Y’all, I am so excited about Christmas this year. Like kid in a candy store excited. So when I was invited by some fabulous bloggers to join them in 31 days of handmade ornaments, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Which means not only do I have my own amazing ornament idea to share, I’ve also got thirty more great ideas from other bloggers for you. Because handmade ornaments are seriously the best.
This year I really want to add some color and a hint of glam to my Christmas tree and these ornaments are just the ticket.
This post contains affiliate links – you get to buy stuff you want and support future DIY projects on Lovely Etc. at the same time. See my full disclosure here.
Materials
Wooden ornament shapes – from Michaels
chalk paint – I used Americana Décor Chalky finish paint in Treasure and Craft Smart chalky paint in Scarlet (found at Michaels)
paintbrushes
dark stain – I used Minwax dark walnut
rag
Mineral Spirits (not pictured)
gold Sharpie oil-based paint pen
How to Make Rustic Glam Handmade Ornaments
These ornaments are seriously easy and fast to make – you can definitely knock out three in less than thirty minutes.
The first step is to paint the ornaments. Don’t worry about painting the whole thing, just roughly paint the front.
You could also use basic craft paints for this instead of chalk paints, but I just like chalk paint better. Plus some of the new chalk paints are super cheap – the scarlet paint I used was less than $2. I wouldn’t recommend it for furniture, but it worked great for this project. Chalk paints also dry super fast so you will only need to wait a minute or two before the next step.
Use a clean rag to rub stain all over the ornament and then immediately follow with a rag dampened with Mineral Spirits. This will remove most of the stain from the painted area while still staining any bare wood.
Once the stained ornament is dry to the touch, you can add your words.
I used a gold oil–based Sharpie paint pen and it worked fantastically. The gold has a great shine and the paint pen writes incredibly smoothly. If your handwriting isn’t great, you can always find a pretty font to copy.
And of course you could customize these any way you want with your own favorite Christmas colors and words.
I am loving these ornaments so much, I think I just might make some more!
And now for some more Christmas ornament inspiration!
Okay, who’s ready for Christmas! (Mentally that is. Not actually physically prepared – that would be crazy!)
More Christmas posts you’re going to love:
Cami @ The Crafting Nook says
This is such a lovely craft my friend!!!! Love the technique of painting and then stain it! Looks amazing and so sweet!
XOXO
Carrie says
Thanks Cami! I’m a huge fan of a stain/paint combo.
Jill Flory says
Love these! Another one added to my list of MUST MAKE THIS YEAR!
Carrie says
Thanks Jill! There have been so many fantastic ideas in this hop!
Paula@SweetPea says
So pretty! I need to look for a gold Sharpie like you used. Christmas is going to be fun at your house with two boys to enjoy!
Carrie says
Thanks Paula! I am definitely looking forward to Christmas. Little ones just make everything seem new and exciting again.
kristin says
These are beautiful, would love to make these with my boys. Pinned :)
Carrie says
Thanks Kristin!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
I love these Carrie!! So perfect for that woodland tree I dream of having. Maybe this year!
Thanks so much for joining us for the 31 Days. :)
Carrie says
Thanks for dreaming up this hop Diane! And I love the idea of a woodland tree – sounds so magical!
Cristina says
Carrie, These are so beautiful! Love the colors and the rustic feel. Pinning.
Carrie says
Thanks Cristina. I love using these two colors together for Christmas!
Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs says
I love the gold lettering on your ornaments! Your lettering is gorgeous!
Carrie says
Thanks Kelly! I was pretty happy with how the lettering turned out on these – it’s always kind of a gamble!
Malia says
These are gorgeous! One of my faves. Thanks so much for participating. Pinning!
Carrie says
Thanks Malia! They were so fun to make!
Arlene Murphy says
Just wanted to say hi! This is terrific. So impressed with all you’ve done!! Please say hi to M. Congratulations from your old friends from Roanoke!
Carrie says
Thanks Arlene! It is so nice to hear from you.
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says
Love, love, love these!! Beautiful!
Debbie
Carrie says
Thank you Debbie!
amy @ one artsy mama says
Gorgeous!!! I want to make some!
Julie says
So lovely, your writing is beautiful too. I’m going to practice, see if I can manage to get close to something as lovely as that!
Carrie says
Thanks Julie! You are so kind – you can totally do it.
Jan Jones says
Just saw these on hometalk, and there was no link! Thankfully,I was able to find your blog and the instructions. I love the look of these! Thank you for sharing the information. I will make them if I can find the time!!
Carrie says
I am so glad you were able to find the tutorial! I used to have it on Hometalk but not anymore. These are some of my favorite DIY ornaments – I hope you find time to make some!