Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline, your resident art aficionado, here. Are you feeling the holiday spirit and longing to infuse your Christmas decor with a touch of rustic farmhouse charm? Look no further than these delightful and easy DIY wood slice ornaments!
These charming ornaments are not only simple to make but also offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re aiming for personalized gifts with heartfelt photos or want to add a touch of rustic elegance to your Christmas tree, I’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore two distinct methods for crafting these wood slice ornaments. Get ready to unleash your creativity!
Method 1: Mod Podge Photo Transfer Ornaments
Personalized ornaments hold a special place in my heart, especially those commemorating special occasions like a couple’s first Christmas together. These DIY photo transfer ornaments are the perfect way to honor loved ones and create a treasured keepsake.
This technique is all about “printing” your chosen photo directly onto the wood slice using Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium, ensuring a smooth and bubble-free finish.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood slice ornaments
- Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium Kit
- Photo printed with a laserjet or dry ink toner printer (Important: Inkjet prints won’t work!)
- Hole punch
- Ribbon (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Print Your Photo: Remember, the type of printer you use is crucial for success! Opt for a laserjet or dry ink toner printer; inkjet prints won’t yield the desired results. If you don’t have access to the right printer, consider using a printing service like FedEx.
Pro Tip: Since the image will be reversed on the wood, flip it horizontally before printing if needed.
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Prepare Your Photo and Wood Slice: If your wood slices have a rough texture, give them a light sanding. Trace the ornament’s outline onto your printed photo and cut it out. Mark and punch a hole in the photo to align with the ornament’s hole.
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Apply the Magic Medium: Place your photo face up and apply a generous coat of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium using a foam brush. Cover all edges well for optimal transfer.
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Create the Transfer: Carefully lay the photo face down onto the wood slice. Gently smooth out any air bubbles using a brayer or squeegee. Wipe away any excess medium that seeps out with a damp cloth. Allow 24 hours for the transfer to dry completely.
Pro Tip: Rinse your foam brush thoroughly while it’s still damp to prevent the medium from drying and hardening.
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Reveal Your Masterpiece: After 24 hours, gently wet the back of the paper with a damp cloth or sponge. Wait a couple of minutes, then carefully rub off the paper to reveal the transferred image. If any paper fibers linger, re-wet and repeat.
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Seal for Protection (Optional): Once you’re happy with the transferred image, you can seal it with another layer of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium or your preferred Mod Podge finish.
Method 2: Painted Wood Slice Ornaments with Vinyl Lettering
For those drawn to a more classic farmhouse aesthetic, these painted wood slice ornaments with matte vinyl lettering are just the ticket! While this method utilizes a Cricut or Cameo cutting machine, you can achieve equally charming results with hand-painted lettering.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood slice ornaments
- Acrylic paint in your desired color
- Matte vinyl in a contrasting color
- Transfer tape
- Cameo or Cricut cutting machine (optional)
- Ribbon (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Prep and Paint: Lightly sand your wood slices if needed. Apply one coat of acrylic paint, leaving a thin border of natural wood around the edges for a rustic touch. Allow the paint to dry completely.
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Design and Cut Your Vinyl: Use your preferred design software to create your desired lettering or designs. Size the design to fit your wood slice.
Pro Tip: If using Silhouette Studio, utilize the warp tool to conform the lettering to the ornament’s shape.
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Weed and Transfer: After cutting your design, weed away the excess vinyl, leaving only the parts you want to transfer. Apply a piece of transfer tape over the vinyl, burnishing it well to lift the design. Carefully position the design on your painted wood slice and gently peel back the transfer tape.
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Add the Finishing Touches: Complete your ornaments by threading a festive ribbon through the hole for hanging. You can also experiment with wood-burning techniques on the back for an extra touch of rustic charm.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Creativity!
There you have it – two fantastic ways to craft your very own DIY wood slice ornaments! These personalized ornaments make heartfelt gifts and unique additions to your Christmas decor.
I’d love to see your creations! Don’t hesitate to share your finished ornaments and any creative twists you’ve come up with in the comments below.
For more inspiring DIY projects and unique handmade gift ideas, browse the Robert Kline Art website. Happy crafting!