Looking for wooden ornaments to paint or a simple holiday craft to try? These are perfect!
This is a very simple ornament project, but I wanted to share it because the exact wooden ornaments I used are affordable and easy to find (Target, online and in-store).
They also make great gift toppers and stocking stuffers. Ready to get started?
Painted Wood Ornaments (Materials)
- Sugar Paper wood ornaments from Target
- Paint (I used Holbein Acryla Gouache)
- Paint brush (pointed round brush)
- Sealant (matte or gloss)
- Scissors
- Skinny ribbon (optional)
- Ornament hooks (optional)
Notes about Materials
Last year these ornaments were sold in three-packs; I bought five packs (15 ornaments). This year they seem to come in six-packs, but the shapes and designs are the same, so either option will work.
I chose Holbein Acryla Gouache because it has earthy tones I love straight from the tube and dries extremely matte. You can also use regular acrylic paint if you prefer. I mixed a few colors to expand the palette, though many ornaments are painted with straight tube colors.
If you prefer shopping elsewhere, art supply stores carry a wide range of colors. A small round-tip brush worked well for the details and brushstroke effects.
Painted Wood Ornaments — How to
No complex steps are required. A few simple actions will refresh these ornaments and make them uniquely yours.
1. Remove old ribbon and replace it.
I cut off the included ribbons so I could add my own or use simple hooks. Removing the old ribbon also makes the ornaments easier to paint and seal.
2. Paint each ornament.
Using a small round brush, paint solid colors, add brushstroke details, or layer simple patterns over the existing wood designs. A few approaches I used:
- Used the tiny white polka-dotted ornaments as a guide for painted brushstroke polka dots on the finished pieces.
- Kept and enhanced the striped ornaments with a zigzag detail for a vintage, whimsical look.
- Completely painted over the designs on the spinning-top–shaped ornaments for a cleaner, modern finish.
3. Seal each ornament.
After the paint dries, apply a matte or gloss sealant to protect the surface. Once sealed, add new ribbon or hang with wire hooks and they’re ready to display or gift.
More DIY Ornament Ideas
Over the years I’ve made many DIY ornaments. Here are a few favorites you might enjoy making as gifts or tree decorations:
- Clay mushroom ornaments — a charming, hands-on project.
- Terracotta clay ornaments made using cookie cutters — fun and simple.
- Fabric stars and moons — soft ornaments with customizable colors and patterns.
- Paper ornaments — budget-friendly and impactful when layered or folded.
- Clay strawberry ornaments — playful and unexpected.
- Line-drawing ornaments — minimalist, modern designs that always stand out.
- Velvet ornaments with color blocking — luxe texture and bold blocks of color.
Painted Wood Ornaments DIY
Brittni
Ingredients
- Sugar Paper wood ornaments from Target
- Paint I used Holbein Acryla Gouache
- Paint brush pointed round brush
- Sealant matte or gloss
- Scissors
- Skinny ribbon optional
- Ornament hooks optional
Instructions
- Cut off the original ribbons so you can replace them with your own or use wire hooks.
- Use a small round brush to paint solid colors, brushstroke patterns, or to cover existing designs.
- For polka-dotted ornaments, paint brushstroke dots to echo the original pattern. Add zigzags to striped pieces for a vintage feel, or fully paint over simpler shapes for a modern look.
- Once the paint is dry, apply a matte or gloss sealant and add ribbon or hooks for hanging.
Notes
Holbein Acryla Gouache offers matte, earthy tones that I liked, but standard acrylic paints will also work well. I mixed some shades to expand the palette while using other colors straight from the tube. A small round brush is ideal for detail work.
Did you make this?Share your version and tag the maker if you like!
What do you think of these little ornaments? They’re quick and fun to make. I might pick up a few more boxes if I can find them at Target.