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DIY Monogram Ornament


*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive compensation at no added cost to you. 

Every year, our little family goes out on a hunt to find the perfect ornament. Last year, it was a few. There was the personalized snowman with little A's birth information on it (my favorite), a picture frame ornament to put little A's picture in, and an "A" initial, also for little A. This year, I wanted to try and make our very own ornament. One that we could look at one day and remember that Christmas.

I couldn't think of an ornament right away. I'm sort of a perfectionist. I don't settle for easy. So, I was on a hunt in the imagination store in my brain. It didn't take long before I thought of an initial ornament. Once the basis of my ornament was decided, I began wondering how this ornament would look. Would it be simple? Cute? Or would it be elegant?

It finally came to me. Simple, cute and elegant all rolled into one. I had read about Armour Etch* a few times before, but I was always worried that I would somehow mess up any project I decided on if I used it. After contemplating, I decided that I had to try it. I didn't care if I messed up the project, I was going to try this product! 



This entire project took about 3 hours to complete, sans interruption. You will need:
  • Armour Etch*
  • Q-Tip
  • A glass ornament 
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Small ribbon
  • Large ribbon
  • Rhinestones
  • Glue Gun
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Candle
  • Gloves 
  • Protective eyewear
  • Pencil


Out of the large and small ribbon, make a boutique style bow. You can find many informative YouTube videos on how to make boutique bows. I created a pinwheel, surround a bow, and a boutique bow.


Grab your glass ornament and clean it thoroughly with the glass cleaner. Make sure it is completely dry before using the Armour Etch*. 


 Once your ornament is clean, find a surface that will allow your ornament to stay in place. As you can see from the above pictures, I chose painter's tape. Next, you will need to cover enough surface area for your design with wax. Rub the candle around the area thoroughly. This will act as a barrier for any place you don't want the etching cream to etch into. 
Use any picture, letter or template that you would like your ornament to have on it. I chose our initial. After you've traced the outline of the picture and any holes, use the pencil to scratch out the desired shape of the design.


Put on your gloves and protective eyewear! With the q-tip, place Armour Etch* onto the design you have created. Let it sit for about five minutes. This allows for a more frosted look. When your alarm goes off, rinse the etching cream off with water. Using a lighter, quickly go around your design, which melts the wax off. After the etching cream has come fully off of the ornament, it is safe to take off the protective wear.



Find the specific size rhinestones that you wish to use. I used an assortment of rhinestone sizes. Place the rhinestones wherever you feel looks best to you. Large rhinestones on the outside is what I chose.




Next, cut a piece of your small ribbon, about 7 inches, for the hook. Using your glue gun, glue the ribbon closed onto the opening of the ornament. Lastly, glue the bow onto the top of the ornament, and you're done!

Sit back and enjoy how beautiful your ornament looks on your Christmas tree. Or give it as a gift! Whichever you prefer.

Do you and your family choose new ornaments each year? Which are your favorites?

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