Photo Ornament with Heart
I’m a little obsessed with photo ornaments and special keepsakes. Many of my photos stay locked away on my phone, so an actual printed picture is a true gem. I love picking up the envelope of beautifully printed photos. I love having a plan in place to turn the photo into a keepsake photo ornament.
This photo ornament follows is very similar to the Snow Globe Photo Ornament. But this time, I asked Haley to send me some pictures of her adorable daughter. She is just precious! It’s a little like when I asked Charlene to send me photos of her kids for the sled ornaments.
Looking for an easy DIY photo ornament craft, check out the instructions below?
I love the heart shape of this ornament and the way it opens makes it easier to place the photo. Don’t let the sparkle (glitter) hold you back! This is almost a mess-free glitter craft. If you really don’t like glitter and you’re looking for a faster alternative, scroll down to the crinkle paper ornament.
Keep reading to learn how to make this simple photo ornament.
PHOTO ORNAMENT SUPPLIES
affiliate links
- Photo
- Clear Plastic fillable Heart Ornaments (click here)
- Glitter (iridescent) (click here), try crinkle paper if you’re anti-glitter (click here)
- Heart Sequins (optional) (click here)
- Scissors
- Mod Podge (click here)
- Foam Brush (click here)
- Packing Tape (click here)
- Gold Wire/ribbon (click here)
- Ribbon (sheer or grosgrain)
Shopping tip: I found the sheer organza ribbon at Hobby Lobby and the crinkle paper at the Dollar Store.
PHOTO ORNAMENT DIRECTIONS
Taking Photos for the Photo Ornaments
- For a close up photo of your child (glitter ornament) take a full body portrait and print 4×6. Smaller photo (crinkle paper ornament), you can either print out your photo wallet size (2×3), resize it, or take the photo on half of the screen. For large groups, line up 2 kids and take their photos together, horizontally.
- Center the child on a neutral wall. Don’t worry about extra things in the background (outlets, etc), because you’ll be cutting around the child and you won’t see the random stuff.
First Apply the Glitter
On the back half of the ornament brush a coat of Mod Podge inside the heart. Sprinkle glitter and shake it around. (See below) You can also put the other side back on and shake it up. Let it dry.
Cut Out the Photo
The number one tip is to leave at least an inch at the bottom. You’ll need the space in order to adhere the photo to the ornament
Place the Photo in the Ornament
Once the child is cutout, lay half of the heart ornament on top. Line up the photo and fold the edges right along the V of the bottom the heart. The goal is to have the child fill up the globe for maximum photo-cuteness impact.
Crease the photo along the edge, cut a slit if needed to help it lay flat inside the ornament. Now tape down the flaps on non-glitter side. The photo will pop up by itself if it was printed on heavyweight or photo paper.
Now Add the Sparkle
In one half of the ornament, pour the 2 teaspoons of glitter and 10 sequin hearts.
Place the other side on top. Snap in place.
Finishing Photo Ornament Touches
Place clear pieces of packing tape on the ornament seam once they snap together. This should prevent the ornament from opening up. If you’re sending this home with a child, place it in tissue paper with strict instructions not to open it on the bus! It can be held by little hands, it just won’t withstand being dropped on a hard surface.
Add a piece of gold string and a sheer ribbon bow. You’re done!
How to Clean Up Glitter
You can use a dryer sheet. Just wipe the counter or area you’re working with the dryer sheet. Play-do also works for a fast, mess-free pick up.
*If you have a glitter phobia, but still like this craft, try the crinkle paper ornament one above! I tried feathers too, but they were pretty unwieldy!
I think adults should do the glitter portion of this project, but I do love this Glitter Sand Art ornament that is perfect for kiddos.
Like this ornament, you’ll love this one too!
