Handmade BOHO Christmas Ornament: Step-by-Step Guide

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Whether you are giving or receiving, homemade gifts are always the best. One of our favorites this year is the super-simple Boho Christmas ornament. It’s perfect as a standalone gift or could be attached to another wrapped gift to give it that personal touch.

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Materials Needed for the Boho Ornament

1. Wooden slices
   • Should be about 2-3 inches in diameter, with a small hole drilled at the top)
   • You can purchase these at a craft store or Amazon offers affordable options with 10 to 30 wood slices with the hole already at the top.
2. Twine or natural jute string
   • Use twine or any scraps of ribbon to hang your boho ornaments.
3. White paint or paint pen
   • You’ll need this for adding your simple design
   • We love Sharpie and Posca paint pens. They come in several different sizes so you can get the look you’re going for. The Posca pens also come in soft gold and silver colors that would look great on the wooden ornaments.
4. Wood-burning tool (optional)
   • If you’d like to take your ornaments to the next level, try using a wood-burning tool to add the design in the center. We tried it and it look really swanky!
5. Small wooden beads (optional)
   • These definitely add that extra boho touch to the twine hanger! Just make sure you buy beads with a larger hole so that the twine or ribbon will easily go through.
6. Sandpaper (optional)
   • To smooth out any rough edges on the wood slice
7. Clear matte sealant spray (optional)
   • This will protect the ornament’s finish, especially if it will be stored for future use.
   • Popular brands like Krylon and ModPodge (matte finish) are good choices

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1 | Prepare the Wood Slices

1. If the wooden slices have rough edges, use sandpaper to smooth them. Focus on the surface as well to ensure an even area for painting or decorating.
2. Wipe off any wood dust with a dry cloth.

Step 2 | Add a Minimalist Design

1. Using a white paint pen, create a simple boho-inspired design on one side of the wood slice. Some design ideas:
   • Chevron patterns: Draw a series of small chevrons or “V” shapes at the bottom.
   • Tiny dots: Arrange small white dots in a ring around the edge for a subtle, earthy look.
   • Miniature mountains or triangles: Draw a row of small, overlapping triangles at the base.
   • Simple mandala: Create a small mandala design in the center, keeping it minimal with a few curved lines and dots.
2. If you prefer a darker, rustic look, you can use a wood-burning tool to make the designs instead. Practice on a scrap piece of wood first if you’re new to wood burning.
3. Allow the design to dry completely if you used paint.

PRO TIP: When adding the design to your wood slices, don’t worry if you aren’t an artist! Just a few simple lines with a paint pen will be perfect.

Step 3 | Attach the Twine Hanger

1. Cut a piece of twine (about 6 inches long) and thread it through the hole in the wood slice.
2. If you’d like to add beads, thread a small wooden bead onto each end of the twine before tying a knot. The beads add a subtle boho flair.
3. Tie the ends of the twine together at the top, forming a small loop for hanging.

Step 4 | Apply a Protective Finish (completely optional)

1. Lightly spray a matte clear sealant over the surface of the ornament if you want to protect the design and prevent the wood from drying out over time. Make sure to do this step in a well-ventilated area.
2. Let the sealant dry completely before hanging or storing.

Tips for a True Boho Minimalist Look

• Stick with Neutral Colors:
  • Keep colors muted and natural—like whites, beiges, and soft blacks.
• Use Natural Elements:
  • Incorporate small dried flowers, sprigs of greenery, or tiny feathers. Attach them with a bit of glue near the twine loop for a natural, earthy vibe.
• Keep Designs Simple:
  • Boho style is all about natural / organic elegance, so less is more here. Stick to one main element or design on each ornament.

The Final Result

Your finished ornaments will have a beautifully rustic, boho-inspired look. A minimalist design in soft white or wood-burned lines gives it a handcrafted charm. The neutral twine hanger and optional wooden beads complete the natural look, allowing it to blend seamlessly with a boho or earthy holiday decor theme. This ornament would look lovely paired with natural elements like pine cones, dried orange slices, or eucalyptus branches on the Christmas tree.

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