30 Best DIY Photo Ornaments to Personalize Your Christmas Tree

Hi Beauties! There's something extra special about decorating your Christmas tree with handmade ornaments that tell your family's story. I love DIY Christmas decorations. Each photo, memory, and creative detail transforms your tree into a nostalgic centerpiece that's full of heart. If you're looking for a creative way to showcase your favorite moments, DIY photo ornaments are the perfect holiday craft to try this season.

From rustic farmhouse-style ornaments to modern glass photo globes, photo ornaments are more than just pretty decor-they're keepsakes. Whether you're highlighting your baby's first Christmas, a beloved pet, or a favorite family trip, these ornaments make your holiday tree feel warm, personal, and uniquely yours. Plus, they're fun, affordable projects you can create with your kids, friends, or even as part of a cozy crafting night in.

In this post, I'm sharing 30 of the best DIY photo ornament ideas you can easily make at home. Many of these projects use simple materials you already have-like mason jar lids, wood slices, or clear bulbs-so you can create something beautiful without spending much. Let's dive into the ideas that will make your tree shine with memories this Christmas.

Creative DIY Photo Ornament Ideas

These creative DIY photo ornament ideas range from simple and rustic to modern and elegant - perfect for every skill level and décor style. Whether you're crafting with kids, creating gifts for loved ones, or adding sentimental touches to your tree, these photo ornaments will help you turn cherished memories into beautiful holiday keepsakes that shine year after year.

Wooden Frame Snowflake Photo Ornament

This wooden frame snowflake photo ornament blends simplicity with timeless holiday charm. Start with a small unfinished wood frame or embroidery hoop, add a black-and-white photo for a vintage feel, and decorate with wooden snowflake cutouts. The neutral tones and natural materials fit beautifully into farmhouse or Scandinavian-style Christmas décor.

Clothespin Airplane Photo Ornament

Turn your little one into the pilot of a festive holiday airplane with this DIY clothespin photo ornament! Made from painted clothespins, mini craft sticks, and a touch of red-and-white baker's twine, this playful project makes a whimsical addition to your Christmas tree. It's an especially fun craft for kids - and a creative way to showcase their photo in a unique, memory-filled ornament.
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Salt Dough Photo Ornaments

These classic salt dough photo ornaments are the perfect mix of handmade charm and sentimental value. Made with just flour, salt, and water, these ornaments are easy to bake, paint, and personalize with your favorite family photos. Seal them with Mod Podge to preserve the images and tie on a red ribbon for a timeless farmhouse Christmas touch.

Clear Glass Globe Photo Ornament

This clear glass globe photo ornament adds a timeless and elegant touch to your Christmas tree. Simply roll your printed photo into a glass ornament, then secure it with a small piece of double-sided tape to hold it in place. Finish the look with a velvet ribbon or bow for a cozy, vintage-inspired feel that makes every memory sparkle under the twinkle lights.

Rustic Wood Slice Photo Ornament

Bring natural farmhouse charm to your Christmas tree with this rustic wood slice photo ornament. Simply print your favorite family photo, mod podge it onto a smooth wood round, and finish with a jute twine hanger or bow. The warm wood tones and handmade texture make this ornament feel both timeless and cozy - a perfect keepsake for rustic or farmhouse-style holiday décor.

Clay Gingerbread Photo Ornaments

These clay gingerbread photo ornaments by The Bland House are as sweet as they look! Crafted from brown polymer or air-dry clay, each gingerbread figure features a mini photo "face" and white painted icing details. Stamp names and the year into the clay before baking to create personalized keepsakes that your family will treasure for years to come.

Glass Frame Photo Ornament

If you love a clean, modern look, this glass frame photo ornament is a beautiful way to showcase your family holiday card. Simply place a printed photo or mini card between two glass panes and secure it with a delicate frame or pressed-metal ornament holder. The result is a simple yet stunning keepsake that catches the twinkle of your tree lights and adds a personalized touch of elegance.

