© 2023 Rachel L. Shumate | All rights reserved.
My hubby does presents one of two ways: either he plans way in advance and makes me something amazing, or he runs to the store the day before (or even the morning of). There’s no in between, haha, but admittedly he does have a knack for gift-giving. Years ago, Kendall gave me one of the sweetest Christmas gifts… He made me photo ornaments using wood from our previous year’s Christmas tree! It was such a surprise, and I absolutely adore them.
Since I just hung these little treasures on my tree this season, I was inspired to use the idea for our Photo Fun project. However, I took the easy way out for my example because it’s probably in everyone’s best interest that I stay away from saws and power tools… I’m crafty, not handy. Instead, I purchased little pieces of wood from the local craft store. As an added bonus, they have “Merry Christmas” etched on the back of them, AND they were on sale. (If you’d like to cut your own pieces of wood, that’s totally your prerogative.)
So, let’s crate some custom ornaments! They truly make for wonderful and sentimental gifts.
Supplies:
- Printed photos (make sure they’ll fit the designated area)
- Circles of precut wood (with holes drilled in the tops)
- Craft glue
- Mod Podge
- A paintbrush
- String or ribbon
- Scissors
- Additional decorations such as ribbon, bells, holly, glitter, etc. (if desired)
Directions:
First, ready your working space. (I like to put down a paper towel on my counter because I sometimes make a mess.) Next, cut your photo to fit on the wood circle, leaving enough space for the wood to peek out along the sides to create a boarder. Once you have your photo trimmed to the desired size, glue it to the piece of wood and allow for time to dry. Then, paint the entire front area (photo and all) with a few layers of Mod Podge. (Again, allow for drying time in between coats.) Last, add some string and desired embellishments for some pizazz.
Make these for yourself or give them out as gifts – or both! Either way, they look adorable hanging on the tree, and any recipient is sure to love them.
PS: I used an old photo of Olivia for my example because it’s possibly my favorite Christmas portrait I’ve ever taken of her. I believe her expression says it all! Haha! Sigh… She never has enjoyed family pictures…
🙂
