Decorative Wooden Knick-knacks with Splashes of Color
On the fifth day of our 12 Days of Christmas Series, we're sharing a delightful DIY project for creating distressed wooden ornaments.
The Chalkboard Holiday Sign, adorned with a rustic charm, is from Thrifty and Chic. The Spiral Christmas Tree Ornament, adding a touch of whimsy, is from Remodelando la Casa. The Cork Ball Ornament, a unique addition to your collection, is from Whats Ur Home Story. And the Cookie Cutter Ornaments, perfect for a homemade touch, are from It All Started With Paint.
To give these wooden ornaments a distressed look, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the wood by lightly sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper (around 120 to 220 grit) to smooth the surface and remove any finish or rough spots.
- Apply a base coat of acrylic paint in your desired colour. Allow it to dry completely.
- Add layers of paint if desired, using different shades or colours to create depth.
- Once the paint is fully dry, gently sand the painted surface with fine or medium-grit sandpaper to remove paint selectively, especially along edges, corners, and raised details.
- Optionally, to deepen the distressed effect, you can also apply a light wood stain or wax after sanding to enhance wood grain visibility and add an aged tone.
- After distressing, wipe off dust and finish with a clear acrylic sealer or wax to protect the surface.
This approach combines acrylic paint's colouration with sanding to simulate natural wear on wood, revealing layers beneath for a rustic, vintage look. Testing on a sample piece first is recommended to refine the technique and sealer choice.
In another project, we used a dark walnut wood stain on the Stained Wooden Ornaments, which were purchased from Michael's. The Vintage Style Glittered Wood Star Ornament, adding a sparkle to your Christmas tree, is from Serendipity Refined.
As we continue our 12 Days of Christmas Series, don't forget to check out the Nativity Silhouette Ornament from Lovely Etc., the Wedding Invitation Glass Ball from May Richer Fuller Be, the Snowman Glass Ornament from Mom 4 Real, and the Feather Wreath Ornament from Bigger Than The Three Of Us.
We hope you're enjoying our series so far, and we encourage you to explore other projects in the series. Stay tuned for more DIY inspiration!
[Note: The article does not provide details about the separate DIY project titled "Days Until Christmas" Chalkboard Ornament mentioned earlier in the paragraphs.]
\n\n[1] Source: DIY Distressed Wooden Ornaments
\n\n[2] Source: How to Distress Wood for a Vintage Look
\n\n[3] Source: Preparing Wood for Painting
- Incorporate the distressed wooden ornament technique you've learned into your interior-design projects to add a rustic charm and vintage aesthetic to your home-and-garden décor, aligning with current lifestyle trends.
- Expand your home-and-garden collection by DIYing your own distressed wooden ornaments for Christmas, following our detailed instructions, and create a unique lifestyle statement that reflects your personal taste.
