you want to use for your ornaments and print them out on photo paper or regular paper. Ensure the size of the photographs is suitable for the wooden blanks you’ve chosen. Use a paper trimmer or scissors to cut out the photographs, leaving a small border around the edges if desired.
Once you have all your photographs ready, you can start preparing the wooden blanks. Sand down any rough edges or imperfections on the surface of the blanks using sandpaper. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for attaching the photographs.
4. Prepare Wooden Blanks:
If the wooden blanks are unfinished, sand them lightly to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. You can also paint or stain the wooden blanks to add color and enhance their appearance. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before proceeding.
To ensure a clean and professional finish, it’s important to properly prepare your wooden blanks before starting any woodworking project. In this section, we’ll discuss some tips for preparing your wooden blanks.
Firstly, if your wooden blanks are unfinished, it’s important to sand them lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces and create a clean canvas for your project. Be sure to wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth afterwards.
5. Apply Adhesive:
Use mod podge or a similar adhesive to adhere the photographs to the wooden blanks. Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the back of each photograph using a paintbrush or foam applicator. Carefully place the photograph onto the wooden blank, pressing down gently to ensure adhesion and smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the next step. If desired, you can also seal the photographs with a layer of mod podge on top to protect them from wear and tear.
6. Allow Adhesive to Dry:
Allow the adhesive to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times, as they may vary depending on the type of adhesive used. Avoid handling the ornaments while the adhesive is drying to prevent smudging or displacement of the photographs. Once the adhesive is dry, you can proceed to frame your ornaments or display them in any way you like.
7. Seal Photographs (Optional):
To protect the photographs and ensure their longevity, consider applying a layer of mod podge or clear sealant over the surface of each ornament. This will help seal the photographs and prevent them from fading or becoming damaged over time. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling the ornaments. Additionally, keep the ornaments out of direct sunlight to further prevent fading or damage.
Another option for preserving photographs on ornaments is to laminate them. This can be done using a laminating machine or by using self-adhesive laminating sheets. Laminating will create a protective barrier around the photograph and help it last longer.
8. Add Decorative Embellishments:
Get creative with decorative embellishments to enhance the appearance of your wooden ornaments. You can add glitter, sequins, beads, or small charms to embellish the ornaments and add a festive touch.
Use craft glue to adhere the embellishments to the wooden blanks and photographs. You can also use paint pens or markers to draw intricate designs or patterns on the ornaments. Additionally, you can use a wood burning tool to add detailed designs and text onto the wooden blanks.
Another way to add decorative embellishments is by using decoupage techniques. Cut out images and phrases from wrapping paper, tissue paper, or napkins and adhere them onto the wooden blanks using decoupage glue. This technique allows you to personalize your ornaments and add a unique touch to each one.
9. Attach Hanging Ribbon or String:
Cut a length of ribbon or string to the desired length for hanging the ornaments. Thread the ribbon or string through a small hole drilled at the top of each ornament, or loop it around the ornament and tie a knot at the top.
Ensure the hanging loop is secure and centered for easy hanging. Once all the ornaments have hanging loops, they are ready to be displayed on a tree or used in other decorations. However, there are other creative ways to use hanging ribbon or string for ornaments.
Some ideas include creating a garland by attaching multiple ornaments to a long piece of ribbon or string. This can be hung across a fireplace mantel, staircase railing, or window frame for a festive touch. Another option is to create a mobile by hanging different sized and shaped ornaments from different lengths of string or ribbon attached to a hanging hoop or branch. This can be a unique and eye-catching decoration in any room.
10. Allow Ornaments to Cure:
Once the ornaments are complete, allow them to cure and dry completely before handling or hanging them. This ensures that the adhesive and sealant have fully set and the ornaments are ready for display.
Once dry, your wooden ornaments with pictures are ready to adorn your holiday tree, gift packages, or home decor. You can also use them as personalized gifts for friends and family. Additionally, you can add a protective layer of clear spray sealant to your ornaments for added durability and longevity.
To properly cure wooden ornaments, place them on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking or touching the ornaments until they are completely dry. Depending on the type of adhesive and sealant used, curing time may vary. It is recommended to follow the instructions on the products used for more accurate curing time.
Adding Decorative Embellishments
Once you’ve added your personal photographs and allowed the adhesive to dry, it’s time to elevate your wooden ornaments by adding decorative embellishments. This step is where you can truly showcase your creativity and add personality to each piece.
Add Decorative Accents:
Adding small decorative accents can transform your wooden ornaments from simple to extraordinary. Consider gluing on faux pearls, rhinestones, or colorful buttons for a touch of elegance. For a more rustic look, you might choose to attach small pine cones, dried flowers, or burlap cutouts. Use non-toxic craft glue or a glue gun for a firm hold, making sure each accent is securely attached to the ornament.
Embossing and Texture:
To add texture and dimension, consider using an embossing powder and heat gun to create raised, shiny designs that capture the light beautifully. You can also apply textured paste with stencils to create a relief effect. Once dry, you may lightly brush over it with metallic paint for a subtle sheen.
Remember, less can sometimes be more. Choose embellishments that complement your photographs and the overall theme of your ornaments. Once your decorations are in place, set the ornaments aside to dry. With these final touches, your custom ornaments will be ready to captivate and charm during the festive season or any special occasion.
Tips and Tricks
Crafting is an art, and it often comes with its own set of trials and tribulations. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process:
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Space: Some sealers and varnishes can have strong odors, so good ventilation is key.
- Patience is a Virtue: Let each layer (Mod Podge, varnish) dry completely before moving on to the next step. Rushing can cause the layers to wrinkle or become cloudy.
- Use as Little Mod Podge as Possible: Too much Mod Podge can cause ink to run or the paper to wrinkle. A little goes a long way!
- Practice Makes Perfect: If this is your first batch of wooden ornaments, consider making a few extra for trial and error.
- Personalization Options: Consider adding names or dates with paint pens or small decals to the back or edges of your ornaments.
Creative Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can explore various creative avenues:
- Mixed Media: Combine your pictures with other crafting elements, such as pressed flowers or small trinkets to add a 3D effect.
- Embellishments: Use beads, sequins, or other small adornments to decorate the perimeter of your wooden base, adding a touch of sparkle.
- Different Shapes: Experiment with different shapes beyond the classic circle – try squares, hearts, or even animal outlines.
Conclusion
Crafting wooden ornaments with pictures is a delightful blend of creativity and personalization, offering a heartfelt touch to holiday decorations or cherished gifts. Through the careful selection of materials, thoughtful placement of pictures, and attention to detail, individuals can create unique ornaments that capture special memories or moments.
Whether using photos of loved ones, scenic landscapes, or beloved pets, the process of making wooden ornaments with pictures allows for endless possibilities for customization and expression.
With the right tools and techniques, even those new to crafting can enjoy the satisfaction of creating beautiful and meaningful ornaments. From rustic farmhouse styles to elegant modern designs, the appeal of wooden ornaments with pictures lies in their ability to evoke nostalgia and warmth, adding a touch of personalized charm to any holiday decor.
So, whether adorned on the tree or displayed around the home, these handmade ornaments serve as cherished keepsakes for years to come. So, there you have it – a quick and easy guide on how to make wooden ornaments with pictures.