Nature-Inspired Photo Ornaments

These nature-inspired photo ornaments are perfect for anyone who loves earthy, organic holiday décor. Each frame is decorated with natural materials like mini pinecones, dried seed pods, or berries, creating a rustic woodland look. Pair your photos with a red or twine ribbon for hanging, and you'll have a beautiful ornament that feels both festive and handmade.

Mason Jar Lid Photo Ornaments

These mason jar lid photo ornaments are a timeless favorite for farmhouse-style Christmas trees. Simply insert your printed photos inside the jar lid rings, add a backing of burlap or kraft paper, and tie them with twine or ribbon. The metallic rims and vintage-inspired look pair perfectly with cozy, neutral holiday décor - and they're easy enough to make in an afternoon.

DIY Pasta Frame Photo Ornaments

These DIY pasta frame photo ornaments are a creative and nostalgic way to showcase cherished family photos on your tree. Made by gluing pasta noodles around small circular frames, then painting them in festive hues, these ornaments are full of charm and personality. The playful texture of the noodles, combined with vintage black-and-white photos, gives them a whimsical, handmade feel that's perfect for a family craft night.

DIY LEGO Wreath Photo Ornament

This DIY LEGO wreath photo ornament is a fun and festive craft for kids (and kids at heart!). Using green LEGO bricks to form a circular wreath shape, add red pieces for "berries," and attach a small photo in the center. Tie it with ribbon or string to hang on the tree. It's a playful and creative way to combine family memories with everyone's favorite building blocks!

DIY Photo Ornaments & Puzzles

These DIY photo ornaments and puzzles combine creativity and personalization for a fun family project. Each ornament is made from lightweight wood in festive shapes like stockings, gingerbread houses, and snow globes-perfect for displaying your favorite photos. For an extra playful touch, turn your printed photos into mini puzzles that fit right into the ornament frames. They make wonderful keepsakes and thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones.

Clear Snow Globe Photo Ornament

This clear snow globe photo ornament is a magical way to display cherished memories. Simply print and curl your photo to fit inside a clear plastic or glass ornament, then add faux snow and seal the top with a festive bow. The snowy effect gives your ornament a cozy, wintry charm that sparkles beautifully under the Christmas lights-perfect for baby's first Christmas or sentimental family photos.

Vintage Gold Frame Photo Ornament

This vintage gold frame photo ornament adds a timeless and elegant touch to your Christmas tree. Use a small round gold frame, slip in a favorite family or baby photo, and tie it with a soft velvet ribbon for a refined look. The warm metallic tones pair beautifully with flocked branches and neutral ornaments, giving your tree that classic heirloom feel while keeping your memories front and center.

Mini Framed Photo Ornaments

These mini framed photo ornaments give your Christmas tree a timeless, gallery-style look. Simply place small printed photos into miniature gold or bronze picture frames, then tie them with velvet or glittered ribbon for hanging. The warm metallic tones and vintage charm make them perfect for traditional or elegant holiday décor, and they're a beautiful way to highlight family portraits year after year.

This DIY Christmas collage photo ornament is a creative way to showcase multiple memories in one festive keepsake. Arrange several small photos into the shape of a Christmas tree, then add a star topper and the year for a personalized touch. It's a fun project for families who love documenting each holiday season - and it makes a perfect gift for grandparents or loved ones.

Colorful Bauble Frame Photo Ornament

Bring a burst of color to your Christmas décor with this colorful bauble frame photo ornament. Start with a simple photo frame and hot glue mini ornaments around the edges in bright shades of pink, green, gold, and red. Add a velvet ribbon bow for a soft, festive touch. This playful and glamorous ornament pairs beautifully with modern or maximalist holiday themes and makes a lovely handmade gift idea.

Candy-Inspired Whipped Clay Photo Ornament

This candy-inspired whipped clay photo ornament looks good enough to eat! Made with lightweight whipped clay in pastel pink, it's decorated with mini candy canes, gingerbread men, and heart embellishments for a sweet holiday touch. Use a red gingham ribbon to hang it and add a printed photo of your pet, kids, or favorite holiday moment. It's a cute and trendy DIY idea for anyone who loves the candyland Christmas aesthetic!

Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House Photo Ornaments

These popsicle stick gingerbread house photo ornaments are as sweet as they look! Made using simple craft sticks, paint, and family photos, they're decorated with glitter, pastel pom-poms, and mini star details to resemble candy houses. This DIY is perfect for kids to help with and makes a fun keepsake that captures your family's holiday memories in a whimsical, handmade way.

DIY Clay Gingerbread House Photo Ornament

This DIY clay gingerbread house photo ornament is as sweet as holiday crafting gets! Made with air-dry or polymer clay, this ornament features hand-shaped icing details, candy-inspired textures, and a tiny photo framed right in the center. Perfect for kids' photos or family memories, this whimsical project adds a bakery-style charm to your Christmas tree. Pair it with velvet ribbon for a polished, keepsake-worthy finish.

Clear Glass Photo Ornaments with Dried Flowers

These clear glass photo ornaments with dried flowers are elegant and timeless keepsakes. Simply slide a small printed photo inside a glass ornament and add dried petals, baby's breath, or confetti for a delicate touch. Finish with a soft silk ribbon for hanging. The combination of transparent glass, florals, and your favorite memories makes these ornaments perfect for minimalist, romantic, or farmhouse-style Christmas trees.

Popsicle Stick Storefront Photo Ornament

This popsicle stick storefront photo ornament is a fun and imaginative way to bring your family's holiday traditions to life. Shaped like a tiny Christmas shop, it features candy-striped paint, festive mini wreaths, and your favorite holiday photo framed right in the center. Hang it on the tree for a cheerful handmade touch or gift it as a personalized keepsake to family and friends.

Pom-Pom Trim Photo Ornaments

These pom-pom trim photo ornaments are a cheerful and cozy DIY project that adds warmth to your Christmas tree. Simply print your favorite family photos, mount them on cardstock, and line the edges with colorful pom-pom trim or festive ribbon. Add a bow or string for hanging, and you'll have the perfect handmade ornaments that combine nostalgia with a pop of playful texture.

Rustic Wood Slice Photo Ornaments

These rustic wood slice photo ornaments bring a cozy farmhouse charm to your Christmas tree. Use simple wood slices as the base, print small circular photos, and attach them with Mod Podge for a smooth, polished finish. Add a ribbon or twine for hanging, and you'll have timeless keepsakes that pair beautifully with natural greenery and warm gold holiday tones.

Mini Picture Frame Photo Ornaments

These mini picture frame photo ornaments are simple, elegant, and timeless. All you need are small metal or glass frames and a bit of twine or jute for hanging. Add your favorite photos - from wedding moments to family portraits - for a minimalist yet meaningful addition to your Christmas tree. These ornaments blend beautifully with rustic, modern, or vintage holiday decor.

Pastel Popsicle Stick Photo Ornament

This pastel popsicle stick photo ornament is a sweet and colorful take on the classic handmade photo frame. Painted in soft pink, peach, and mint tones, it's shaped like a little house and topped with a pom-pom trim and glittery star for extra festive flair. It's a wonderful craft for kids and families who love adding a pop of color and personality to their Christmas tree décor.

Popsicle Stick Train Photo Ornaments

All aboard the holiday express! These DIY popsicle stick train photo ornaments are a playful and colorful way to feature your little ones on the tree. Use craft sticks painted in pastel shades, add black paper wheels, and decorate with mini wreaths or Santa hats for extra holiday cheer. This adorable photo craft doubles as a keepsake and a fun family activity to do with kids.

Accordion Paper Rosette Photo Ornaments

Add a burst of color and texture to your tree with these accordion paper rosette photo ornaments. Made from festive patterned scrapbook paper, each rosette frames a small black-and-white family photo for a nostalgic and handmade look. These lightweight ornaments are easy to customize with different paper designs, making them perfect for large trees or DIY holiday gift tags.

