As we trim the tree every year, it’s the ornaments that spark pleasant memories that we love best. Maybe it’s “Baby’s First Christmas” or “Our New Home.” One of my favourites is a gold Christmas tree ornament containing a family portrait from when my kids were small.  You can always buy ornaments like these but, rather than spending a ton of money on ready-made specialty ornaments, you can use the mini wood frames from Dollar Tree to create unique keepsake ornaments for yourself and your family that you will treasure for years to come.

3 Keepsake Ornament Ideas Using Mini Wood Frames

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Idea 1: Family Portrait Ornament

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

Step 1: Paint Frames

 

 

To begin, I painted one of the mini frames with two coats of white acrylic paint.

Step 2: Print Picture(s) for Ornament

 

 

I printed two wallet-sized pictures of my son and his wife on photo paper. As I intend to give this ornament to them, I wanted a print for myself, too.

Step 3: Laminate Picture

 

 

I’ve had these self-laminating sheets in a desk drawer for years. I bought them at Dollarama, but I don’t think they sell them any more. These are just the right size for a wallet-sized photo. 

 

Self-laminating sheets are very easy to use and give your photos a protective layer. All you do is peel back the top layer, add the picture to the clear section, peel off the paper backing and smooth the sticky side onto the back of the picture.

Now all you have to do is trim off the extra on the top and sides. Leave the piece of plastic at the bottom. See below for an alternative to self-laminating sheets.

I had to trim the sides of the photo so it would fit inside the mini wood frame. Then I added a bead of tacky glue to the front of the photo on the very outside of the edges and attached it to the back of the frame.

Step 4: Add Embellishment to Mini Frame

 

I had some bits and pieces of Christmas rub on transfers left from last year, so I decided to add this poinsettia to the top of the frame for a hit of colour. If you use a rub-on transfer, be sure to coat the frame with Mod Podge first, so the transfer doesn’t lift the paint.

Step 5: Add Ribbon Hanger

 

 

I used a red velvet ribbon as a hanger for this ornament, making a loop and gluing the ends to the back of the frame, one on top of the other.

 

 

Using some small peel and stick numbers, I added the year to the bottom of the frame. If your printing is better than mine, you could freehand the date using a sharpie.

This ornament is going to my “newlyweds” who have been together for 3 years as of this post. My hope is that they will cherish it for years to come.

Idea 2: My Favourite Pet Ornament

Supplies Used and Recommendations:

Step 1: Decoupage Napkin Onto Frame

 

 

I decided to decoupage one of the mini frames using a section of cocktail napkin. This package of 24 cocktail napkins was found at Dollar Tree. Pull off the backing of any napkin you’re using. Apply Mod Podge to the painted frame and carefully apply the napkin on top. Let is dry thoroughly before attempting to trim the excess napkin, or it will tear.

Step 2: Trim Excess Napkin

 

 

After the Mod Podge is dry, use an emery board on the edges, in a downward motion, to remove the excess napkin. 

Step 3: Add Mod Podge and Glitter

 

 

At any other time of the year, I can live without glitter.  But, somehow, the Christmas season seems to call for it. So, after applying a coating of Mod Podge to the frame to seal the napkin, I added a sprinkling of red glitter before the sealant dried. Of course, this is optional.

After everything is dry, seal with another coat of Mod Podge, a clear spray sealer or some hairspray. 

Step 4: An Alternative to Self-Laminating Sheets

 

 

Aggie has been my personal lap warmer for 7 years now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I printed this wallet sized picture of her on regular printer paper. To make it more permanent, I’m using a strip of clear shelf liner, a method I saw demonstrated on YouTube. Cut the shelf line a bit wider than the picture you’re using and long enough to cover both sides of the picture. 

 

Peel a section of the backing off of the self liner and place the photo face down on one end. 

 

 

Then, turn it over and carefully smooth the other end of the shelf liner over the top of the picture. Use your scissors to trim off the excess. As before, trim your picture to fit the frame, add a bead of tacky glue around the outside edges on the front of the picture and centre it on the back of the frame.

Step 5: Add Desired Embellishments and Hang

 

 

I added a white velvet ribbon hanger and a small white wood star from my stash, which complement the snowflake design in the napkin. This ornament, featuring my fur baby, will be a treasured keepsake I will add to my tree every year.

Project 3: A Christmas Card Ornament

Cut a section of a Christmas card to fit inside one of the mini frame ornaments.

Step 1: Paint, Mod Podge and Glitter

 

I painted this mini oval frame in metallic gold acrylic and, after the paint dried, applied Mod Podge and gold glitter. Again, if glitter makes you crazy, just skip this step.

Step 2: Add Picture, Ribbon and Embellishment

 

I cut out a section of a Christmas card I had on hand and trimmed it to fit inside the frame. As before, apply a thin line of tacky glue around the outside front edges of the picture before attaching it to the back of the frame. Red velvet ribbon compliments this picture nicely. To finish, I glued on a 3D Christmas tree sticker from my craft stash. Use whatever you have on hand or leave off the little extra, if you like. I love how this one turned out, glitter and all!

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