The Perfect Gift: Etched Snowflake Ornaments in Birch

Birch snowflake ornaments! This is the 3rd (and last) project in our mini-series of cool things you can make with a wood burning/etching tool. Project 1 is here. Project 2 is here. Birch trees are just lovely for the holidays. Paired with a slip of ribbon or twine, an evergreen bough or two, and these little ornaments will instantly give your home a rustic, woodsy, holiday feel, and have you ready to greet the first snowfall with a big grin.

The interior of the birch branch was soft so etching was very easy and the process was very quick.

And these couldn’t be more affordable to make! You could cover your tree with them. Or hang them on doorknobs around the house. You could give a set to your niece who’s just settling into her first apartment. Use them as gift toppers, or give them as holiday party favors!

Don’t worry if drawing snowflakes isn’t your thing — feel free to copy mine! The designs I made are totally easy and simple to mimic.

Flex those fingers and let’s do this.

Supplies:

– etching tool
– birch branch
– bow saw
– drill and small drill bit
– ribbon or natural twine

First thing to do is to cut the branch into slices, the width of which is your choice. Honestly, the bow saw made it through the branch really easily but if you aren’t up for sawing, look for a friend with a power tool and a willingness to assist you. Real birch does peel a little and the sawed edges were a bit rough so I rubbed them down with a rag towel to soften the edges.

Use a pencil to draw the snowflakes on the cut pieces and then burn away.

When the flakes are done, use the drill to make a hole for a ribbon.

And finally, add the ribbon or twine to hang, and they are ready for the tree or gift topper. The red ribbon adds a very Christmas-y pop of color, but if you like a really natural tree, twine would keep the palette neutral.

And that’s it. Easy as pie. Just be sure to slice up plenty of birch, because these snowflake ornaments are so fun to make, you won’t want to stop. Speaking of which, don’t stop with snowflakes! You could etch any design you like. Wouldn’t a monogram be fun?

Happy Making!

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THESE SNOWFLAKE ORNAMENTS WOULD ALSO BE GREAT FOR:

– Simple neighbor gifts.
– Classmate gifts.
– Creating a garland of snowflakes, or you could spell out Happy Holidays.
– Party favors for your holiday party.

P.S. — Like to make gifts? Check out our Perfect Gift series.

 

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Text and images by Amy Christie for Design Mom.