Hand-Stitched Fabric Photo Ornament

Add a soft, handmade touch to your tree with a fabric DIY photo ornament. Print your favorite holiday photo on transfer paper and iron it onto a linen or cotton square. Embroider festive details - like a little tree hat or snowflakes - and finish with a red ribbon for hanging. This project blends cozy farmhouse charm with sentimental flair, making it a beautiful keepsake for years to come.

Popsicle Stick Sled Photo Ornaments

These adorable DIY photo ornaments are made using popsicle sticks and a bit of creativity! Build a tiny sled shape with wooden craft sticks, then decorate with patterned paper, paint, or glitter. Add a small photo of your child or pet to the center and finish with a twine loop for hanging. The result is a charming, homemade ornament that captures both nostalgia and holiday cheer - perfect for kids' craft days or family memory keepsakes.

Materials You'll Need to Make DIY Photo Ornaments

Before you start crafting, gather a few simple materials to bring your photo ornament ideas to life. Most of these supplies can be found at your local craft store or repurposed from items you already have at home:

• Printed photos: Use your favorite family snapshots or seasonal pictures, printed on photo paper for a crisp, vibrant finish.
• Clear ornaments, wood slices, or mason jar lids: These make perfect bases for your photo ornaments, depending on your style-rustic, modern, or classic.
• Mod Podge or photo transfer medium: Essential for sealing and protecting your photos while giving a smooth, glossy finish.
• Twine, ribbon, or string: Choose neutral jute for a farmhouse feel or satin ribbon for a more polished look.
• Scissors, glue, and paintbrushes: The basics for cutting, attaching, and sealing each ornament.
• Decorative extras: Add sparkle and charm with faux snow, glitter, greenery, small bows, or even a touch of gold paint.

If you're looking to stock up on affordable, high-quality craft supplies, check out Michaels' Christmas DIY section for everything from clear ornaments to Mod Podge-it's a great one-stop shop for holiday projects.

Tips for Making DIY Photo Ornaments Last

Preserving your handmade photo ornaments ensures they'll bring joy for many Christmases to come. Here are a few simple ways to keep them looking beautiful year after year:

• Seal and protect your photos: Always coat your finished ornaments with a thin layer of Mod Podge or a clear acrylic sealant to prevent fading, smudging, or moisture damage.
• Use high-quality prints: Print your images on premium photo paper or cardstock for crisp, vibrant results that won't deteriorate over time.
• Store with care: After the holidays, wrap each ornament in tissue paper or soft fabric and store them in a cool, dry place to avoid scratches or humidity damage.
• Mark each year: Add the date or a short note to the back of each ornament-it's a simple touch that turns your DIY project into a timeline of cherished family memories.

More Christmas DIY Posts You'll Love

If you enjoyed making these DIY photo ornaments, you'll love these other creative Christmas projects! Each one is simple, festive, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday home.

• 🎄 30 Pretty Christmas Lantern Ideas - Brighten up your porch or mantel with these cozy, glowing lantern designs.
• 🕯️ 35 Beautiful Farmhouse Christmas Front Porch Decor Ideas - Transform your entryway into a warm and welcoming winter wonderland.
• ❄️ 40 Christmas Window Box Ideas - Add festive curb appeal with greenery, ornaments, and twinkling lights.
• 🎁 DIY Christmas Plate Wall Ideas - Get creative with vintage plates and turn your wall into a holiday statement piece.
• 🌟 Cute Christmas Window Painting Ideas - Try easy window art projects to make your home sparkle from the outside in.

Keep exploring my Christmas category for more festive crafts, recipes, and décor ideas to fill your home with holiday cheer.

Final Thoughts on DIY Photo Ornaments

Creating DIY photo ornaments is more than just a holiday craft-it's a way to celebrate love, family, and cherished memories. Each ornament tells a story that brings warmth and nostalgia to your Christmas décor. Whether you lean toward rustic farmhouse charm or modern minimalism, there's a photo ornament here that fits your style.

As you hang your handmade creations this year, take a moment to reflect on the memories they represent. Your tree will become a living scrapbook, sparkling with joy, laughter, and love. So grab your photos, turn on some Christmas music, and start crafting your next favorite holiday tradition.

Until next time,