DIY Wood Baby Hand and Footprint Ornaments
Looking for a way to preserve your baby’s precious memories while creating a lasting holiday keepsake? These DIY unbreakable wood baby hand and footprint ornaments are the perfect project for new parents and crafters alike. Not only are these ornaments sturdy enough to withstand curious little hands, but they also capture the magic of childhood in a personalized, timeless way.
Have you ever wanted to create something that could last through all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, yet still be delicate and beautiful? This simple, step-by-step tutorial shows you how to make the best baby ornament that’s both durable and adorable. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just getting started, you’ll love the heartwarming experience of making these wooden ornaments with your child.
Read on to discover how to make these unique and cherished ornaments that will bring joy to your holiday season for years to come.
Supplies needed to make your Wood Baby Hand & Footprint Ornament
- Wood Ball Ornaments
- Paint or Stain Base Color of Choice
- Sanding Sponge
- Tack Cloth
- Non-toxic Hand/Foot Paint
- Mess Free Ink Pads
- Polycrylic Spray Sealer
- Paint Pen
How to Prepare Your Wood Baby Hand and Footprint Ornaments
To start, you’ll want to prep your materials to ensure a smooth crafting process. The base for these ornaments is a wood ball ornament, which should be sanded to perfection using a 220 or 300 grit sanding sponge. This step is crucial for creating a smooth surface, ensuring that your paint or stain adheres evenly.
Once the sanding is complete, it’s important to remove all dust particles. A tack cloth, specifically designed for this purpose, works best here. This ensures your ornament is clean and ready for decorating.
Choosing Your Base: Paint or Stain?
One of the key decisions in this project is choosing the look for your ornament’s base. You can either opt for a painted finish or a more rustic stained look, depending on your style preference. We chose MinWax Stain in Driftwood Color for its subtle, natural beauty (I also use this stain throughout my home for consistency). If you’re aiming for a solid color, spray paint is a great option for a flawless, even finish.
Both methods offer unique aesthetics, so feel free to get creative with your base. This step sets the tone for the overall design of your ornament.
Capturing Baby’s Hand and Footprints
The star of these ornaments is, of course, your baby’s hand and footprints. To capture these precious prints, you’ll need either non-toxic paint or mess-free ink-less stamp pads. Both options provide a safe way to create beautiful, long-lasting impressions of your baby’s tiny hands and feet.
Pro tip: Use separate ornaments for handprints and footprints to allow each to shine. Once you’ve captured the prints, let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.
One key lesson I learned during this process: apply two coats of sealer before personalizing your ornament with names or dates. This prevents paint pens from bleeding into the wood, ensuring clean and crisp writing. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Personalizing and Sealing Your Ornaments
To make each ornament truly special, personalize it with your baby’s name and the year. Paint pens are an excellent choice for adding these details, but remember to let the prints dry fully before starting this step. After you’ve finished personalizing, apply a sealer to protect the ornament.
We recommend using a spray sealer for a quick and even application. Polycrylic Water-Based Spray is our go-to product, offering a durable finish that protects the ornament for years to come. Be sure to apply at least two coats, allowing each to dry overnight for the best results. Once sealed, these ornaments will become a treasured part of your holiday tradition.
Happy Wood Baby Ornament Crafting
These DIY wood baby hand and footprint ornaments are not just holiday decorations—they are meaningful keepsakes that will bring back memories year after year. With just a few simple materials and steps, you can create unbreakable ornaments that capture the essence of your little one’s early years.
If you loved this tutorial, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experience with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more DIY holiday projects on our blog. Looking for more seasonal crafting inspiration? Visit our website for additional tutorials to make your home extra cozy this holiday season.
Happy crafting!
Full shopping list link for these DIY wood baby hand and footprint ornaments:
The full supplies shopping list to complete these ornaments!
If or when you make your DIY Wood Baby Hand and Footprint Ornaments. I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so I can see your really DIY projects finished results!
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