Every year Jeff and I add a few new ornaments to our tree, building on a collection that includes pieces from both my childhood and his. I love keeping that tradition—choosing something small each season feels meaningful. But over time our tree started to look very much the same every year because we kept using the same ornaments.
I still treasure the longtime favorites and always plan to include them, but this year I wanted to make a batch of handmade ornaments to refresh the look. The result is a set of bold, colorful line-drawn ornaments you can create in multiples and customize to fit your palette. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to make your own.
I asked Cori to draw the faces because she has really perfected that quirky line-drawing style. If you’d like a reference, you can use the face design from my embroidery tutorial as a guide and adapt it for your markers.
Materials for Line Drawing Ornaments
- Clear plastic ornaments (I don’t recommend using glass for this project)
- Acrylic paint in your chosen colors
- Matte medium (optional, to thin acrylic paint)
- Plastic spoon or similar tool for mixing
- Disposable cups or small containers for mixing paint
- Paint marker for drawing faces (metallic or black markers work well)
- Old newspaper or cardboard to protect your work surface
How to Make Hand-Drawn Ornaments
1. Protect your workspace with layers of newspaper or cardboard. This project can get messy, and paint will drip while you’re working.
2. Mix your paint colors. If your acrylic paint is thick, add a little matte medium until the mixture flows easily—about the consistency of pancake batter. If the paint is already fluid, you can skip the matte medium.
3. Remove the metal ornament cap and pour a small amount of paint into the ornament. The exact amount depends on ornament size—start small and add more if needed. Rotate the ornament so the paint coats the inside evenly, working it around to cover the whole interior.
Tip: To create a two-toned or layered effect, wait for the first color to dry completely inside the ornament, then repeat with a second color.
4. Set the painted ornaments on their sides over stacked newspaper or cardboard so excess paint can drain out. After a few minutes, pick them up and gently tap to remove remaining paint, then let them dry on their sides with the cap opening exposed so air can circulate and fully dry the interior.
5. When the insides are completely dry, replace the metal caps. Use a paint marker to doodle faces and line drawings on the outside of each ornament. Allow the drawings to dry thoroughly before hanging or gifting.
If you prefer metallic lines, a good chrome or metallic paint marker gives a polished, reflective finish. I tested a chrome marker that creates a striking metallic look and is excellent for silver details.
Note: For an even simpler version, skip the filling steps and buy solid-color ornaments to draw on directly. That speeds the process and still gives you a custom, handmade look.
Drawings by Cori Maass // Photos and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
What’s your ornament approach?
Do you pick up new ornaments every year, or do you keep the tree largely the same season after season? This DIY method makes it easy to add a few fresh, handmade pieces without abandoning the sentimental classics.