What Is Ornament Painting
Painting ornaments is a simple holiday craft where children decorate unfinished ornament shapes using paint and basic tools. These ornaments can be displayed year after year, making them meaningful keepsakes. The activity works well for many ages because it allows for open creativity. Each ornament becomes a personal expression rather than a copied design. As a result, children feel proud of what they create.
Why Painting Ornaments Matters
Holiday seasons can feel busy, but art creates space for calm and connection. Painting ornaments invites children to slow down and focus on one small surface. It also helps them practice careful brush control without pressure. Families often cherish these ornaments because they capture a moment in time. Over the years, those small creations become treasured memories.
Setting Up a Simple Holiday Painting Space
This activity works best with a clean, simple setup. Choose a space where paint spills are okay and cover the surface with a cloth or paper. Have children wear paint-friendly clothing or smocks so everyone can relax. Place materials at table height so kids can work comfortably. A calm setup makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Ornament Painting Supplies
You only need a basic paint kit to get started:
- Unfinished wooden ornaments in any shape
- Kid-safe, non-toxic acrylic paint
- A few paintbrush sizes, including small detail brushes
- Paint palette or paper plate
- Water jar and napkins for brush cleaning
- Optional glitter for added sparkle
Wood ornaments work especially well because they are sturdy and easy to paint.
Choosing Colors for Holiday Ornaments
Children can choose any colors that inspire them. Some enjoy traditional holiday colors, while others prefer bright or unexpected combinations. Both choices are equally valuable. If glitter is used, it works best when applied to wet paint. Limiting colors to three or four options can help children stay focused while still feeling creative.
Tips for a Relaxed Painting Experience
Encourage children to paint freely without aiming for perfection. Remind them that ornaments do not need to look a certain way to be special. Allow paint layers to dry if children want to add details. Keep the focus on enjoyment rather than finishing quickly. That mindset keeps the activity joyful.
Want More Support and Structure
For deeper guidance and creative structure, explore my books and art teaching resources. You will find simple painting setups, kid-safe material suggestions, and ideas that make seasonal art easy to repeat.
A Short Cut Just for You
Once you see how much your students love painting, you’re going to want to include it as a regular part of your curriculum. My Kids Painting Practice & Process Curriculum has 57 master lessons that walk students through everything they need to know to be successful at painting, from setting up a paint station and holding a brush all the way to creating beautiful nature landscapes and painting different types of animals!
Each lesson is part of a sequence and includes all the components, tips, materials lists, and instructions you need to ensure you will be able to actually teach your students to become skilled painters. All you have to do is simply follow the instructions and easily present the activities to your students.
Kids Painting Practice & Process Curriculum sets the foundation for their art education and will help them transform into little artists! To purchase the curriculum, click here.
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