Nothing captures the magic of the holidays quite like seeing your children’s smiling faces hanging on the Christmas tree. These DIY Wood Slice Photo Ornaments bring a rustic, heartwarming feel to your holiday decor that plastic store-bought baubles just can’t match. You will love how the natural wood grain peeks through to create a timeless keepsake.
As a mom of three, I am always looking for ways to preserve memories before the kids grow up too fast. I love that these personalized holiday gifts are simple enough to make during nap time but look professionally made. My boys even helped pick out which photos to use for their grandma’s gift set this year.
If you are worried about messy transfers or paper peeling off, don’t panic. This method for Homemade Photo Ornaments is foolproof and seals the image perfectly so it lasts for years. If you have been asking how to transfer photos to wood without the headache, this easy tutorial is exactly what you need.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished DIY Wood Slice Photo Ornaments, styled on a mantle or tree with twinkle lights.]
Supplies & Tools
Consumables:
- Natural wood slices (approx. 3-3.5 inches diameter)
- Printed photos (Laser prints work best, but inkjet works if dried well)
- Twine or decorative ribbon
- Acrylic paint (optional for background)
Tools:
- Scissors
- Foam brushes
- Pencil
- Printer
How to Make Wood Slice Ornaments
1. Prepare Your Photos
Start by placing your wood slice directly onto your printed photo. Trace around the wood slice with a pencil to get the exact shape of your specific slice. Since natural wood varies, this ensures your DIY Wood Slice Photo Ornaments fit perfectly.
📸 [Image-2: A close-up overhead shot of a pencil tracing the wood slice shape onto a photo.]
Cut out the photo, but trim it slightly inside your pencil line. You want a tiny border of wood visible around the edge to frame the picture. This small detail adds to the rustic Christmas decor style we want.
2. Apply the Adhesive
Take your foam brush and apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the face of the wood slice. Do not glopp it on, or the paper might wrinkle. You want just enough to create a tacky surface for the photo to grip.
3. Place and Smooth the Photo
Center your cutout photo onto the wood slice. Press it down firmly starting from the center and pushing out toward the edges. This motion pushes out air bubbles and ensures your Mod Podge crafts look smooth and professional.
📸 [Image-3: Hands firmly pressing the photo onto the wood slice, smoothing it from the center outward.]
Let this base layer dry for at least 20 minutes. If you rush this step, the moisture from the top coat can seep underneath and lift the paper.
4. Seal the Ornament
Once the bottom layer is dry, apply a coat of Mod Podge directly over the top of the photo. It will look white and milky at first, but don’t worry. It dries completely clear.
📸 [Image-4: A foam brush applying a milky white layer of Mod Podge over the photo on the wood slice.]
Be sure to paint the edges of the wood to seal the bark too. This helps keep the bark intact and prevents it from flaking off your Homemade Photo Ornaments later. Let this coat dry for 24 hours to fully cure.
5. Add the Hanging Loop
Thread a piece of twine or festive ribbon through the pre-drilled hole in the wood slice. Tie a secure knot at the top. If your slices didn’t come with holes, you can use a small eye hook screw instead.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How to transfer photos to wood without paper sticking?
The method above creates a decoupled photo (glued on top) rather than a transfer. An actual transfer involves rubbing paper off wet ink, which is very messy. My method is much easier for beginners and guarantees a clear image every time.
Prevent Mod Podge from getting sticky after drying?
If your ornaments feel tacky even after drying, you likely live in a humid climate. You can spray a clear acrylic sealer spray over the dry Mod Podge to eliminate the tackiness. This seals the hard work you put into your DIY Wood Slice Photo Ornaments.
Best wood slices for crafts like this?
Look for pre-dried, sanded slices made of pine or birch. Fresh wood from your backyard can crack as it dries out indoors. Buying pre-treated slices ensures your personalized holiday gifts won’t split next year.
Conclusion
I hope you have a wonderful time making these sweet keepsakes with your family. There is something so special about hanging DIY Wood Slice Photo Ornaments on the tree and seeing those memories year after year. Happy crafting!
