How to Make a Festive Hot Cocoa Ornament for Your Christmas Tree
As the temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm mug of hot cocoa. This year, why not bring that comforting feeling to your Christmas tree with a delightful Hot Cocoa Round Ornament? In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this charming DIY ornament that’s sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday decor.
If you prefer to watch rather than read, check out this YouTube video.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we dive into the crafting, let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. You will want to gather the following items:
- Hot Cocoa Mug Ornament DIY Wood Cut-Outs
- Delta Ceramcoat Paints in Caribbean Blue, Titanium White, Apple Red, and Grey Frost
- Tooli-Art Markers
- Painting sponges
- Paint tray
- Twine or string
- Masking or painters tape
- Scrap cardboard (a box lid works great)
- Baby wipes or a damp rag
- Paint brushes
- Water for rinsing brushes
- Exacto knife
- Art Institute Precision Craft Glue or your preferred glue
Preparing the Base
Let’s start by painting the base of our Hot Cocoa Ornament. For this project, we’ll be using a light blue base, which you can achieve by applying a couple of coats of the Caribbean Blue paint.
To keep your edges as clean as possible, it’s best to paint from the center outward, rather than starting from the edges. This technique will help you maintain a crisp, professional-looking finish. If you find that the first coat isn’t quite opaque enough, simply apply a second coat, allowing it to dry in between.
Once the base is painted, you can use an Exacto knife to create clean, defined lines along the “shiplap” design elements. Simply run the blade along the grooves, and the lines will pop out beautifully.
Painting the Mug
Next, let’s tackle the mug portion of the ornament. This piece features red and white stripes on the handle, so we’ll be using a combination of brushwork and the sponge technique to achieve the desired effect.
For the main body of the mug, you can use a paintbrush to apply the Apple Red paint. Be mindful of the edges, and use a clean brush to gently pull any excess paint away from the borders.
When it comes to the striped handle, you can use the Tooli-Art Markers to create the red and white lines. The markers will allow you to achieve crisp, clean stripes without the risk of bleeding over the edges.
If you find that the red paint isn’t covering as evenly as you’d like, don’t hesitate to go over it with a second coat. Just be sure to let the first layer dry completely before adding the next.
Incorporating the Details
Now that the base and mug are painted, it’s time to add the final details to our Hot Cocoa Ornament. We’ll be using the sponge technique to apply the white accents, as well as the Tooli-Art Markers to fill in the spoon.
For the white elements, lightly dab your sponge into the Titanium White paint, then dab it onto a palette to remove any excess. This will help you achieve a thin, even application without overloading the surface. Apply the white paint in light, gentle strokes, being careful not to fill in any of the engraved lines that need to remain visible.
To paint the spoon, switch to the Grey Frost paint and use a brush to apply it evenly. You can use your finger to gently smooth out any edges that may have gotten a bit too thick.
Adding the Finishing Touches
With the painting complete, it’s time to assemble our Hot Cocoa Ornament. Start by carefully positioning the various wood pieces onto the base, using the Art Institute Precision Craft Glue to secure them in place.
Remember, the cutouts should be slightly smaller than the engraved areas, so the edges are fully covered. If you happen to make a mistake and get a bit of glue visible, don’t worry – it will dry clear, so you can easily touch it up.
Once the ornament is assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touch – the hanging loop. To do this, you’ll need a piece of twine or string. Start by feeding it through the wooden bead, then thread it through the hole in the ornament. Tie a knot to secure the loop, and you’re almost done!
Creating a Festive Bow
For the final step, we’ll be adding a charming bow to our Hot Cocoa Ornament. This is a simple technique that can really elevate the overall look of the piece.
Cut a length of ribbon, approximately 8 inches long, and fold it into a “U” shape. Pinch the center and pull the ends through the loop to create a basic bow shape. Adjust the loops and tails as needed to achieve the desired look.
To secure the bow, thread the ends of the ribbon through the loop in the ornament’s hanging string, then pull the bow down tight. Tie a small knot to hold the bow in place, and you’re all set!
Displaying Your Hot Cocoa Ornament
Now that your Hot Cocoa Ornament is complete, it’s time to find the perfect spot on your Christmas tree to showcase it. The vibrant colors and charming design will add a cozy, festive touch to your holiday decor.
As you hang your ornament, take a moment to admire your handiwork. The process of creating this piece from start to finish is truly rewarding, and you can take pride in the fact that you’ve made a unique, personalized decoration for your home.
Don’t forget to make a warm mug of hot cocoa to enjoy while you admire your creation! The combination of the ornament and a comforting cup of cocoa is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Explore More Festive DIY Crafts
If you enjoyed making the Hot Cocoa Ornament, be sure to check out the other easy-to-make DIY craft kits available in the Janet’s Craft Corner shop. From holiday-themed decor to year-round projects, there’s something for every crafter to enjoy.
You can also connect with Janet’s Craft Corner on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest tutorials, product releases, and creative inspiration:
Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of hot cocoa!
