Creating a wooden Christmas tree ornament holder is a great woodworking project that adds a personal touch to your holiday décor. It’s a simple yet effective way to display your favorite ornaments in a stylish and functional way. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create your own wooden ornament holder.
Materials Needed:
- Wood (1×6 or 1×8 pine board works well)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Drill with various-sized bits (for the dowels and screws)
- Small wooden dowels or branches (for the hanging rods)
- Saw (miter saw or hand saw)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Clamps
- Wood screws
- Pencil or marker
- Paintbrush (if using paint)
- Clear polyurethane finish (optional)
Tools:
- Saw (miter saw or hand saw)
- Drill with bits
- Sandpaper or sander
- Clamp
- Screwdriver or power drill
- Paintbrush (if painting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Plan Your Design
Decide on the size and shape of your ornament holder. A simple design consists of a base and vertical posts to hold the dowels. You could also add decorative elements, such as a star at the top or a few small wooden accents.
For a basic design:
- Cut the base board to about 12–18 inches long, depending on how many ornaments you want to display.
- The vertical supports should be about 8–12 inches tall (or more if you wish to create a larger holder).
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wood
Use your measuring tape or ruler to mark the wood for cutting.
- Cut the base board to the desired length.
- Cut the two vertical posts to your preferred height (usually around 8–12 inches).
- Optionally, cut some small decorative pieces to attach to the sides of the vertical supports or to the base for added stability and aesthetics.
Step 3: Sand the Edges
Once your pieces are cut, sand all edges smooth. This is an essential step to ensure there are no sharp or rough edges that could damage your ornaments or hurt you while handling the piece.
Step 4: Attach the Vertical Supports to the Base
Apply wood glue to the ends of the vertical posts and attach them to the base. Use clamps to hold them in place while the glue dries. For extra stability, you can also drill a small hole in the base and into the vertical post, then insert a screw to secure them together.
Step 5: Drill Holes for the Dowels
Once the vertical supports are firmly attached to the base, you’ll need to drill holes in the vertical supports to hold the dowels where your ornaments will hang.
- Mark evenly spaced points along the height of the vertical supports.
- Drill small holes just slightly larger than the dowels you’re using to allow them to fit snugly.
If you’re using branches, they can be slightly thicker, so adjust the hole size accordingly.
Step 6: Prepare the Dowels
Cut your wooden dowels or small branches to the desired length, depending on how many ornaments you plan to hang and how wide you want the holder to be. Aim for a dowel length that extends a few inches beyond the width of your ornaments.
Step 7: Attach the Dowels
Insert the dowels into the drilled holes on each vertical post. If the dowels are snug, they should fit securely without the need for glue. If they are loose, you can apply a small amount of wood glue inside the hole to secure them in place. Once they are in place, let the glue dry if used.
Step 8: Staining or Painting (Optional)
Once the structure is complete, you can choose to stain or paint the wood to match your décor. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can stain the wood with a walnut or oak stain. Alternatively, you can paint the holder in festive colors like red, green, or gold to make it stand out during the holiday season.
If you opt for a natural wood look, consider applying a clear polyurethane finish to protect the surface and enhance the wood’s appearance.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
For extra flair, you could add some small decorations such as a star, a bow, or pinecones to the top of the vertical supports. You could also place a few small wooden accents on the base to complement the overall design.
Step 10: Hang Your Ornaments
Now that your wooden ornament holder is assembled and dry, it’s time to hang your favorite ornaments on the dowels. The dowels should hold the ornaments securely, keeping them organized and on display without taking up space on your Christmas tree.
Tips for Success:
- Consider adding additional dowels if you plan to hang many ornaments.
- Make sure the dowels are spaced adequately to accommodate ornaments of different sizes.
- If you’re looking to make the holder more festive, add a few small decorative touches such as pine garlands or twinkling lights.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-stained wood to skip the staining step and reduce overall project time.
Conclusion
Creating a wooden Christmas tree ornament holder is an enjoyable and rewarding project that enhances your holiday decorations. With just a few basic materials, tools, and some creativity, you can design and build a custom ornament holder that will be a cherished part of your Christmas tradition for years to come.
For more woodworking inspiration and ideas, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course for expert guidance and plans that can help you tackle even more intricate projects. You can find it here: Ted’s Woodworking Course.