Are you a fan of all things vintage? Do you love the charm and nostalgia of old-fashioned ornaments? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make your own vintage looking ornaments that will add a touch of yesteryear to your holiday decor. From distressed paint finishes to antique-inspired designs, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create beautiful and unique ornaments that will be the envy of all your friends and family. So dust off your craft supplies and get ready to bring a little vintage charm into your home this holiday season!
I’ve been sharing a lot of traditions that we do in my household this week. But, this tradition has a soft spot in my heart. This was a tradition that was actually started by my Great Aunt. I have to admit that I think my Great Aunt would’ve been a fantastic crafty blogger herself if she had the chance. She was the epitomie of craftiness from what I can remember. I remember my Mom getting the most beautiful and intricate ornaments I had ever seen. They were all different colors and decorated with jewels, ribbons, and sequins. I later learned that all the ornaments were hand made… each and everyone of them by my Great Aunt. Some of the ornaments look painstakingly beautiful. You can tell that hours if not days were put into a single ornament. From the first time I saw these, I fell in love with them. I also fell in love with the fact that my Great Aunt had taken the time to make such a beautiful ornament by hand as well as the uniqueness of each and every beautiful one that hung from the tree. I decided many years ago that I would make some of my own Vintage Looking Ornaments to pass down to my daughters and then one day they would truly be vintage.
Here’s just a few of the ornaments that she made. The bottom right hand one I’m sure took a couple of days to make. Aren’t they beautiful? My mom also has a set of miniature ornaments that fill up and entire 2 1/2 foot tree. Do you want to make your own Vintage Like Ornaments? You just need a couple of materials and it’s pretty simple.
VINTAGE LOOKING ORNAMENTS
Here’s What You Need:
- Satin Ornament Ball (They need to be the foam balls and not the plastic ones.)
- Ribbon/Trim
- Pearls, Sequence, or any Embellishment
- Push Pins (LOTS)
Step 1: Find some vintage or non vintage trim/ribbon. You could even use fabric. Measure and wrap the trim around the ornament. Pin in place with a push pin. How you pin the trim in place is up to you. A lot of times, I will put a pearl on the end like you see above. However, you can also use a combination of sequins and pearls like the bottom right hand ornament.
Step 2: Continue to embellish however you wish! That’s the true beauty of these ornaments.
For this ornament, I used some very vintage trim that my Grandmother gave me that I have held onto forever. The detail in the trim is amazing and one of those things that you just can’t find today.
I love how this turned out and it will be added to the collection of vintage ornaments that my Great Aunt and I have already made. Go ahead and make some vintage like ornaments of you own. You know, they also make great gifts themselves or maybe as an added decoration on top of a present.
Creating vintage looking ornaments can be a fun and creative way to add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday decor. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can easily make your own unique ornaments that capture the charm and beauty of vintage designs. Whether you choose to use old photographs, vintage fabric scraps, or antique trinkets, the possibilities are endless. So gather your materials, get crafting, and let your creativity shine. We would love to see what you create, so don’t forget to share your vintage ornaments with us in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key elements to consider when creating vintage looking ornaments?
Color palette: Choose muted, earthy tones such as sepia, brown, cream, and faded pastels to give your ornaments an aged look.
Material selection: Opt for materials like distressed wood, tarnished metal, or weathered ceramic to achieve an authentic vintage feel.
Texture: Incorporate textured elements like crackle finishes, distressed edges, or worn-out patterns to add depth and character to your ornaments.
Decorative motifs: Use classic vintage motifs such as filigree designs, floral patterns, or art deco shapes to evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Aging techniques: Apply aging techniques like distressing with sandpaper or applying a patina finish to give your ornaments an antique appearance.
Packaging: Consider using vintage-inspired packaging like old-fashioned boxes or delicate tissue paper to enhance the overall aesthetic of your ornaments.
What types of materials and tools are commonly used in making vintage-style decorations?
Fabric: Vintage-style decorations often incorporate fabrics like lace, silk, and linen. These can be used to create curtains, tablecloths, and pillow covers.
Wood: Antique wooden furniture and accessories are a staple of vintage decor. You can use reclaimed or distressed wood to make shelves, frames, and other decorative pieces.
Metal: Brass, copper, and wrought iron are frequently used in vintage-style decorations. You can find vintage-inspired metal hardware, such as drawer pulls and doorknobs, to add an authentic touch.
Paper: Vintage-style decorations often feature paper elements like old photographs, postcards, and sheet music. You can also use patterned scrapbook paper to create banners or embellishments.
Are there any specific techniques or tips for distressing or aging ornaments to achieve that vintage look?
Start by selecting the right materials: Choose ornaments made of wood, metal, or ceramic as they are more easily distressed. Avoid using delicate materials like glass.
Sanding and scraping: Use sandpaper or a sanding block to gently distress the surface of the ornament. Focus on areas that would naturally wear over time, such as edges and corners. You can also use a scraper or knife to create small scratches or dents for added authenticity.
Staining or painting: Apply a thin coat of stain or paint in a color that complements the vintage aesthetic you want to achieve. Use a dry brush technique to create an uneven and faded appearance. Wipe off excess stain or paint with a cloth for a more aged effect.
