DIY Photo Ornaments for the Holidays

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  {Photo ornaments make treasured gifts for someone special.}

The holidays are finally upon us! I absolutely LOVE Christmas and I LOVE Christmas crafts. Photo ornaments are one of the most loved gifts to make and give that will become a treasured heirloom; they are simple and inexpensive to make. This technique can be used on a variety of other surfaces, such as tiles to make coasters or large canvases to make wall art.

Ready to learn? Just follow along below!

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{Sources: Michael’s Crafts for ornament shapes which were half off, Ikea brush, Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan, Decoupage medium and stencil creme from The Back Porch Mercantile, Knoxville, TN.}

1 – Gather your supplies.

You will need the following: wood ornament blanks (Michael’s Crafts is where I purchased these), scissors, brushes, Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan or craft paint, Annie Sloan Decoupage medium, Royal Studio Design Stencil Creme (from The Back Porch Mercantile, Knoxville, TN) or metallic paint of choice and a laser print copy of image to decoupage (this has to be laser print to work properly).

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2 – Trace and cut your image to fit your shape.

It’s not important to be precise on where the paper falls on the ornament because you will paint the edges.

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3 – Apply Decoupage medium by Annie Sloan in a thin application to ornament and apply laser print. 

Apply Decoupage medium over the top of the image in a thin coat with brush tip to avoid brush marks. Annie’s Decoupage is a furniture grade material with a matte finish. It is a beautiful finish with professional results. My images never look cloudy or thick when using this. After drying, you can sand or distress the edge of the image if you would like. This brush will be sticky. Use a brush you can throw away or wash well.

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4 – Paint edge with Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan or decorative paint. 

I cover the side and some on the front with an imperfect finish so the photo shows back through the paint. I like using Old White Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. It has a great finish and quick dry time. A sample pot is great for projects like these.

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5 – Paint edge with Royal Design Studios stencil creme in Copper or use a metallic paint.

I don’t go for perfect coverage so my other paint peeks through and it has a naturally distressed look.

You’re finished! In about 30 minutes of working time you can create beautiful gifts that your family will treasure. What will you create this Christmas season?

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Jenny Parkhurst
Hello! My name is Jenny and it’s wonderful to meet you. I grew up in East Tennessee and graduated with a BFA from the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! I met my husband, Nathan, during our time as collegiate runners. We love calling Knoxville our home and raising our two boys, Caleb and Noah. My passion for art and creativity runs deep. I translated my love for good design into a full time business in 2013 when I opened my lifestyle shop, The Back Porch Mercantile in the Bearden area. You can follow my adventures in life and shopkeeping at @shopbpm and @xoxo_jennyleigh on Instagram.

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