How to Make Letter Ornaments for a Personal Touch
Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree this year with beautiful letter ornaments! Whether you’re spelling out festive words like “JOY” or “MERRY,” creating initial ornaments for family members, or honoring loved ones, these DIY ornaments bring charm and meaning to your holiday decor. Made with wood letters and decoupage, these ornaments are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for adding a unique touch to your Christmas tree, gift wrapping, or even as stocking stuffers.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to craft stunning letter ornaments step by step. We’ll also explore creative ways to use them and provide tips and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your project turns out perfectly.
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Supplies
Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll need to make your custom letter ornaments:
- 4” Wood Letters (available at most craft stores)
- ModPodge Matte Decoupage Medium
- Rub’NBuff Antique Gold or paint in a coordinating color
- 2 Paint Brushes (one for decoupage, one for Rub’NBuff or paint)
- Paper or Wrapping Paper (choose designs that match your Christmas theme)
- Eye Hooks
- Ribbon (in colors to match your decor) In this tutorial: Satin Ribbon in Golden
- Scissors
- Ink Pen or Pencil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Letter Ornaments
Step 1: Prepare the Wood Letters
Begin by inspecting your wood letters for rough edges. Sand down any uneven spots to ensure a smooth surface for the decoupage and paint.
Step 2: Cut the Wrapping Paper
Cut a piece of wrapping paper slightly larger than your wood letter.
Step 3: Trace the Letter Shape
Flip your wood letter over and trace its outline onto the backside of the wrapping paper. This ensures the ink marks will not show on the final design.
Step 4: Cut Out the Letter
Using sharp scissors, carefully cut along the traced lines. Precision is key here to make sure the paper fits perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Eye Hook
Twist an eye hook into the top center of the letter. These letters are super thin and easy to do by hand. If you have trouble, pre-drill a small hole to make screwing in the hook easier.
Step 6: Paint the Back, Sides and Hook
Using Rub’NBuff Antique Gold or a coordinating paint, cover the back of each letter and the edges. For a cohesive look, it’s also a good idea to paint the hook. Rub’NBuff provides a metallic finish and dries quickly, making it a great option. Allow the paint or wax to dry thoroughly.
Step 7: Attach the Wrapping Paper to the Letter
Apply a thin layer of ModPodge decoupage medium to the front of the wood letter. Carefully place your wrapping paper cutout on top, aligning the edges. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with your fingers or a craft tool. Let it dry completely.
Step 8: Seal the Design
Once the paper is securely adhered, apply another layer of ModPodge over the entire surface of the letter. This seals the design, adds durability, and gives the ornament a polished look. Allow this layer to dry completely.
Step 9: Add the Ribbon
Cut a length of ribbon and tie it to the eye hook, creating a loop for hanging. Satin ribbons in coordinating colors work beautifully, but feel free to customize based on your decor theme.
Step 10: Hang and Enjoy!
Your letter ornament is ready to shine on your Christmas tree, as part of your gift wrapping, or wherever you choose to display it!
Creative Ways to Use Letter Ornaments
Letter ornaments offer endless possibilities for personalization and decor. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Christmas Tree Ornaments: Hang initials for each family member or spell out festive words like “NOEL” or “PEACE.”
- Place Settings: Use them as charming place cards for holiday dinners. Guests can take them home as keepsakes!
- Stocking Letters: Add a personal touch to stockings by attaching a letter for each family member’s initial or give them as the perfect stocking stuffer.
- Gift Bag Tags: Tie letter ornaments to gift bags or presents for an elegant and reusable touch.
- Spelling Out Names: Create a family name or last name display on a special tree or as part of a wall hanging.
- Memorial Ornaments: Honor loved ones no longer with you by creating ornaments with their initials or names.
These ornaments also make thoughtful, handmade gifts and perfect stocking stuffers for friends and family.
Tips for Success
- Choose High-Quality Materials: Opt for sturdy wood letters and high-quality wrapping paper for the best results.
- Work in Small Sections: When applying decoupage, work slowly and in sections to ensure a smooth finish.
- Use Coordinating Colors: Select colors that complement your tree or decor theme for a cohesive look.
- Let Each Layer Dry Completely: Rushing through the drying process can cause smudging or bubbling. Patience is key!
- Experiment with Paper Designs: Try vintage wrapping paper, sheet music, or scrapbook paper for unique looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of paper for the decoupage?
Yes! Wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, sheet music, and even maps work well for this project. Just make sure the paper isn’t too thick, as thinner papers adhere more smoothly.
What if I don’t have Rub’NBuff?
You can use metallic paint as an alternative. Gold, silver, or even a bold red paint can create a stunning effect.
Do I need to pre-drill holes for the eye hooks?
For softer wood letters, you can often screw in the eye hooks without pre-drilling. However, for harder wood, a small pilot hole can make the process easier.
Can these ornaments be used outdoors?
These ornaments are best suited for indoor use. If you want to use them outside, consider sealing them with an outdoor-safe clear coat.
Can I add embellishments like glitter or beads?
Absolutely! Once the decoupage is dry, you can embellish your ornaments with glitter, beads, or other decorative elements for added flair.
Creating letter ornaments is a fun and rewarding way to add a personalized touch to your Christmas tree and holiday decor. With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can craft beautiful designs that celebrate your family’s uniqueness, honor loved ones, or bring joy to your gift-giving. Whether you use them as ornaments, place settings, or stocking stuffers, these handmade treasures are sure to be cherished for years to come!
