Thanksgiving should put all of in the mind frame of being thankful for the things we have–whether that is family, health or wealth. Around this time of year, I’m especially thankful for the people in my life that are my nearest and dearest. When I’m setting the Thanksgiving table this year, I’m adding a little extra with some custom place cards with these Thanksgiving photo transfer ornaments. This post was originally seen over at the lovely Made From Pinterest blog. Good people over there; you should visit.

They look super fancy, right? They look cool, but really, aren’t hard to make. Tucked into an napkin at a place setting, they are an excellent thankful addition to the table.

They work wonderfully as Christmas ornaments, too, if you want to be traditional about their use. In the free printable included in the instructions, there’s also a few tags with holiday sentiments on them. Add a bow or other piece of fanciness and they’re perfect for hanging.

How to Make Thanksgiving Photo Transfer Ornaments

Materials:

• Wooden ornaments
• White craft paint
• Matte gel Medium
• Laser printed images
• Printable tags
• Ribbon

You can pick up the blank wooden ornaments at just about any craft store. Start by painting them white; don’t forget the back!

Size down and photocopy (or print to laser printer) your favorite photos of your favorite people. The laser printer/copier part is pretty crucial…this project won’t work with inkjet prints.

Paint the front of your laser print photo with Matte Gel Medium.

Turn it over onto your ornament. Use a credit card or something similar to squeeze out all the bubbles and extra gel medium.

Wait about 12 hours for the gel medium to dry. Once completely dry, I found running the front of the ornament (with the paper) underwater and rubbing the paper off with my fingers was the easiest way to remove the paper. You might have to rub off, let dry and then rub again a time or two before all the paper comes off. You’ll also end up with a rustic-type look, as some of the image will rub off as well. This happens less with painted pieces; I found the images directly on the wood didn’t stick as well.

Add one of the “Thankful For” tags to the top of the ornament after it’s had time to dry and write in your loved one’s name.

After dinner is over, your guests can take the ornaments home as a memento of the day and an addition to their tree.

Related Ideas

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Fun Family Thanksgiving Activities

Holiday Christmas Photo Prop Tutorial

Creative Christmas Card Family Photos

How to Use Cricut Foil Transfer System

Starburst Ornament Tutorial

Handmade Holiday – DIY Ornaments

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