How To Make Custom Photo Ornaments Without Buying A Kit

Creating personalized holiday decorations doesn’t require expensive kits or specialty stores. With just a few common household supplies and a meaningful photograph, you can craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind photo ornaments that double as heartfelt gifts or cherished keepsakes. These handmade pieces carry more emotional weight than anything store-bought—each one tells a story, preserves a memory, and adds warmth to your tree.

The process is accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned crafters. You don’t need a dedicated craft room or professional tools. What matters most is intention, creativity, and the willingness to try something simple yet impactful. This guide walks through practical methods, material alternatives, preservation tips, and real-world applications so you can start making custom ornaments today—without spending on pre-packaged kits.

Gather Your Materials: What You Already Have at Home

Most of what you need for custom photo ornaments is likely already in your home. The key is repurposing everyday items creatively and sustainably. Start by collecting the following:

• Photographs: Print photos in small sizes (1x1 inch to 2x2 inches) using a home printer or drugstore photo service.
• Paperboard or cardstock: Old cereal boxes, greeting cards, or scrapbook paper work well for backing.
• Clear sealant options: Packing tape, laminating sheets, or even clear nail polish can protect images.
• Hangers: Use ribbon scraps, embroidery floss, twist ties, or old jewelry chains.
• Cutting tools: Scissors, a utility knife, or even nail clippers for precise shaping.
• Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or white glue (like Elmer’s).
• Containers: Mason jar lids, bottle caps, or small plastic containers with flat backs.

Avoid purchasing new supplies unless absolutely necessary. Upcycling materials reduces waste and keeps costs near zero. For example, an empty Altoids tin can be cut into circular frames, and wine corks can serve as rustic bases for mini photo pegs.

Tip: If you don’t have a printer, ask local pharmacies or grocery stores if they offer same-day photo printing for under $1 per print.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Three Types of DIY Photo Ornaments

Below are three proven, kit-free methods for crafting durable and attractive photo ornaments. Each uses different base materials but follows the same core principles: protect the image, secure it to a hanger, and add personal flair.

Method 1: Clear Tape Seal – The No-Laminator Solution

1. Print your photo in 1.5-inch squares or circles.
2. Cut a piece of clear packing tape slightly larger than the photo.
3. Place the photo face-up on a flat surface and carefully lay the tape over it, sticky side down.
4. Press firmly to avoid bubbles, then trim excess tape around the edges.
5. Glue this sealed photo onto a cardboard or wooden shape (e.g., star, circle, heart).
6. Attach a loop of ribbon or thread to the back using hot glue or strong adhesive.
7. Optional: Outline the shape with glitter glue or markers for extra detail.

Method 2: Bottle Cap Ornament – Reuse & Personalize

1. Collect clean metal bottle caps (soda, beer, or mason jar lids).
2. Print photos to fit inside the cap (about 1 inch diameter).
3. Seal each photo with a drop of clear epoxy resin, Mod Podge, or multiple layers of clear nail polish. Let dry completely between coats.
4. Once dry, glue the photo into the cap using E6000 or super glue.
5. Hot-glue a small metal jump ring or paperclip to the back edge of the cap.
6. Thread ribbon or chain through the ring for hanging.

Method 3: Frame-in-a-Jar-Lid – Rustic Glass Look

1. Remove the flat metal disc from a mason jar lid.
2. Cut a photo to fit snugly within the inner rim (typically 2.5 inches).
3. Place the photo face-down on a cutting mat and apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or decoupage glue to the front.
4. Sandwich the photo between two clear transparency sheets or acetate strips (from report covers) slightly larger than the lid.
5. Reinsert the layered photo into the metal ring, pressing gently until secure.
6. Glue decorative elements like twine, lace, or dried flowers around the outer rim.
7. Attach a leather cord or yarn loop to the back for hanging.

Tip: When using nail polish as a sealant, apply four thin layers instead of two thick ones to prevent cracking and cloudiness.

Preservation Tips for Long-Lasting Ornaments

Homemade ornaments are only as durable as their weakest component. Without proper sealing and storage, photos can yellow, peel, or smudge over time. Follow these best practices to ensure your creations survive multiple seasons.

