Photo Ornament Tutorial

Last year I started a memory tree for my son, Casey. I made a photo ornament for each month of his life, starting the month he was born.

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The project turned out so great I thought I’d share a tutorial on how to create your own photo ornaments!

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These are great decorative items for your home, can be used as gift tags, or would make an excellent and personalized addition to your Christmas tree!

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Gather your supplies and let’s get going!

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Materials Needed:

  • Wood squares (4″ x 4″)
  • Sand Paper
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Screw Eyes (15/32″)
  • Family Photos (cut down to 3″ x 3″)
  • Modge Podge
  • Ribbon
  • Hot Glue Gun

Step One:  Sand the front, back and sides of your wooden blocks.

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Step Two:  Lay down a paper bag or painting canvas to protect your tabletop and gather your paintbrush and paint.

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Step Three:  Paint the back and sides of your ornament (depending on the color, you may need two coats).

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Step Four:  Flip over and paint the front of each ornament. Let dry.

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Step Five:  Grab your Modge Podge, paintbrush and photo. It’s time to finish up the front!

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Step Six:  Put a little Modge Podge on your paintbrush and apply to the back of your photo.

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Step Seven:  Turn your photo over and place in the center of your ornament. Press down firmly and allow to dry.

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Step Eight:  Add more Modge Podge to your paintbrush and cover the entire photo and front of your ornament. The Modge Podge will look creamy at first…

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…but after a few minutes, it will dry clear!

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Step Nine:  On the top of your ornament, take a ruler and find the center. Mark an “x” with your pencil.

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Step Ten:  Take a screw eye and twist into your ornament where you marked an “x”. Using your fingers, continue to turn into the wood until it’s secure. (It may be difficult getting the screw eye started, but once you get going it should screw in easily.)

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Step Eleven:  Cut ribbon and thread through the screw eye. Tie a knot to secure.

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Step Twelve: Tie a decorative bow and adhere to the front of your ornament using a hot glue gun.

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And you’re done! Now hang your ornaments on your tree and enjoy!

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These ornaments are perfect for home décor or for a Christmas tree!

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Are you going to make your own? Head over to our Facebook page and share your photos with us! Enjoy!

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