Looking for ideas for DIY Christmas decor? Here’s a simple project you can make in minutes—this handmade framed ornament.

A sheet of vintage-style black and white Christmas cards featuring images of Santa, Christmas trees, houses, and festive greetings such as “A Merry Christmas” and “Joyeux Noël” with pinecone decorations.

Remember when I mentioned it was going to be a handmade Christmas this year?

Here’s today’s DIY Christmas decor edition.

And the best part?

I created this free downloadable that you can use for the project.

Are you wondering what we’re going to make from them?

What if I told you it’s a five-minute decor idea that’s so easy?

What if I told you that you could make it even if you aren’t crafty?

Are you ready for a little Christmas project?

Oh, good.

Because I took this free downloadable and turned it into this.

A close-up of a Christmas tree ornament shaped like a picture frame, displaying "A Merry Christmas" with festive greenery. White branches and part of a Santa Claus figurine are visible in the background.

A framed Christmas ornament.

Or it could be a present topper.

Or a fun gift for someone special.

Or you could add these frames to a wreath.

Here’s the step-by-step (but pay close attention because if you blink, you’ll miss it).

A close-up of two rectangular glass lockets with rose gold metal frames and chains, lying on a white surface. One locket is open, showing the glass inside.

DIY Christmas Decor: Handmade Framed Ornament

supplies:

these free downloadables

(they are in the shop, but they are free–you just add to cart and check out you don’t need to add payment info or anything like that and I fixed the shipping so there shouldn’t be any charge)

these ornament frames

A pair of scissors is cutting a sheet of printed black-and-white holiday labels featuring images of a Christmas tree with presents and Santa Claus holding a lantern.

1. Download prints

Get the prints from the shop (for FREE) and print out on heavy-duty white or cream cardstock.

You can see the prints here (make sure to click local shipping when you check out so you don’t pay any shipping)!

I designed them to fit into the frames, which measure 3″ long by 2″ wide.

Cut out each of the individual prints.

A close-up of two rectangular glass lockets with rose gold metal frames and chains, lying on a white surface. One locket is open, showing the glass inside.

//ornament frames //

2. Put the chain on the frames

The frames come with chains that need to be attached to the top.

There are two pieces of glass in the frame and a hinge on one side that makes them easy to open.

I ordered them in the Rose Gold so they’d look a little more vintage, but you can get them in plain gold and silver, too.

You can see the frames here.

A gold locket with a chain is open to reveal a card inside that reads "A Merry Christmas" with decorative holly and pine illustrations. More similar lockets are visible in the background.

A gold-framed glass ornament with a chain displays the words "A Merry Christmas" in decorative script, partially visible against a white background.

3. Insert the print

Open up the frame and place the print inside.

I added two of each print in case you wanted to make them double-sided.

There’s a little lock on the side that slides shut.

Slide it shut and your ornament is ready to hang.

Four vintage-style locket ornaments with copper chains; each features a black-and-white Christmas illustration, including Santa, a Christmas tree, "A Merry Christmas," and "Joyeux Noël" greetings.

A framed vintage illustration of Santa Claus holding a sack is hanging on a white Christmas tree, surrounded by white branches and festive decorations, including a Santa ornament on the left.

I also came up with a few other ideas for the frames that you could use for Christmas.

Here are some other things you could frame:

  • old Christmas cards
  • wrapping paper
  • prints of family or individual photos (this would make a great stocking tag)
  • monograms
  • scrapbook paper
  • Christmas music sheets
  • fabric swatches
  • Christmas quote or scripture

A heraldic crest features a shield with two oak trees and two diagonal stripes, ornate leaf-like scrollwork, a fleur-de-lis at the top, and a banner at the bottom displaying the name "WOOD.

You could also create a family crest and frame it.

I created this family crest for the Ralph Lauren Christmas in the living room.

Wouldn’t this look so cute in mini frames on the tree?

A close-up of a Christmas tree ornament shaped like a picture frame, displaying "A Merry Christmas" with festive greenery. White branches and part of a Santa Claus figurine are visible in the background.

See what I mean?

Isn’t DIY Christmas decor so much more fun?

Especially when it’s great for the budget and only takes five minutes and makes your Christmas instantly cuter.

Have you tried this before?

I’d love to hear if you’ve framed something else.

We Christmas decorators have to stick together.

PS If you missed where to get the FREE downloadables, you can see the prints here (and I fixed the shipping, so there shouldn’t be any charge).

Disclosure: Affiliate links are used in this post.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: November 7, 2025

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  1. Image for Kathleen Madison O'Neil Kathleen Madison O'Neil

    * * * Brilliant and charming. Love this gorgeous presentation. Thank you so much for sharing. * * * Have a Beautiful Day. :)

    Reply
  2. Image for Mary Olson Mary Olson

    I just attempted to get the free download from your shop and when I went to check out I was charged an 8.95 shipping fee. So it’s really no free.

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      I just fixed it! I'm so sorry! I had it listed as a physical product, but it's all fixed now! I'll email you a copy! I'm so so sorry! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  5. Image for Debra Debra

    I love this! Already ordered the frames, but when buying the download it doesn’t give me the local option to avoid the shipping fee.

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      I just fixed it! I'm so sorry! I had it listed as a physical product, but it's all fixed now! I'll email you a copy! I'm so so sorry! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  6. Image for Diana C Diana C

    KariAnne I love this post. I bought some of these frames at HL I think this year and didn't know what to do with them. I also keep the front of my Christmas cards every year that are pretty. I can use those but may also use your download! Thank you thank you!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      I just fixed it! I'm so sorry! I had it listed as a physical product, but it's all fixed now! I'll email you a copy! I'm so so sorry! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      I just fixed it! I'm so sorry! I had it listed as a physical product, but it's all fixed now! I'll email you a copy! I'm so so sorry! Happy day! KariAnne

      Reply
  11. Image for JC JC

    So sweet! Thank you friend for the free downloads and frame link. Wondering if I can put a bit of rub and buff on the rose gold frame to make it look like vintage brass.🤔 That would match more of my decor.

    Reply
  13. Image for Eileen White Eileen White

    I “bought” the free downloads thru the Shop, but how do I get them? I guess I’m being dense this morning!!!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Eileen, You should get an email with the link to download it! Let me know if you don't get it and I'll send it to you via email! Happy day! KariAne

      Reply
  14. Image for Michele M. Michele M.

    Oh I just love that!!!!!! Wondering if you also have colored print outs - or just the black/white/grey scale? GREAT idea. Love love love this.

    Reply
  15. Image for Debbie Debbie

    What a cute idea!! I can think of so many things that I would put in these frames, especially a beautiful family picture. Thank you for this idea KariAnne!

    Reply
  17. Image for Mary-Beth Mary-Beth

    Beautiful! Thanks for the free download! Migh pressed flowers in the frames. The possibilities are endless!

    Reply

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