The weather has taken a sharp turn towards freezing temperatures here in the Midwest. I can’t help but begin to think of Christmas as these chilly evenings set in. We still have a little ways to go until it’s time to decorate the house, but working on some DIY Christmas ornaments can never start too soon.
I’ve made many projects over the years and quite a few have been Christmas presents for friends and family. Check out these handmade items that you could easily craft for someone you love as well: Banner from Drop Cloth, Pot Holder, A Sign for the Garden, DIY Half Apron, Wooden Spoon Butter, and Natural Linen Spray (just to name a few).
There truly is nothing quite like a handmade gift, and that’s why I love creating my own ornaments. They make great stocking stuffers or toppers to wrapped boxes and Christmas bags!
This post includes a tutorial for a small snowman ornament. Find all you need in order to make one right here! Step-by-step instructions, a list of needed supplies, tips to make the process as simple as possible, and ideas for creative ways to display them on other gifts. Handmade gifts truly are the most meaningful kinds, and this little ornament is sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. Or make two…one for you and another as a gift. Let’s get to crafting! P.S. don’t want to make your own? I’ve got a link to pre-made ornaments in my Etsy shop down below!
How to Make a Snowman Ornament
Keep in Mind
This tutorial is quite flexible. Feel free to use a different paint color, paint the wood disk, skip the bow or other embellishments, and even use different measurements than I did. The nature of this piece is to look custom, and handmade.
Not a fan of wood burning? That’s OK! Just use a black paint pen to trace the snowman instead.
Needed Supplies
- Wood burning tool
- Wood disk (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
- White paint (acrylic)
- Fine tipped paint brush
- Drill and drill bit
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Brown jute string
- Brown string
- Mini pinecones
Instructions
1. Begin by tracing the snowman onto the wooden disk with a pencil.
2. Mark an “X” directly over the snowman’s head, about 1/4 inch from the edge of the disk.
3. Use a fine tip on the wood burning tool to trace along the pencil markings. Slow and steady is usually best in wood burning!
4. Fill in the body of the snowman with white paint.
5. Drill a hole, using the drill and drill bit, through the “X” that you previously marked.
6. Cut a 16 inch strand of brown jute for hanging the ornament.
7. Fold the jute in half and feed the folded side through the hole on the wood disk.
8. Feed the loose ends through the loop and pull it tightly.
9. Tie the loose ends of the jute into a knot. Cut off any excess.
10. Cut a 36 inch strand of brown string for the bow.
11. Fold this string three times and form a bow. Pull tightly to gain as much security as possible. You may need to loosen and tighten a few times in order to get the bow exactly how you’d like it to be. Cut off the excess on the ends if they are a bit too long.
12. Place a small amount of hot glue on the jute that runs through the drilled hole. Position the two pinecones so one rests on either side of the jute.
13. Add another small amount of hot glue directly above the pinecones. Place the bow here.
14. Allow the glue to dry and clean up any strands of extra glue.
If you make this project and love how it turned out, feel free to come back and comment about your experience. I’d love to see your creation and how you used it!
What if I Don’t Want to Make My Own?
Head on over to my Etsy shop. This ornament and many others are available for purchase! I’ve also made them customizable based on what string you’d like to use for hanging and if bells or pinecones are your preference.
I also utilize this Etsy shop for other seasonal decor, so be sure to check back for Valentine’s Items, Spring and Summer decor, Autumn goodies, and more Christmas ornaments and signs!
How to Gift This Item
Ornaments make wonderful stocking stuffers! I enjoy tying one or two to the loop of the stocking and allowing them to hang on the outside. It’s like a little peek at what my be inside!
You can also tie them to the handles of a gift bag (just make sure the person receiving the present doesn’t overlook it and accidentally throw it away with the wrapping!
Use a similar method by taping them onto a gift box along with a nice bow or ribbon.
Must I Use a Wood Burner?
Nope! Just trace the outline of the snowman with a black or brown paint pen instead. I personally prefer the rustic look that wood burning provides, but you are definitely not bound to it!
More DIY Projects
- Sign for Autumn
- DIY Sign for the Garden
- Banner for Nursery
- How to Sew a Half Apron
- Table Runner From Drop Cloth
- How to Cover a Seat Cushion With Drop Cloth