Element	Do	Don't
Photo Protection	Use UV-resistant sealants like Mod Podge Outdoor or epoxy resin.	Expose unsealed prints to sunlight or humidity.
Storage	Keep ornaments in individual tissue paper inside a rigid box.	Stack them loosely in a cardboard box where they can scratch.
Mounting	Use acid-free glue and backing to prevent photo degradation.	Use rubber cement or spray adhesives that may bleed over time.
Handling	Wear cotton gloves when assembling delicate pieces.	Touch photo surfaces directly with bare hands (oils cause stains).

One overlooked factor is environmental exposure. Even indoor lights emit some UV radiation, which fades colors. Display ornaments away from direct light sources, and rotate them seasonally to reduce wear on any single piece.

“Handmade ornaments succeed when function meets sentiment. A well-sealed photo isn’t just protected—it’s preserved with care.” — Naomi Reed, Preservation Specialist at the National Craft Archive

Real Example: A Family Tradition Born from Scrap Materials

In 2019, Sarah Mendoza, a teacher from Portland, began making ornaments with her two children after losing access to holiday funds during a medical leave. Unable to buy gifts or decorations, she turned to recycled materials: old puzzle boards for backing, photos printed at a library kiosk, and yarn from unravelled sweaters.

Her first project was a set of five “memory trees,” each featuring a photo from a past family vacation glued onto wood slices from a backyard cleanup. She sealed them with homemade Mod Podge (a mix of water and cornstarch), added twine hangers, and painted the edges with silver acrylic.

What started as necessity became tradition. Today, her family makes one ornament per year documenting a milestone—first steps, graduations, pet adoptions—and stores them in a handmade fabric-lined box. Friends request them as gifts, and her school now hosts an annual “Ornament Swap” using donated supplies.

Sarah’s experience proves that constraints often spark innovation. “We didn’t need a kit,” she says. “We just needed time, a photo, and the courage to begin.”

Checklist: How to Make a Custom Photo Ornament in Under 30 Minutes

Follow this concise checklist for a fast, successful project—even with kids involved.

• ☐ Choose a high-contrast, well-lit photo (faces should be clearly visible).
• ☐ Resize and print the image (ideal size: 1–2 inches).
• ☐ Select your base (cardboard, wood, bottle cap, etc.).
• ☐ Cut base into desired shape (circle, star, snowflake).
• ☐ Seal photo with tape, resin, or nail polish.
• ☐ Attach photo to base with strong adhesive.
• ☐ Add hanger (ribbon, thread, wire).
• ☐ Decorate edges (optional: paint, glitter, stickers).
• ☐ Label with year and occasion on the back (use permanent marker).
• ☐ Store properly after the season ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use phone photos, or do they need to be professionally printed?

You can absolutely use phone photos. Most home printers produce archival-quality results with pigment-based inks. For longer life, choose matte finish over glossy to reduce glare and fingerprint retention. Avoid inkjet prints on regular paper—they smudge easily. Instead, use photo paper or even sticker paper for peel-and-stick options.

How do I prevent air bubbles when sealing with tape?

Start by placing one edge of the tape down first, then slowly press the rest flat using a credit card or ruler. Work from the center outward to push air toward the edges. If bubbles form, gently lift the corner, reapply pressure, and smooth again. Using slightly oversized tape allows room for correction.

Are these safe for young children to make?

Yes—with supervision. Replace sharp tools with safety scissors, substitute hot glue with non-toxic glue sticks, and avoid small parts like jump rings with toddlers. Focus on simpler designs like taped photos on large shapes. Children as young as four can participate in choosing photos and decorating edges with washable markers or stickers.

Conclusion: Create Meaning That Lasts Beyond the Season

Making custom photo ornaments without a kit isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reclaiming the authenticity of handmade tradition. In an age of mass production, these small acts of creation stand out. They honor moments that matter, involve loved ones in meaningful ways, and transform ordinary materials into legacy pieces.

You don’t need perfection. You need a photo, a little time, and the desire to remember something important. Whether you’re commemorating a lost loved one, celebrating a pet, or capturing a child’s fleeting expression, your ornament becomes a tactile memory—one that can be passed down, revisited, and treasured.

💬 Ready to start? Pick one photo today and make your first ornament tonight. Share your story or tag someone who’d love to join you—because the best traditions begin with a single step.