Christmas ornaments in September

When I ended up pulling an all nighter last Christmas eve making ONE MORE Christmas gift for the little girls, I learned my lesson....I need to start creating for Christmas much earlier in the year.

I can check the annual personalized ornament of my to do list. I was inspired by the ABC blog ornaments my SIL, Shayla made last year (she got the idea HERE), however I don't have a set of ABC blocks and didn't want to buy 2 sets since we have kids with the same letter for their first name (each child's ABC block is their first initial). SO, I decided to make my own version. That said, obviously using ABC blocks cuts the time required by quite a bit since you eliminate the painting/sanding/sealing process.

OR you could use plain block like I did and still omit the painting step. Just cut the scrapbook paper and photo the same size as the block. Rather than stencil initials & ages, you could Mod Podge stickers or cut outs over scrapbook paper.

Christmas ABC block ornaments

Supplies (all can be found at Michael's Craft store):

2" unfinished wood blocks (or cut your own)

Acrylic paint, I chose lime green in the Craft Smart brand, and white

Mod Podge

paint brushes, one for paint and one for Mod Podge

alphabet stencil (optional- I freehanded the set I made for our kids)

mini screw eyes (found in wood crafts section)

scrapbook paper in various Christmas color patterns and colors, cut into squares just shy of 2" (as I made these I wondered if fabric scraps would work too...could be cute!)

a recent photograph of your child, cut to the same size as the scrapbook squares

sander

sealer

coordinating ribbon or string

Here's how I made my block ornaments:

1. Paint the blocks & sand them. Using primer first is an option if you're painting with a light color, want solid coverage, and don't want to paint several coats. Let dry completely.

2. Stencil the age of the child on one side & the first initial of the child on another side of the block. Let dry.

3. Mod Podge scrapbook squares to all of the other sides BUT ONE.

4. Mod Podge the photograph to the last side. Let dry.

5. Do a final sanding around corners and edges if you want.

6. Spray a coat or paint a coat of sealer on your blocks (optional). Let dry.

7. Screw in the mini screw eye to the top of the ornament.

8. Add ribbon or string to the hook and the ornament is ready to hang from the Christmas tree.

These were so inexpensive and easy to make, I made a bunch for friends and nieces and nephews who came to visit last weekend and those whom we'll see at Thanksgiving too. So if you get an early Christmas package from us (we draw names in our family), act surprised!