DIY Book Ornaments (2 ways)

Each November, I ask my children to choose their favorite book from the past year, and I paint it onto a Christmas ornament. This has quickly become one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and I hope to continue this for years to come. I even hope to make these for my grandchildren one day! It is such a joy to pull these out and remember the beloved books we’ve enjoyed. 

I’d love to show you how to make your own book ornament, including all the supplies you need. I’ll even show you a much simpler method if painting feels intimidating. You can get these supplies at your local craft store (like Hobby Lobby or Michaels), but I thought I’d include links to show the exact supplies I use. These are not expensive to make; they just take time. 

When selecting a book to paint (especially if you feel intimidated by painting), look for simple designs. Board books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Moo, Baa, La La La! that have flat, simple shapes (no shadows) are a great place to start. If your child chooses a book that seems extra tricky to illustrate, you could always google “simple illustration of (book title)” and see what comes up. Or use the Mod Podge method below, which requires no painting at all.

Let’s do it!

Painted Book Ornament

Supplies:

How to paint a book ornament: 

1. Choose a book cover or illustration from your child’s favorite book.
2. Begin by painting the background of the ornament, then let it dry.
3. Once the background is dry, use a pencil to sketch the outline of the details you’re going to paint on the next layer.
4. Use acrylic paint and a small paintbrush to paint in the finer details. Let dry.
5. Use a Sharpie ultra fine tip marker to define some of the details, as needed, and write your child’s name and the year on the ornament. Let dry completely.
6. Once dry, paint a Matte Mod Podge layer onto the ornament's surface. It will look a little cloudy until it dries. Adding Mod Podge adds a layer of protection for your art. 
7. String your ornament on twine and hang it on your tree!

Let me show you two examples: 

Mod Podge Book Ornament

Supplies: 

• Wood slice ornament (3.5-4”)
• Matte Mod Podge
• Sharpie Ultra Fine Tip Marker
• A color printout of your child’s favorite book (or print onto sticker paper to make this even easier!)
• Scissors
• A paintbrush or foam brush
• Twine for hanging

How to Mod Podge a book ornament:

1. Choose a book cover or illustration from your child’s favorite book and print out a color copy that is slightly larger than your wood slice. (Optional: Print this straight onto sticker paper.)
2. Place the wood slice on top of the picture and trace around it, then use scissors to cut the paper or sticker paper along those lines.
3. Use a paintbrush or foam brush to add a layer of Matte Mod Podge to the surface of the ornament.  While it’s still wet, place the paper illustration onto it and smooth it down gently, then let it dry. (If using sticker paper, stick the paper straight onto the wood slice. No Mod Podge needed yet.) Trim the paper around the edges as needed.
4. Once completely dry, use a Sharpie (ultra fine tip is what I recommend) to add your child’s name and the year to your ornament. Then let that dry.
5. Finally, add another layer of Matte Mod Podge to the surface of the paper (whether you used regular printer paper or sticker paper). It will look cloudy at first, but will dry clear and will protect your ornament for years to come. 
6. String your ornament on twine and hang it on your tree!

Let me show you an example:

If you choose to make a book ornament, I’d love to see it! Tag me @brighterdaypress on Instagram. Happy painting!

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