DIY Painted Wooden Christmas Ornaments

25 Ornaments in December: Number 11

When I received my assigned blogger for the Arkansas Women Bloggers handmade ornament swap, I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Jessica, from Life with the Bauer Bunch, is such a sweetheart and following her family blog is delightful; her children are adorable and sweet and I’m sure, perfect angels all of the time.

But, really, the thing I was most excited about; Nora’s hair. I mean…look. That curly blonde hair. Those cherub cheeks. I just want to squish her, which would be totally awkward for her since we haven’t met.

I knew that I had to make something that included around all three kids (playing favorites is SO not cool, right?). I also knew that blonde curly hair was a must.

This photo was my inspiration. At first, I thought Nora was laughing here but Jessica says she was throwing a fit. I can’t believe it-those cheeks! How could they ever be sad or tear stained? And, the boys look completely unfazed.

Here’s what I came up with:

Making them was fairly easy. Except, how exactly does one paint buffalo plaid? I’m not a great painter but I think it worked in the end with a little help from a fine-point marker. Also note that I added a pocket to Nathan’s shirt. Yes, Thom, that’s a pocket.

Supplies were few and easy to find: wooden doll figures from the hobby store, acrylic paints, clear finishing spray, screw eyes from the hardware, and some ribbon for hanging. Oh, and blonde curly hair also from the hobby store (in the doll making section).

I didn’t prep the dolls at all. Just mixed up some ivory paint with a little brown for skin tone, painted Nora’s head/face and dress, boy’s hair next, clothes last.  Dry time was quick. All were painted and dried within two hours max. Thom drilled tiny holes in the top and screwed in the little eyelets. He also finished the dolls with a clear sealant for a shiny, sealed finish.

Fluffed and shaped for that classic Nora style. Drew on facial features with a pencil and later painted.I may have played around with them a bit before packing them up.

I couldn’t resist recreating the Bauer kids pose one last time-but instead of crying, Nora is knocked over by her own sweetness. It’s okay, kiddo, I’ve got ya!