Preserve favorite memories, create personalized gift tags or share a handmade gift with DIY Wood Bulb Photo Ornaments. These simple creations are made with a slice of unfinished wood in the shape of a bulb ornament, paint, a photo and sealant.
In the spirit of Christmas traditions and with memories of the past year in mind we created two sided DIY Wood Bulb Photo Ornaments.
Every year my little guy makes his Auntie a Christmas ornament. This year he chose one of his favorite memories from the past year to share on a wood bulb. His favorite memory that he shared with his Auntie was from September when he was her ring bear. My sister’s wedding to her long time (8+ years) beau was one of my favorite memories, as well. Therefore, I also made my favorite newlyweds an ornament using their wedding colors, navy & orange.
DIY Wood Bulb Photo Ornaments
SUPPLIES:
Unfinished Wood Bulb Ornaments with Precut Strings
Photo
Craft Paint
Paint Markers
Clear Acrylic Sealer
Mod Podge Glue
Additional: Paint Brush, Exacto Knife (or a Pen & Scissors), Paint Sponge & Sandpaper Buffing Block
DIY Wood Bulb Photo Ornaments
STEP ONE:
Begin by placing the wood ornament over the portion of the photo to be used on the ornament. Cut the photo with an exacto knife or trace the outline of the bulb then cut it out with scissors.
When working with little ones I suggest painting before gluing; just in case they need a “do-over” on their paint side, they can try again on the blank side and the photo can cover up side they didn’t find just right. (By the way, that is a bear climbing through 2017 on the light blue ornament.)
STEP TWO:
Paint one side of the wood ornament. Allow time for the paint to dry then use paint pens to write a message, draw a picture or add the date. My little guy chose to add all three.
STEP THREE:
Use a paintbrush to add a layer of Mod Podge glue to the flip side of the wood ornament. Press the photo onto the wood then smooth out any air bubbles. Allow time for the glue to dry.
STEP FOUR:
Rub sandpaper over the edges of the photo to create an even edge.
STEP FIVE:
Use a sponge paint brush to apply a layer of Mod Podge glue over the top of the photo. Move the sponge from left to right keeping the strokes even.
STEP SIX:
After the paint has dried spray a layer of clear acrylic sealer over the painted side. Then when that side is completely dry spray a layer of sealant over the side with the photo.
STEP SEVEN:
Thread a piece of string through the top of the ornament then attach it to a gift, wrap it in a box, hang it on the tree or (in our case) mail it to your Auntie.
This type of ornament could be made with heart shaped wood as well as any other wood shape. I happened across these wood bulbs while shopping on Amazon and I thought they were just too cute to pass up. They come in packs of ten therefore we will soon be creating more wood bulb ornaments. One idea is to make some like my Map Coasters highlighting places we visited this past year while another idea is to create fun designs on them with Washi Tape.
