How to: Hand Painted Monogrammed Ornaments
Jaime from That’s My Letter here to share a handmade ornament as part of the Très Frugal gift ideas series running all through November.
Today I’m sharing how to make a simple circular handpainted monogrammed ornament with a metal frame.
You can choose nearly any font for the monogram, the thicker the letters the easier it is to paint. Â You’ll get the best results if you use a small, fine brush, go slow, and have a steady hand. Â Then you’ll be making monogrammed ornaments for all your friends and family this holiday season:
The circular wood discs are readily available at most craft stores and the stainless steel metal hose clamp adds the perfect frame and weight to the ornament. Â It’s the perfect combination of wood, metal and fabric with the added ribbon:
Supplies:
- 3″ wood discs
- adjustable metal hose clamp (be sure it clamps down to 3″ diameter)
- acrylic craft paint
- small, fine round paint brush
- computer & printer
- ballpoint pen
- flat head screwdriver
- wire cutters
- jute string
- ribbon
 Instructions:
Step 1: Print out your desired monogram and font to fit the 3″ wood circle. Â I used American Typewriter font at 100 point here and up above Monogram KK font at 75 and 100 point.
Step 2: Fold the printed monogram in half to find the middle and line up the fold with the middle of the wood circle.
Step 3: Using a ballpoint pen and lots of pressure trace the outline of the letters. Â See the results below, the pressure of the pen leaves a slight indent in the wood:
Step 4: Using acrylic paint and a fine brush, paint on and inside the indent.
Step 5: Place the wood circle inside a metal clamp and use a flat head screwdriver to tighten the clamp around the wood.
Step 6: To trim excess from clamp use a wire cutter and bend off excess about 1″ from the gear.
Step 7: The excess has been removed and now we are left with a short, sharp metal tail. Â (Not so safe!)
Step 8: Grab the short tail with the end of the wire cutters and bend it under itself to tuck away for a smooth edge. Â See the results below:
Step 9: Thread jute string under the metal tail portion and around the entire gear leaving the ends long to make a hanging loop for the ornament.
Step 10: Tie decorative ribbon around front of gear (this keeps the jute string in place and adds a nice finishing touch).
This handpainted monogrammed ornament would also make a great party favor or placecard at your holiday table.
A simple personalized holiday gift that costs about $3.00 per ornament in supplies, now that’s Très Frugal.
Says you have too many subscribers to your newsletter. Love your ideas!
Do you have to add these as a font in Word?
Cute idea. Great tutorial. So, how much do the hose clamps cost? (Approx.)
Thank you so much! I have an ornament exchange to do and had no idea what to do. This is perfect!!