DIY Christmas Ornaments: Santa & Mrs. Claus Tree Decorations

The holiday season is a time for festive cheer, twinkling lights, and handmade crafts that add a personal touch to your home. If you're looking to create your own unique holiday decor, the Santa and Mrs. Claus Ornament DIY craft kits from Janet's Craft Corner are the perfect project to tackle.

In this in-depth tutorial, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of painting and assembling these charming wooden ornaments. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, you'll learn valuable techniques like sponge painting, staining, and precision gluing that will have your ornaments looking professionally made. Plus, we'll share tips on how to personalize your creations and use them in creative ways beyond just hanging on the tree.

So grab your paintbrushes and get ready to deck the halls with homemade holiday magic! Let's dive in.

Gather Your Supplies

Before we get started, let's make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. The Santa Ornament Set and Mrs. Claus Ornament Set wood cutouts from Janet's Craft Corner are the foundation of this project. These high-quality, laser-cut pieces come with all the components you need to create your festive ornaments.

In addition to the wood cutouts, you'll want to gather the following craft supplies:

• Delta Ceramcoat Paints in colors like Rosy Beige, Christmas Green, and Drizzle Grey

• FolkArt Multi-Surface Paints in White, Black, Christmas Red, Moon Yellow, Cinnamon, and Real Brown

• Paintbrushes in various sizes, including a small detail brush and a larger flat brush

• Sponges, cut into quarters for precise application

• Art Institute Precision Craft Glue for assembling the ornaments

• Paper towels or wet wipes for cleanup

• A paint palette or paper plate for mixing colors

• A makeshift "paint board" using cardboard and painter's tape (check out the How to Create a Tape Board tutorial for instructions)

With all your supplies gathered, you're ready to dive into the creative process and bring these festive characters to life!

Painting the Santa Ornament

Let's start with the Santa ornament. Begin by painting the facial features using a sponge and the Rosy Beige color. This will create a smooth, even application on the small details like the eyes, nose, and mouth.

 

Painting the Large Areas

Next, use a brush to paint the larger areas of background and both Santa and Mrs. Claus's outfits, including his hat, coat, and pants, in the Christmas Red color. Remember to work from the center outward to avoid getting paint on the edges.

The headband pieces feature green holly leaves and black accents. Use a small brush to carefully paint the leaves, being mindful of the edges where the black will go. For the black sections, a larger brush can be used, as the color is more forgiving along the borders.

Mrs. Claus' dress and apron are painted in the Christmas Red shade, while the cookie sheet accessory gets a coat of the Drizzle Grey color. Remember to work from the center outward to maintain clean lines and avoid unwanted paint bleed.

To create a realistic, stained wood effect, try the wet wipe technique - dip the edge of a wet wipe in the paint, then dab it onto the surface This technique works well on the rolling pin and frames. 

Refining the Details

Once the base coats of paint have dried, it's time to add the final touches and refine the details on both the Santa and Mrs. Claus ornaments.

The gingerbread man piece can be given a realistic appearance by using a very light light coat with the Cinnamon paint color.

For the candy cane stripes, switch to a thinner brush and alternate between painting red and white stripes. Be sure to let the paint dry completely between coats to achieve crisp, clean lines.

Don't forget to paint the rolling pin ends in a festive green hue using the Christmas Green color.

For Santa, use a fine-tipped acrylic marker or a small brush to paint the eyes and add a touch of white to the pom-pom on his hat. These small accents help bring his jolly expression to life.

On the Mrs. Claus ornament, you can use the same technique to add painted eyes and a red stripe down the center of the gingerbread man's candy cane. This extra step adds depth and dimension to the design.

If you notice any stray paint along the edges of your pieces, you can use a wet wipe or a small, damp brush to gently clean them up. The goal is to have crisp, clean lines that make your ornaments look professionally crafted.

Assembling the Ornaments

Now that all the painting is complete, it's time to start putting your Santa and Mrs. Claus ornaments together. This is where the Art Institute Precision Craft Glue comes in handy, providing a strong yet flexible bond between the various components.

Begin by laying out all the pieces for each ornament set, taking note of how they fit together. This will help you visualize the final assembly and ensure you're gluing the right pieces in the right places.

When applying the glue, start at the top and work your way down, adhering one piece at a time. The precision of the craft glue allows you to make minor adjustments if needed, so don't worry about getting everything perfectly aligned on the first try.

As you assemble the ornaments, be mindful of any small details, like the holly leaves or the gingerbread man's candy cane stripes. Make sure these elements are properly positioned and secured in place.

Once all the pieces are assembled, let the glue dry completely before handling the ornaments. This will ensure a sturdy, long-lasting construction that can withstand the wear and tear of holiday decorating.

Personalize Your Ornaments

One of the best things about these DIY Santa and Mrs. Claus ornaments is the opportunity to personalize them. Whether you're crafting them for your own home or as gifts for friends and family, adding a personal touch can make them even more special.

For example, the Mrs. Claus Cookie Sheet Ornament has the option to include a name on the rolling pin accessory. This is a great way create a unique keepsake for loved ones. To commemorate the year simply use a Sharpie marker to write it on the back on in any area you want on the ornament.

You can also experiment with different paint color combinations to match your existing holiday decor. Perhaps you'd prefer a more muted, farmhouse-inspired palette or a vibrant, modern color scheme. The possibilities are endless!

Creative Ways to Display Your Ornaments

Once your Santa and Mrs. Claus ornaments are complete, the fun doesn't have to stop at just hanging them on the tree. These versatile creations can be used in a variety of creative ways to spread holiday cheer throughout your home.

Consider using them as gift tags for your wrapped presents. The ornaments make a charming and unexpected addition that the recipient can then hang on their own tree or display year-round.

Another idea is to incorporate them into your holiday centerpieces or mantel displays. Arrange them alongside other seasonal accents, such as greenery, candles, and mini Christmas trees, for a cohesive and visually striking look.

If you're feeling extra crafty, you can even turn the ornaments into one-of-a-kind magnets or ornament hangers. Simply attach a small magnet or loop of ribbon to the back, and you've got a functional piece of holiday decor that can be enjoyed long after the tree comes down.

Craft Your Own Holiday Memories

Whether you're an experienced crafter or just starting your DIY journey, both The Santa Ornament Set and Mrs. Claus Ornament Set from Janet's Craft Corner offer a fun and rewarding project to tackle this holiday season.

By painting and assembling these charming wooden ornaments, you'll not only create beautiful holiday decor for your home but also craft cherished memories that will last for years to come.

So gather your supplies, put on some festive tunes, and get ready to unleash your inner holiday creativity. With a little bit of paint, a steady hand, and a whole lot of holiday spirit, your handmade ornaments are sure to become treasured keepsakes that will make your home shine brighter than Rudolph's nose.

Happy crafting, and happy holidays!