I was looking for some DIY projects to update my “Thanksgiving tree” and recently found just the thing – unfinished DIY ceramic leaf ornaments! These could be finished in any color you want… reds, yellows, and oranges to fit your fall home decor. But I decided to use the metallic spray paint that I used on my junky pumpkins last week and write some words on them to help me remember to be grateful this month.
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Supplies Needed for DIY Leaf Ornaments
- unfinished ceramic leaf ornaments
- spray paint
- spray shelter
- pencil
- Stickles glitter glue set
- jute
- craft scissors
How to Make Leaf Ornaments
Step One: Prep
The ceramic leaf ornaments that I bought from Oriental Trading had ribbon hangers on them that didn’t fit my style. So my first step was to remove the ribbon hangers from the leaf ornaments.
UPDATE: Oriental Trading does not sell these ceramic leaf ornaments anymore. I’m still looking for a source for them but until then you can make these ornaments out of wooden leaf shapes.
Step Two: Spray Paint
Spray the unfinished ornaments with a couple of light coats on both sides, allowing enough time to dry between coats.
I am often asked how long to wait between coats of paint. Usually, I wait for 30 minutes. But it will depend on the temperature and humidity levels where you are.
HINT: I set the timer on my phone for 30 minutes after I spray the ornaments. Then I’ll go work on something else. This keeps me from forgetting about my spray paint project!
Protect your surroundings with a spray shelter and/or a cardboard box.
This is where the small spray shelter REALLY comes in handy! If you have to spray in a garage or even on a patio, the spray shelter will keep your paint from flying around and landing on all the surfaces around you.
Step Three: Add Words
When the paint has dried complete, first write the words in pencil.
Then trace the words with glitter glue.
Step Four: Add Hangers
Allow time to dry completely, then tie on pieces of jute — or ribbon or whatever you want to use as a hanger.
My Thanksgiving Tree
Remember, I keep my small Christmas tree up all year long as a photo prop for all the ornaments I make. So I decorate it for every season. I showed you how to make the paper straw garland last week.
Here are some examples of my little “Christmas” tree from other holidays:
- Valentine’s Day Tree
- My Patriotic Tree
- A Thanksgiving Tree from YEARS Ago!
More DIY Thanksgiving Craft Projects
- How to Decoupage Easy Paper Mache Pumpkin Decorations
- DIY Hand Lettered Magnolia Leaf Centerpiece
- How to Make a Thanksgiving Table Runner for Your Table
Thanks for taking the time out to read my project! I really do appreciate all of you!!! Please leave a comment and let me know if you try making leaf ornaments!
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Featured on Crafty Weekends. Originally published on November 2, 2016.
JaneEllen says
Such a wonderful and heart felt idea and one to teach the little ones what Thanksgiving is truly for. Having those on a tree and introducing them at your Thanksgiving table is wonderful way to teach younger ones what the day is for, gets a good conversation going about what everybody is grateful for. Even little ones can express their gratitude. We have been doing things like this since our 4 kids were young enuf to talk and express themselves, keeps them thinking. Our kids have kept this idea going with their kids and we all hope they’ll keep this going when they have kids. We don’t all live by each other so we talk about it before the holidays.
Happy weekend
Alicia Owen says
I love this idea. What a neat idea for a fall craft! Thanks for sharing on This is How We Roll link up.
SLOAH says
I love the simplicity of this craft; what a gorgeous tree ornament idea! 🙂 #weekendbloghop