Introduction
Decorating your Christmas tree with personalized DIY ornaments photo ideas is a wonderful way to capture cherished memories while adding a personal touch to your holiday decor.
From family photos to pictures of memorable moments, incorporating these into your Christmas tree decorations allows you to celebrate special times with your loved ones each holiday season.
Creating your own DIY photo ornaments is not only fun, but it also offers an affordable way to make your tree truly unique.
They make excellent keepsakes or even heartfelt DIY Christmas presents for mom.
Below are 10 DIY ornaments photo ideas that are easy to create and perfect for customizing your holiday decor.
1. Classic Framed Photo Ornament.
A simple yet elegant way to display your favorite photos on the tree is with classic framed photo ornaments. You can use mini picture frames or create your own with materials you already have.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a Frame: Select a small frame or craft your own using popsicle sticks or cardboard.
- Insert a Photo: Print your chosen photo to fit the frame.
- Add a Ribbon: Attach a ribbon to the top for hanging.
Expert Tip: Pair this ornament with other custom decorations, such as a DIY Christmas tree topper, for a cohesive tree design.
2. Rustic Wood Slice Photo Ornaments.
For a natural, rustic look, create DIY ornaments photo designs using wood slices. These ornaments blend perfectly with a country or farmhouse Christmas theme.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep the Wood Slices: Buy pre-cut wood slices or slice your own.
- Apply the Photo: Use decoupage glue or mod podge to adhere a printed photo to the wood slice.
- Seal and Hang: Once dry, seal the photo with more mod podge and attach twine to hang the ornament.
Expert Tip: Use black-and-white photos for a vintage look, or decorate the wood edges with glitter for extra holiday sparkle.
3. Clear Bauble Photo Ornaments.
Clear plastic or glass baubles offer a modern and elegant way to display photos. These DIY photo ornaments allow you to showcase memories in a chic, minimalistic way.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Your Bauble: Use clear plastic or glass ornaments that open up.
- Roll the Photo: Print and trim your photo to fit inside the bauble, then carefully roll and insert it.
- Add Decorative Elements: Include faux snow, glitter, or small pinecones inside the bauble for a festive touch.
Expert Tip: These ornaments also make fantastic DIY Christmas presents for mom, filled with family photos and small notes of love.
4. Polaroid Style Photo Ornaments.
Give your tree a nostalgic touch with Polaroid-style photo ornaments. These fun ornaments mimic the look of old-school Polaroid pictures, adding a retro vibe to your holiday decor.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Create the Polaroid Frame: Cut cardstock into Polaroid-style frames, leaving extra space at the bottom for the signature look.
- Insert Your Photo: Print and attach a small photo to the frame.
- Write a Caption: Add a fun or heartfelt caption to the bottom of the frame, then attach a string for hanging.
Expert Tip: Use this design for an interactive DIY advent calendar by placing small daily notes or wishes on the back of each photo. (source).
5. Embroidery Hoop Photo Ornaments.
Embroidery hoop photo ornaments offer a unique and handmade look that’s perfect for adding texture and dimension to your Christmas tree.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose an Embroidery Hoop: Select small embroidery hoops as the base of your ornament.
- Insert the Photo: Cut a round photo to fit inside the hoop and attach it securely.
- Decorate: Add fabric, ribbon, or lace around the edges of the hoop for a personalized touch.
Expert Tip: These photo ornaments make beautiful additions to your DIY advent calendar ideas, offering a daily memory to enjoy.
6. Snow Globe Photo Ornament.
Add a magical element to your tree with a DIY snow globe photo ornament. These ornaments encapsulate your favorite photo inside a tiny winter wonderland.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Create the Base: Use clear plastic ornaments that open up.
- Insert the Photo: Trim your photo and secure it inside the ornament, ensuring it stands upright.
- Add Faux Snow: Sprinkle faux snow, glitter, or small festive elements inside to create the snow globe effect.
