Choosing the Right Frames for Your DIY Winter Home Decor
The first step in making frame ornaments for winter home decor is picking the frames themselves. Scour thrift stores, flea markets, or your own basement for old picture frames in various sizes. Smaller frames (4×6 or 5×7 inches) work best for hanging on a tree or in a cluster on a wall. I personally love mixing wood tones like walnut, pine, and even painted white for a cozy, eclectic look.
Don’t stress if the frames have no glass or backing. You can easily replace the back with a piece of cardboard or even a thin sheet of plywood. For a more rustic vibe, leave the frame as is and attach twine or wire for hanging. The patina of an old frame adds so much character to your DIY holiday wall art.
Gathering Supplies for Frame Ornaments and Holiday Wall Art
Once you have your frames, it’s time to collect the rest of the materials. You likely have most of these at home already. Here is a basic list to get you started:
- Old picture frames (various sizes and finishes)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine, thin wire, or ribbon for hanging
- Scrapbook paper, fabric scraps, or old sheet music
- Faux greenery sprigs, small pinecones, or dried orange slices
- Miniature ornaments, bells, or wooden beads
- Acrylic paint and a small brush (if you want to refresh the frame)
I usually start by painting any frames that need a color refresher. A coat of matte white or sage green can make a tired frame look fresh and wintery. Let them dry completely before you move on to the fun part.
Step by Step: Creating Your Own Frame Ornaments
Now for the actual how to. First, remove any glass, backing, and hardware from the frame. You want just the wooden or plastic border. If the frame has a stand, take that off too. Next, cut a piece of scrapbook paper or fabric to fit the inside opening. Glue the paper to a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the frame opening, then glue the cardboard into the back of the frame.
Here is where you get to personalize. Before you seal the back, you can tuck in a small branch of faux pine, a few cinnamon sticks, or even a tiny string of battery operated fairy lights. I like to glue a small loop of twine at the top center of the back for hanging. Then close the frame by gluing the backing piece into place. Let it set for a few minutes.
For the front decoration, keep it simple. A single dried orange slice tied with a piece of jute, or a cluster of miniature jingle bells hot glued to the frame corner. Do not overload the frame; let the wood and paper show through. You are aiming for an elegant, minimalist look that fits winter home decor.
Styling Tips for Frame Ornaments in Your Winter Home Decor
Where you hang these frame ornaments makes a big difference. I like to group three or four of them on a wall in a vertical line or a loose grid. Use matching twine so the hanging looks intentional. You can also tie them onto a garland that drapes across a mantel or a bookshelf.
Another trick is to hang a single larger frame ornament on a ribbon from a doorknob or inside a window. The light coming through adds a pretty glow. For tabletop decor, prop a frame ornament against a stack of books or lean it on a shelf next to a candle. Mix in real evergreen sprigs or a few small ornaments on the same surface to tie it all together.
Using Frame Ornaments as Handmade Gifts for the Holidays
Frame ornaments make thoughtful handmade gifts because you can tailor each one to the recipient. I made a set for my sister using old maps of the city she lives in. For a friend who loves baking, I glued a tiny wooden rolling pin and a star anise to the front of a small frame. The possibilities are endless, and people truly appreciate the effort.
Packaging matters too. Wrap each ornament in tissue paper and place it inside a plain brown gift box with a handwritten tag. You can even include a small hook or ribbon so the recipient can hang it right away. These seasonal craft ideas feel personal and avoid the stress of store bought gifts that might not fit someone’s style.
Why Frame Ornaments Are a Perfect Seasonal Craft Idea
This project is low cost and works well for all ages. Kids can help glue the paper and add stickers or glitter, while adults handle the hot glue and paint. You can finish a set of four ornaments in an afternoon, which makes it ideal for a family crafting session or a quiet weekend activity.
Another reason I love frame ornaments is their versatility.
#WinterHomeDecor #FrameOrnaments #DIYHolidayDecor #SeasonalCraftIdeas #HandmadeGifts