Do you know how easy it is to make this gorgeous napkin ornament? With just a few minutes, you can learn how to make a napkin ornament that will be one of your new favorite Christmas crafts!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure policy HERE.
I cannot tell you how many people think that I hand-paint these ornaments! They look stunning with so little effort, and that’s my favorite kind of craft.
Napkin ornaments are addicting and would make great gifts, or items to sell at craft fairs! They’re an excellent way to make unique ornaments for your tree too.
I also used this same method to make GORGEOUS napkin pumpkins for easy DIY Fall decor! Can’t believe how pretty they turned out!
How do you make Napkin Ornaments?
Step 1: Gather your supplies.
You will need:
- Wood Slice Ornaments (I used these.)
- Paper Napkins (these are not the ones I used, but would work and are super cute with cardinals!)
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Step 2: Line up the design.
The easiest way to line up the design you want from the napkin onto the wood slice ornament, is to lay the napkin over the top of the wood slice, and press down on all sides. This will make indentations on the napkin, so you know how large of a circle to cut out.
Step 3: Separate the napkin.
This is the KEY to getting this craft to work. Napkins always have more than one ply. Gently rub a corner to get them to separate and then carefully pull it off. Some are just two-ply, while others, like these, are three-ply. The thinner you can make the paper, the better.
Then cut out an oversized circle of the design you want from the napkin.
Step 4: Put a layer of Mod Podge onto the wood slice.
Use a paintbrush and paint on a smooth, but generous layer of Mod Podge onto the wood slice ornament. The wood is un-treated, so it will soak up the Mod Podge, so be liberal, and work quickly.
I also used these wood slice ornaments to make these ADORABLE Snowman Ornaments. They’re super easy and adorable!
Step 4: Press on the napkin.
Gently, and carefully lay your napkin circle on top of the mod-podged wood slice ornament. Use your fingers to press the napkin down and smooth it out. Make sure to press out any wrinkles or bubbles.
Step 5: Mod Podge the top of the napkin.
Use the paintbrush and paint another layer of Mod Podge to the top of the napkin. Make sure to cover it completely, even to the very edges.
Then, use your scissors to trim around the edges as close to the bark on the wood slice ornament as possible. Use your fingers to press around the outside of the wood slice ornament to pull off any napkin the scissors couldn’t get. It should look like the above when it’s finished.
Step 6: Add the hanger.
While the Mod Podge was still wet on top, use a toothpick or something similar to poke down into the hole in the ornament.
The wood slice ornaments I bought came with twine, so I used that to make my ornament hangers for these napkin ornaments.
When they dry, they will look like the above picture. The white of the napkin is all but gone, and you can clearly see the wood-grain through the design. I love how this napkin ornament turned out, and I can’t wait to try more designs!
Want some more seasonal DIY projects?
- Napkin Pumpkin – Use a similar method to make this AWESOME napkin pumpkin for DIY fall decor!
- Doily Ornaments – Turn old doilies into awesome ornaments this Christmas!
- Flannel Trees – One of THE most popular posts on my site are these adorable flannel trees!
There are so many fun designs that will make each of these wood slice napkin ornaments all unique and different! Use the napkins I did, or find your own and get crafting!
These mod podge ornaments turned out great! Excited to discover your blog today via Pinterest.
I’m so happy to hear that!!! I’m glad you found me too! =)
I love this idea. So cute especially when you are short on $. Thank you.
That was my thought exactly. So glad you love it!
Is it best to use napkins that have mostly white? Would using a color loose the wooden/painted effect?
You will lose most of the wood grain if you do that, but they still turn out awesome!
This is do pretty. . Thank you. I plan on making them for 2020 Christmas.
Kath
I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
I love this idea! Can’t wait to try a few myself!
Hooray!
Have you ever made them using fresh cut wood? I assume the wood needs to dry first?
Thanks!
I haven’t but any dried wood will work!
So Cute! Great Idea.
We will not be with our family of 17 this Christmas so I’m going to print out a photo of each family member and glue one photo to each of the wooden circles then hang them on the tree. It will be a very different Christmas for us this year but I will still have my family around the tree!
I love that! Not that you won’t get to be with your family, but that you’re bringing your family together in a special way.
Is there a secret to keeping the napkin smooth
I start from the top and slowly smooth the design down with my finger. Just go slowly =)
Hi, I’m going to make these with the family this year. They look so good! What size wood ornament did you use? It looks like they come in different sizes. Thank you!
Awesome! I updated the product link in the post to reflect the ones I used. Hope that helps!!
For coasters you will want to use a resin coating
Hi I made coasters with napkins. What can I put on the napkin after the modge podge is dry. I sell the coasters but when the person put a cold class of cool drink on it everything came off. Is there something you can brush over or spray so it would not come off.
I don’t know definitively without doing some testing, as this is just a tutorial for Christmas tree ornaments, but maybe try polyurethane or clear spray paint?