How To Make Wooden Christmas Ornaments

Did you know you can create holiday ornaments from leftover wood?

In this article and accompanying video, This Old House experts Jenn Nawada, Kevin O’Connor, Mark McCullough, Mauro Henrique, Richard and Ross Tretheway, and Tom Silva show us how to turn, paint, and hang Christmas ornaments out of scrap wood.

*Costs in this article reflect averages of prices sourced from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before diving into the ornament-making process, gather the following materials and tools:

• Acrylic paint
• Lathe
• Ornament hooks or wire
• Paintbrushes
• Safety glasses
• Sandpaper (220-grit)
• Scrap wood (preferably square-shaped pieces)
• Screw eyes (13/16-inch)
• Woodworking tools (roughing gouge, skew chisel, parting tool)

Preparing the Wood for the Ornaments

The first step in creating wooden ornaments is preparing your wood pieces:

1. Select scrap wood pieces that are relatively square-shaped.
2. Cut the wood to ensure it has the same depth and height.
3. Measure and mark the center of the wood using a square.

Tom suggests using scrap wood for this project, but you can opt for higher-quality wood if you prefer fancier ornaments. Higher-quality wood can give a smoother finish and, depending on the type, may add a natural beauty that complements the final painted or unpainted ornament.

Setting Up the Lathe for Ornament Turning

Proper lathe setup is crucial for safe and effective ornament turning:

1. Remove the spur from the lathe and hammer it into the center mark on your wood piece.
2. Insert the spur back into the lathe and slide it against the spindle.
3. Set the tool to rest slightly below the center of the spin, about a quarter-inch away from the wood.
4. Ensure all components are tight and secure.
5. Put on your safety glasses before starting the lathe.

In the video, Silva shows how to set up the lathe safely and efficiently, emphasizing the importance of proper alignment and tightening. Proper setup keeps your wood piece secure and helps it rotate evenly, reducing the risk of accidents.

Before starting, check for balance by manually spinning the wood piece on the lathe. An imbalanced piece will cause vibrations and make it harder to turn the ornament smoothly.

Turning the Ornament

With the lathe set up, it’s time to start turning your ornament:

1. Start the lathe at a low speed to verify the piece turns correctly.
2. Increase the speed to around 1,800–2,000 RPM for small ornaments.
3. Use a roughing gouge to round out the square block.
4. Switch to a skew chisel or parting tool to add details and shape the ornament.
5. Create a finial by making a point at one end and gradually shaping it.
6. Add beads, coves, and other decorative elements.

Silva recommends using sharp tools and following the tool’s bevel for smooth cuts and a polished finish. Sharp tools minimize tear-out, produce cleaner cuts, and give your ornament a smooth finish.

If you’re new to using a lathe, practicing basic cuts on spare wood can be helpful. Techniques such as making simple beads or coves can build your confidence before tackling more detailed designs.

Sanding and Finishing the Ornament

After turning, the ornament needs to be smoothed and prepared for painting:

1. Sand the ornament while it’s still on the lathe using 220-grit sandpaper.
2. Remove the ornament from the lathe and clean off any dust.
3. Drill a small hole at the top of the ornament for hanging.

For a smoother finish, you can progressively use finer grit sandpapers, such as 320 or 400, after the initial 220-grit sanding. This extra step will make the painting process easier.

Additionally, applying a wood finish before painting can protect the wood and add a slight sheen, giving your ornaments a more professional appearance.

Painting and Decorating the Ornament

Adding color and personal touches to your ornaments brings them to life. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Add patterns, stripes, or dots for extra flair
• Allow the paint to dry completely before handling
• Apply the paint using small brushes for detailed work
• Choose acrylic paints in festive colors
• Glue on small beads or sequins
• Leave some areas unpainted to showcase the natural wood grain
• Try decoupage techniques with festive paper or fabric
• Use glitter to add some sparkle

Adding Hanging Hardware to the Ornament

The final step is preparing your ornaments for display.

First, screw a small eye hook into the pre-drilled hole at the top of each ornament. Then, attach an ornament hook or a piece of wire to the eye hook. Screw the eye hook in tightly to prevent the ornament from accidentally falling off the tree.

If you plan to give these ornaments as gifts, adding a ribbon or decorative cord instead of a generic hook can provide a more personal and polished look.

Creating Ornaments as a Group Activity

Turning ornaments can be a group activity that involves family and friends. Organize ornament-making parties where everyone can create their own designs. This activity fosters creativity and lets you bond with loved ones during the holiday season.

Here’s how to organize an ornament-making party:

1. Prepare your workspace with all the necessary tools and materials.
2. Set up different stations for sanding, painting, and attaching hardware.
3. Provide templates and idea boards for inspiration.
4. Serve holiday-themed snacks and beverages to keep the atmosphere festive.

An ornament-making party can become an annual tradition, adding an extra layer of joy to the holiday season.

Our Conclusion

Building wooden Christmas ornaments is a delightful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. With basic woodworking skills and a bit of creativity, you can create unique, handcrafted ornaments you can give as gifts or keep as family heirlooms. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a beginner, this project offers a fun and rewarding way to get into the holiday spirit.

Woodcraft provided expert assistance with this project.

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