Wood Slice Christmas Ornament DIY (Free PDF printable template)

If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and budget-friendly Christmas craft for kids and adults, these Wood Slice Christmas Ornaments are the perfect choice. Using simple materials and a set of free PDF printable templates, you can create a beautiful collection of hand-painted holiday ornaments featuring all 12 Chinese Zodiac animals — rooster, monkey, dog, ox, pig, rat, rabbit, sheep, tiger, dragon, horse, and snake. These unique decorations will add a warm, rustic, and personalized touch to your Christmas tree.

Get your free printables at the bottom of this post

Materials Needed

• Round wood slices (you can replace them with thick cardboard)

• Carbon/transfer paper
• Free printable template (12 zodiac animals)
• Acrylic paints
• Thin paintbrush
• Black acrylic paint for outlining
• Decorative cord or twine
• Scissors
• Tape

How to Make Wood Slice Christmas Ornaments

1. Print and Prepare the Template

Download and print the free PDF template on white paper. It includes 12 circular designs — one for each zodiac animal.

Carefully cut out each circle.

2. Transfer the Image onto the Wood Slice

Place a piece of carbon paper on top of the wooden circle. Put your cut-out template on top and secure everything with tape.

Trace the outline of the animal with a pencil so the image transfers onto the wood.

3. Outline the Drawing

Using black acrylic paint and a thin brush, go over the transferred lines.

This makes the design crisp, clear, and ready for coloring.

4. Paint the Ornament

Use acrylic paints to color each animal. Choose traditional colors, experiment with bright shades, or add glitter for a festive sparkle.

5. Add the Hanging Loop

Cut decorative twine into 25 cm strips, fold each one into a loop, and tie a knot. Attach it through the pre-drilled hole or glue it to the back of the wood slice.

Your charming hand-painted Christmas ornaments featuring all 12 zodiac animals are ready! Each one has its own personality and makes your Christmas tree truly unique.

How to Use These Wood Slice Ornaments

These versatile ornaments can be used in many creative ways:

1. Christmas Tree Decorations

Hang them on your Christmas tree for a cozy, handmade look. The natural wood texture pairs beautifully with holiday lights and greenery.

2. Personalized Gift Tags

Attach them to presents for a memorable and reusable gift tag. Simply write the recipient’s name on the back.

3. Holiday Home Décor

Use them to decorate:

• Garlands
• Wreaths
• Mantel displays
• Shelves or wall hooks
• They bring a rustic, warm atmosphere to any room.

4. Table Setting Decorations

Place an ornament on each plate as a festive table setting accent. Guests can take them home as keepsakes.

5. Classroom or Kids’ Craft Activity

Perfect for school art classes, holiday workshops, or family crafting time. Kids love painting the little animals!

6. Small Holiday Gifts or Souvenirs

These ornaments make inexpensive but meaningful gifts for friends, coworkers, and neighbors — especially because they’re handmade.

With just a bit of paint and creativity, you can turn simple wood slices into beautiful holiday decorations. This Wood Slice Christmas Ornament DIY is not only easy but also incredibly fun — and the free printable template makes the process even simpler.

Download Free PDF printable template Wood Slice Christmas Ornament DIY

Enjoy crafting and decorating your Christmas tree with your handmade creations!