DIY Miniature Winter Window Christmas Tree Ornament

DIY Christmas Craft: Miniature Winter Window for Your Tree

This charming little ornament gives you a cozy winter view without any worries about the weather! This decoration is a fun project that can be embellished in many ways. This project involves some detail work, but the assembly is easy. I've made my winter window from thin plywood, but this ornament could also be made out of cardboard.

My finished window is about 3 1/2 inches tall and 4 inches wide with the shutters and window box (both of which are optional). I've included all my measurements below, but you can adjust these to make your own ornament.

Materials Needed

• Thin plywood: I bought a package of 1/8 inch plywood sheets at the craft store, but you could also use stiff cardboard or scrap wood.
• Small square dowel (optional): I used this as trim around my window, but this is optional.
• Decorative paper for your window: This could be a scene from a holiday card, an image of Santa peeking through the window, or just tissue paper.
• Appropriate glue: I used white craft glue and gel super glue for my assembly, but you could use wood glue or hot glue depending on your materials.
• Small decorations to embellish your window: You can find tiny wreaths and other little items at most big box craft stores.
• Proper cutting tool for your materials: I was able to cut my thin plywood with a utility knife.
• Thin ribbon, twine, or fishing line for hanging your ornament
• Small drill
• Acrylic paint and brush
• Pencil and ruler

Directions

1. Choose your materials and begin to cut your pieces, starting with the back piece of the window. My measurements are included in the photo above. This back piece also serves as the back of the window box. If you don't want to include a window box, make your back piece 3/4 inch shorter.

2. Optional: Cut out the pieces to form the window box. You will need two side supports to hold the box away from the back of the window. I made mine straight, but you can cut the front edge on an angle to give your window box a slanted front.

The bottom of the window box is optional since it won't really be seen, but it gives a finished look to your ornament.

3. Next, cut material for two shutters. My measurements are above.

4. Cut two back supports for your window. These supports will be attached across and perpendicular to the back of the window. The supports are wider than the window and the ends are cut on a slant to hold the shutters at an angle.

5. Drill a set of small holes in each back support to thread your ribbon or twine through (see step 14). Be sure your holes line up with one another.

6. Paint all your pieces. Be sure to cover all your edges and corners with paint, then let dry completely.

7. While your paint is drying, cut your paper with your window. Measurements are above.

8. Once your paint is dry, glue your decorative paper to your window surface. I used white craft glue for this step.

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9. Attach the side supports for your window box. Make sure they are level. Do not attach the front of your window box yet.

10. Optional: Cut and paint your trim pieces for your window. I used a small square dowel for this. I was able to cut the pieces with a utility knife. I glued them in place with super glue and a pair of tweezers.

11. Place and glue the items into your window box. I used small pieces of artificial greenery, some sequin, and some beads for my decorations. Be sure that your pieces are trimmed short enough that they do not cover or interfere with the area for your box bottom.

12. Glue the bottom of your window box in place (optional), then glue on the window box front. Make sure the front is level and even. Let your window box assembly dry completely before moving to the next step.

13. When your window box is dry, you can attach the back supports for your window. These should be glued perpendicular to the back of your window with the slanted edges hanging on each side (see photo above). Make sure your holes line up.

Place both supports so they will be hidden behind the shutters. Be sure to glue one support at the top of the window (mine should have been a little higher on my window).

14. When your supports are dry, thread your ribbon or twine through your holes and knot each side, creating a hanging loop. Make sure your knots are large enough so they won't slip through the holes.

15. Glue your shutters against the side supports. The top edge of your shutters should line up with the top of your window. I also ran some glue along the sides of my window to attach the shutters.

16. Optional: Glue your decoration on your window. You may not want to use a central decoration on your window if it will cover the image (like a Santa).

I used super glue and small beads to decorate my wreath before attaching it. You can just use small drops of gel super glue to hold the beads in place.

I hope this special ornament adds some holiday cheer to your home!

© 2020 Donna Herron

Comments

Donna Herron (author) from USA on November 19, 2020:

Thanks so much! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on November 18, 2020:

What a lovely ornament! It's so pretty and cheerful. It's a great Christmas decoration.

Donna Herron (author) from USA on November 18, 2020:

Thanks, Peggy! I'm so glad you like this ornament. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on November 18, 2020:

What a cute homemade ornament! Thanks for sharing the directions on how to make it. Enjoy your upcoming holidays, and stay safe!

Donna Herron (author) from USA on November 18, 2020:

Hi Heidi! Thanks so much for your comment. I've noticed some early decorating this year for Christmas. We plan to wait until after Thanksgiving, but I'm getting an early start with making some decorations. Hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on November 18, 2020:

How charming (as always)! I hear that with the crazy year we've had, it's being suggested that we decorate for the holidays early to bring on some good cheer for the end of the year. Why not?

If I don't connect beforehand, Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for sharing your talents with us!