Expert Tip: This DIY project also pairs well with handmade DIY holiday cards, making for a thoughtful and personalized gift set. (source).
7. Mason Jar Lid Photo Ornaments.
Mason jar lid photo ornaments offer a rustic, charming way to display your favorite photos. These are simple to make and add a vintage farmhouse style to your tree.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep the Lids: Use the lid from a mason jar as the frame.
- Attach the Photo: Cut your photo to fit the size of the lid, then glue it inside.
- Decorate the Edges: Use ribbon, lace, or burlap to decorate the outer rim of the lid.
Expert Tip: Incorporating these ornaments into a set of DIY photo ornaments creates a cohesive, rustic theme for your Christmas tree.
8. Felt Frame Photo Ornaments.
For a soft, handmade feel, create felt frame photo ornaments. These ornaments are perfect for adding a touch of warmth to your Christmas tree.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut the Felt: Cut two pieces of felt into any shape, such as hearts, stars, or squares, for the front and back of the ornament.
- Insert the Photo: Place a small photo between the two layers of felt and glue them together.
- Sew the Edges: Sew or glue the edges of the felt together, and add a loop of ribbon for hanging.
Expert Tip: Pair these felt photo ornaments with a handmade DIY Christmas tree topper for a charming, homespun holiday theme.
9. Clothespin Photo Ornaments.
For a rustic and farmhouse-inspired look, use clothespins to hang small photos on your tree. These DIY ornaments photo ideas are simple yet stylish.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Clothespins: Use mini clothespins to clip photos directly onto the branches of the tree.
- Decorate the Clothespins: Paint or decorate the clothespins with glitter, paint, or tiny ribbons for a festive look.
- Clip Your Photos: Attach small photos to the clothespins and clip them onto the tree branches.
Expert Tip: For a coordinated look, incorporate these photo ornaments into a DIY advent calendar where each day reveals a new memory.
10. Glitter Frame Photo Ornaments.
Add some holiday sparkle with glitter frame photo ornaments. These ornaments are simple to make and bring a festive shine to your tree.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a Frame: Use small, lightweight frames as your base.
- Add Glitter: Coat the frames in glue and sprinkle glitter over them until fully covered.
- Insert Your Photo: Once the frame is dry, add your chosen photo and attach a ribbon for hanging.
Expert Tip: These glittery ornaments make a great addition to your DIY Christmas presents for mom, especially when paired with a heartfelt message or custom note. (source).
Conclusion.
Personalizing your tree with DIY ornaments photo ideas is a beautiful way to celebrate cherished memories and create a festive, meaningful holiday display.
From framed photo ornaments to rustic wood slices, these projects allow you to showcase your favorite moments in creative, stylish ways.
Whether you’re decorating for yourself or making heartfelt DIY Christmas presents for mom, these photo ornaments are sure to bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.
For additional holiday crafting ideas, check out DIY holiday cards or get inspired by DIY advent calendar ideas to make your Christmas even more special.
FAQs
1. What type of photos work best for DIY ornaments photo?
Photos that are bright and clear work best for DIY ornaments photo projects. You may also want to print them on matte paper to avoid glare inside the ornament.
2. Can I use any ornament base for DIY photo ornaments?
Yes, you can use a variety of bases, such as clear baubles, wood slices, embroidery hoops, or mason jar lids, depending on the style you want to achieve.
3. Are DIY photo ornaments suitable as gifts?
Absolutely! DIY photo ornaments make thoughtful, personalized gifts that your family and friends will cherish, especially when paired with other custom holiday gifts like DIY Christmas tree toppers or DIY holiday cards.
4. How can I protect the photos in my DIY ornaments?
To protect your photos, you can laminate them or coat them with a layer of mod podge to prevent wear and tear, especially if you plan to reuse the ornaments for future holidays.
5. Can I make DIY ornaments photo projects with kids?
Yes! Many of these projects are simple enough to do with children, making it a fun family activity during the holiday season. Just be sure to supervise if using materials like hot glue or sharp tools.