Last Minute Present: Personalized Ornaments

Did you just realize that you don't have a present for a friend or family member?  Christmas tree ornaments are easy to make and personalize all in a short period of time.  Unless they read this blog, they will think you thought long and hard about a meaningful ornament for them, and what they don't know won't hurt them.  Here are two easy to make ornaments that will be perfect for all the people in your life.


Impression Ornaments


Impression ornaments are easy and personal.  All you need is something to make an impression of!  Dog paws, baby hands, keys (first apartment, first home, first office/classroom), etc. all work really well.

Materials*:  Dryable Clay (Crayola Model Magic or Sculpey both work well), aluminum foil, straw, riboon, something to make an impression of
Optional: permanent marker, cookie cutter

*There are plenty of kits you can buy to do this.  I have personal experience with Pear Head Ornament Dog Paw Print.

1.  Place aluminum foil on your surface.

2.  Roll your clay out to the desired thickness.

3.  Make your impression.

4.  Use a cookie cutter, if you desire, to cut it into a shape.

5.  Use a straw to punch a hole for hanging.

6.  Let dry.  Flip it over to make sure both sides dry.

7.  Run a ribbon through the hole you made it step 5 so the ornament can be hung.

8.  Use a permanent marker to write what the impression is on it.

T-Shirt Ornament

Many of us have T-shirts we treasure but don't wear.  If you or someone you know has an item of clothing with a pocket design or other small design on it, you can easily make it into an ornament to give it new life.

Materials: 4" Embroidery Hoop, scissors, ribbon, small design

1.  Separate your embroidery hoop into two parts.  Place the larger part over your design and center it.

2.  Place the small part of the hoop behind the design and put it inside the larger hoop.  The design should be in the middle of these two hoops.

3.  Tighten down the screw on the embroidery hood.  If you like the way everything looks, move forward.  If you don't like how it looks, loosen the screw and repeat steps 1 and 2.

4.  Cut around the fabric on the outside of the hoop.  Get as close to the edge of the hoop as possible.

5.  Tie a ribbon at the top of the embroidery hoop leaving enough room for it the hang as an ornament.