Every year, when we put up our Christmas tree, we turn it into a cozy little crafting tradition and make some new ornaments. The kids always look forward to it, and our tree has slowly grown into a warm collection of memories, handmade ornaments, and small new treasures. Of course, we still hang classic glass baubles and twinkling lights, but that mix of store-bought favorites and homemade decorations is exactly what makes our tree unique.

Last year, we made wooden ornaments using simple napkin decoupage. They turned out so beautifully that I decided to make them again this year — but with a twist. Our community garden created a small booklet with recipes using edible flowers for their Christmas market, and naturally a little flower decoration fits that theme perfectly! So I went back to the craft table, this time choosing napkins with floral patterns.

The result? Atmospheric wooden ornaments that look surprisingly professional, yet are simple enough to make together with children. Most of all: they bring back that warm, handmade feeling that makes the holiday season so special.

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Why Wooden Ornaments Are So Fun to Make

Making your own Christmas ornaments is not only a creative activity but also incredibly calming. You’re working with natural materials, choosing your own colors and prints, and the technique itself is wonderfully simple. And in the end, you have something handmade that instantly adds warmth and charm to your home or Christmas tree.

These wooden ornaments are:

• Sustainable — no plastic, no waste
• Budget-friendly — you only need a few simple materials
• Unique — every ornament looks different
• Versatile — perfect for Christmas, spring décor, or party name tags
• Kid-friendly — the technique is easy and beginner-proof

And maybe the best part: they become part of your family memories. Every year when you unpack them again, that cozy crafting moment comes right back.

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Decorating with Napkins — Easy and Beautiful

The “secret” behind these ornaments? Napkins. You don’t need to be able to draw, because napkins come in the most beautiful prints: Christmas themes, flowers, retro designs, Scandinavian patterns, animals, you name it.

My daughter loves drawing her own designs, by the way. She once painted a gorgeous poppy flower on a wooden slice — she has been in drawing school for a few years. I personally stick to using napkins; they require less talent and patience, and the results are just as lovely.

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Tip: Pick napkins with a white background

This small trick makes a huge difference.
A white napkin background becomes fully translucent once the glue dries, leaving you with a perfect printed look on the wood — almost as if the design was printed onto the wooden slice itself. It pairs beautifully with the natural texture of the wood.

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What Type of Wood Works Best?

I love using wooden slices sawn from branches. They have a beautiful bark edge, feel warm and rustic, and are perfectly sturdy.

Ideal dimensions:

• Diameter: 2–2.75 inches (5–7 cm)
• Thickness: approx. ⅜ inch (1 cm)

This size is large enough for the design to stand out, yet light enough to hang in the tree comfortably.

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Making Your Own Wooden Slices

If you recently pruned a tree or have some thicker branches lying around, you can easily make your own.

1. Saw a branch with a diameter of about 2 inches (5 cm) into slices about ⅜ inch (1 cm) thick.
2. Lightly sand both sides to remove saw marks.
3. Let the slices dry thoroughly.

Drying is especially important:
Moist slices can develop mold later, especially if you pack them in airtight containers after the holidays.

Want to avoid risks altogether? Use pre-dried wood or buy ready-made wooden rounds.

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Perfect for Every Occasion

The beauty of this technique is how adaptable it is. Christmas napkins are perfect for December, of course, but consider these themes too:

• Flowers → beautiful for spring, Mother’s Day or Easter
• Minimalist patterns → perfect for Scandinavian-style décor
• Butterflies or animals → lovely in a child’s bedroom
• Vintage Christmas prints → nostalgic and traditional
• Botanical illustrations → timeless year-round décor

And they don’t only look good in the tree. You can also use them as:

• Gift tags
• Decorations for a summer light garland
• Place cards for a festive table
• Teacher gifts
• Keychains (add an extra layer of varnish)

So many possibilities!

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Materials You’ll Need

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How to Make DIY Wooden Ornaments

1. Choose and Cut Out Your Motif

Cut out the part of the napkin you want to use. Place it on the wooden slice to check the size and trim where needed so the design fits neatly within the bark edge.

A napkin consists of several layers. Remove the bottom layers (usually two) and keep only the thin printed top layer.

2. Apply Glue to the Wood

Brush a thin, even layer of glue onto the wooden slice. Use enough glue to make it sticky, but avoid thick blobs.

3. Apply the Napkin Print

4. Let Dry

Allow the ornament to dry for several hours.
The white parts of the napkin will turn fully transparent, giving that beautiful “printed-on” effect.

5. Drill a Hole

Once everything is dry, drill a small hole at the top.

Tip:
Place a small piece of painter’s tape on the drilling spot. This prevents splintering and ensures a neat edge.

6. Finish the Ornament

Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole, tie a knot, and your ornament is ready.

Want a more luxurious look?

• Add wooden beads
• Use macramé knots
• Finish with a ribbon in holiday colors
• Add an extra layer of varnish for shine and durability

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Extra Tips to Make Your Wooden Ornaments Even More Beautiful

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Ready to Get Started?

These DIY wooden ornaments are the perfect winter activity for kids and adults alike. They’re relaxing to make, wonderfully customizable, and you end up with a tree full of personal, handmade decorations that will bring joy year after year.

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