Make Your Own Chinoiserie Christmas Ornaments
One of my favorite types of Christmas decorations are those that have a non-traditional twist. Don’t get me wrong, I do love all things red and green, but sometimes it’s fun to bring in other styles into your decor. Like these Chinoiserie Christmas ornaments! These add a touch of sophistication and can be displayed on their own tree, mixed in with other ornaments on a tree, or even displayed in a bowl.
I do go a bit overboard on Christmas decorating so I like to make my decorations instead of just buying it these days. I really don’t “need” anything else, so I try to add little touches here and there to change things up and keep them interesting. New ornaments are a perfect way to do this.
As part of my Christmas decor problem obsession, we have several trees in different rooms. This includes a small tree in our home office, where I can happily glance at it while sitting at my computer. Becuase this room has blue and white Chinoiserie-inspired vases and decor, adding some Chinoiserie Christmas ornaments seemed like the perfect addition to my office tree.
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How to Make Chinoiserie Ornaments
supplies Needed
I like using decoupage paper because it doesn’t rip or tear easily. This set I purchased from Amazon and there were 8 sheets total. You could easily get 2 ornaments per sheet so it’s enough paper for at least 16 ornaments. If you wanted to mix and match patterns you could make even more. Napkins also work for this project, but I don’t like using them as much becuase they are so unforgiving – you can’t reposition or even smooth out with your fingers because they will tear.
For ornaments, either glass or plastic works. I purchased mine at Michaels- they are much cheaper than Amazon at this time of year, especially if you have a coupon or they are running a sale. I chose glass ornaments for this project just becuase I like like the feel of the glass ones better. And, you can even repurpose old ornaments that you have lying around, no need to buy new!
Step 1: Prepare ornaments
The first thing you need to do is take apart and clean up your ornaments. I wiped the glass down quickly with a glass cleaner to remove any dust, dirt or oils that may have accumulated there (especially important to give them a quick clean if you are re-suing older ornaments.
If you want to change the color of the metal tops, now would be a great time to do that. I chose to keep them silver, but you can easily change the color to anything you want using spray paint or Rub N Buff. I prefer Rub N Buff, but honestly just use what you have.
Step 2: Prepare paper
Now it’s time to cut the paper. I used different shapes for different patterns. I did a few with a stripe in the middle, so I cut out long thin sections to wrap all the way around the ornament. A basic square worked well for smaller repeating patterns. Having some triangles to fit in also helps. If a paper had a larger pattern I would cut the bigger feature as one peice and then use the rest as smaller filler pieces.
It’s important to make several small cuts around the perimeter of a peice into its center. This will help you lay your pieces down on the curve of the ornament more easily. The bigger the peice, the more important this is. And keep in mind that the smaller the peice, the easier it is to lay down (think fewer wrinkles) but the harder it is to line up a specific pattern and the longer it takes to complete.
Step 3: Mod Podge paper to ornaments
Once you have your paper ready it’s time to glue it onto your ornament. Using Mod Podge, brush on the area where you are applying your first piece. Then gently place the paper into the Mod Podge and press it down. Apply another coat on top of the paper, using the brush to press down the edges as you go. Once the paper is covered, you can go back and smooth out wrinkles and bubbles with your finger. You need to do this part fairly quickly – once the Mod Podge starts to dry out the paper will stick to your fingers.
Continue working around the surface of the ornament until it is covered. If I’m working with a larger pattern I will lay those bigger pieces on first and then come back and fill with the smaller patterned pieces.I found it was helpful to do have, let it dry, and then come back and do the other half. Once you have finished you can lay them to dry on an egg crate or place them upside down on a paint brush or pencil in a cup to dry.
Step 4: Seal ornaments
Once you have completed all of the ornaments and they have dried, it’s a good idea to add one more layer of Mod Podge to seal and protect them. You can do this all at once, or do half the ornament, let it dry, and then do the other half. Whatever you think is easiest. The good news is Mod Podge dries to the touch fairly quickly. Once they are sealed, I like to let them dry overnight before moving on to the finishing touches.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Now it’s time to put everything back together. If you want to paint the metal tops, then make sure that is done and completely dry. Gently pinch the metal tongs together and thread them back into the ornament.
Add a matching ribbon – naturally, I lean toward using white or blue for this project, but choose anything you like! And if you don’t like the idea of a ribbon, just using the small metal ornament hooks works too.
Summary
And that’s it, you’ve got some fabulous Chinoiserie Christmas decor! While I chose Chinoiserie style paper, this project can be done in any style of decoupage paper you like, giving you a truly unique and personalized result. I made a handful last year and loved them so much that I decided I needed more, so this here is my second batch. Now I just have to dig everything out from last year and get decorating.
I’d love to know if you try this project and if so, how it turns out! Be sure to head on over to my Instagram page and tag me there so I can see! Happy crafting!
Like this project? Check out these other DIY Tutorials:
- DIY Rustic Textured Christmas Ornaments
- How to Make a Lighted Fabric Garland
- Feather Christmas Tree DIY
- Learn How to Paint Wood Furniture
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get the latest furniture and DIY projects delivered directly to your inbox!