DIY Hand Lettered Ornaments

Today I’m doing something that I never ever do… I’m sharing a gift before I’ve given it! I’m partnering with some amazing Canadian bloggers to share great gift ideas for pretty much everyone in your life (find all of them below!). Well, I liked my idea so much that I’m making them for a whole bunch o’ people in my life. So if you happen to be one of them, and I’m spoiling your surprise… please forgive me? Thanks, you’re the best. I am really in love with these hand lettered ornaments because they’re SO versatile. You can make them in any colour, with any name, as masculine or feminine as you like. Once you get the hang of lettering on a curved surface- it’s actually a lot of fun too! And they go really quick… just turn on some Netflix and you’ll be amazed how quickly you get on a roll.

I made some that were clear and white with black lettering, clear and white with gold lettering, and some red ones with gold lettering. I think the white with gold are my favourite… but the black are pretty rad as well. Buuuuut the red definitely took the paint the best, I think it’s the matte finish of those ornaments. Alright. Let’s chat about some tips and tricks to make this all go smoothly.

To make your own hand lettered ornaments you’ll need:

• Glass ornaments
• Small round paint brush, the softer the better- but not so soft that the hairs go everywhere
• Paint of your choosing- multi-surface acrylic paint is great OR Liquid gold leaf
• Egg carton for drying
• Paper and pencil for practice

Alrighty, the first thing that I did was make a massive list of all the names I wanted to letter, then I started practicing on scrap paper. I wrote each name probably 10 times until I was happy with it. By the end of my list (I may or may not have made an insane amount), I wasn’t practicing so much- because I was on a roll, man! Use your paint brush to letter the names, going one letter at a time. Don’t think you need to letter the whole name without lifting your paint brush. Take your brush off after each letter, I promise you’ll be happier with the results! It’s okay if the paint is going on too sheer. Let it dry like that and do another coat. They all needed two coats except for the red. The ones I tried to fix the gaps in one shot- don’t look nearly as good as the ones I let dry then went back over. I know I’ve said it before but Liquid gold leaf is the best stuff ever for this sort of thing. It gives such a nice shine that paint just doesn’t have. And as for paint if you’re not going gold- stick with a multi surface acrylic (like this one). I tried an enamel paint as well but it just didn’t go on as nicely.

Oh, and just a tip if you’re pregnant- that belly seems like a great work surface to rest your hand on, but kicks can mess up a whole name… *sigh*

That’s it! Seriously, they’re dead simple once you get on a roll. The only thing I’m thinking twice about now… is how the heck I’m going to package and ship them all! So tell me- would you give these a shot? And do you have a go-to, craft for everybody that you know, gift that you give each year? I’d love to hear about it!

Now, make sure you hop around and check out all these rad gift ideas. I’m already planning next years’ gifts after looking at these all… and I only wish I was joking ;)
From the top, they are:

DIY Maple Candle (A Roots Knockoff) from Vin’yet Etc.

Homemade Candied Citrus Peel from Personally Andrea

Hand Lettered Ornaments from Lemon Thistle

Christmas Breakfast Gift Basket from Craftberry Bush

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar from Sustain My Craft Habit

Cashew Coconut Brittle from Life Is A Party

DIY Serving Tray for the Coffee Lover from DIY Passion

DIY Cookie Cutters from PMQ For Two

Christmas Cupcake in a Jar from The DIY Mommy

DIY Growler Carrier With Dry Erase Label from Hello Creative Family

DIY Wood Slice Ornaments from The Sweetest Digs

Galvanized Letter Tree from New House New Home

DIY Animal Bookends from Lifeovereasy

Industrial Watch Holder from Love Create Celebrate

DIY Gifts for the New Mom from Fresh Crush

Homemade Barbecue Spice Meat Rub Gift from Time With Thea