Rekindle the magic of Christmas past with these easy DIY vintage ornaments.

Jump to How to Make DIY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

A snow-covered Christmas tree, adorned with DIY vintage Christmas ornaments and clock faces in gold, stands proudly on the porch of a dark blue house. A garland spelling "PORCH TIME" adds charm, while greenery from a nearby bush peeks through in the foreground.

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Vintage Christmas Ornament Ideas

My love affair for all things vintage has led me to create unique Christmas ornaments that whisper stories from the past. Over the years, I’ve transformed simple materials into nostalgic treasures – breathing new life into Dollar Tree plastic ornaments with careful brushstrokes of acrylic paint, delicate vintage embellishments, and hand-painting glass ornament with my personal touch.

This year’s project holds a special place in my heart. Inspired by my grandfather, a master clockmaker, I’m creating a Christmas tree that celebrates the intricate beauty of vintage timepieces. It felt like fate when I discovered a treasure trove of clock parts at the thrift store. Those gears and dials spoke to me, reminding me of countless hours spent watching my grandfather work his magic.

My majestic 9′ Rushmore King of Christmas Tree needed more ornaments than my thrift store find could help provide, so I channeled my grandfather’s creative spirit and crafted additional pieces that capture the authentic charm of vintage clock faces. Each handmade piece is a tribute to his artistry and the timeless magic of Christmas past.

So, let’s start creating some handmade ornaments that have a vintage feel and will bring the holiday spirit to your Christmas tree this holiday season.

Materials Supply List

Additional Tools You’ll Need

Scissors
Hot glue gun
Drill
Foam paint brush
Paper towel

You’ll find most of the supplies at major craft stores like Hobby Lobby, where I did most of my shopping. Check vintage markets, flea markets, estate sales and thrift stores for authentic vintage clock parts. I’ve included shopping links for each item in the supply list below to make shopping easier.

Two packages of wooden circles from Woodpile Fun! are displayed on a textured surface. The larger pack contains multiple sizes of circles, while the smaller pack has four wood rounds, all sealed in clear plastic.

A crafting scene features a DIY vintage Christmas ornament with a painted circle like a clock face, paired with Mod Podge glue, a brush, and paper adorned with printed numbers. Pine branches create a festive backdrop for this nostalgic creation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Clock Face Ornaments

Step 1: Print the clock faces

Print out my FREE printable clock faces and cut them out using sharp scissors.
Print as many as you need for your tree.

Three vintage clock faces with faded yellowed backgrounds and black numbers. The largest clock is at the top, with two smaller clocks below it. There are no hands on the clocks, and "Clock 1" is labeled in the top left corner.

Three vintage-style clock faces with Roman numerals are displayed. The largest is positioned at the top center, while two smaller ones are below it. The background is plain white with the text "Clock 2" above the largest clock.

You can also purchase this darling clock face graphic from my friend Bobbie @thefrenchdoorstudio.

A DIY vintage Christmas ornament, featuring a round decorative clock with classic numerals, hangs on the snow-covered tree. The clock hands point to 11:55, and it reads "The Most Magical Time of Year," capturing the essence of festive nostalgia. — The French Door Studio

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Use sharp scissors that are meant for paper. This will give you nice, smooth edges on your clock faces.

A collection of seven vintage clock face cutouts laid out on a textured brown surface. The designs include Roman and Arabic numerals, some with ornate patterns and weathered finishes.

A collection of vintage clock faces in various sizes and designs laid out on a table. There are ornate numerals and weathered patinas. Pine branches and a silver vase are partially visible in the background.

Step 2: Choose your ornament base

Decide what kind of base you want to use to make your new ornaments. I purchased wooden discs at the craft store that were 6″ around and 3″ – 3.75″ around. These fit the artwork perfectly. If you use your ornaments inside, you could also use a chipboard as a base.
In addition, I also purchased a few round paint canvases and a few wood DIY ornaments in a package of 4 that were in the shape of an ornament. Be creative and try different sizes and shapes.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

If you are using your ornaments outdoors like I did, be sure to use wood bases so the ornaments do not warp.

Step 3: Drill holes in the discs

A person uses a drill press to bore a hole through a stack of round wooden pieces. The drill bit is centered on the stack, and a vise secures the wooden pieces in place on the workbench.

Using a hand drill or a drill press, drill a small hole at the top of the ornament to run a string through to hang them.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Drill multiple holes at one time using a drill press.

Step 4: Prepare the surface

Choose your paint colors. I used Annie Sloan dark wax and black acrylic craft paint.
For the clock faces, I stained them using dark wax, but first, I used Mod Podge to attach the clock faces.
For the black bases, I painted the entire surface of the disc black on the front and back before adding the clock faces.
Another idea would be to decoupage the disc before adding the clock face. Use book pages, old sheet music, or a paper napkin.

A charming crafting setup features a round clock face, brush, and jar of Mod Podge on the table. The clock face, perfect for creating DIY vintage Christmas ornaments, has numbers but no hands. Greenery adds a festive touch in the background.

An assortment of vintage-style clock faces with Roman and Arabic numerals, overlapping in a visually textured pattern, evokes the charm of DIY vintage Christmas ornaments. The weathered clocks offer a rustic, antique look perfect for festive holiday decor.

Tip from wendy’s craft room:

Choose colors that go with your home or your Christmas theme. I wanted a neutral palette, so I went with black, white and gold.

Step 5: Adding a vintage look

Antiquing with wax:

Using the dark wax, add a bit to a cloth and dab it onto the clock face to distress the ornament. (to get a darker color, add a second layer after the first layer dries)
In addition, using various colors of archival ink pads is a great way to add additional distressing and dimension.

A wooden clock face, adorned with numbers and the phrase "The Most Magickal Time of the Year," rests on a table beside an open can labeled "Soft Wax," stuffed with paper towels. Pine needles peek from the background, evoking a scene perfect for crafting DIY vintage Christmas ornaments.

Add Clock Hands:

Use vintage clock hands if you can. If not, you can always use new ones or print them and cut them out.
I drilled a hole in the middle of the disc, placed my clock hands over the hole, and put a brad through the hole.
Add a few hot glue dots to the back to secure the brad.

A vintage-style clock with Roman numerals hangs from a snow-dusted evergreen branch, surrounded by similar clocks. The clock hands are set at 10:10, creating a whimsical, wintry scene.

Step 6: Finishing touches

Once your clock faces are complete, spray them with a clear sealer to protect them for years.

Yield: Christmas Ornaments

DIY Vintage Ornaments with Old Clock Faces

A fun tutorial on how to make DIY Vintage Christmas ornaments with clock faces.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Active Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $10-$20

Materials

Print out my FREE CLOCK FACE PRINTABLES
Round wood discs or canvas discs
Wood ornament shapes
Mod podge
Archival ink
Twine or ribbon
Clock hands
Gold brads
Black craft paint
Clear spray sealer
Foam brush
Paper towel
Dark wax

Tools

Drill
Hot glue gun
Scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Print the Clock Faces: Make as many copies as needed of my FREE CLOCK FACE PRINTABLES.

Step 2: Choose Your Ornament Base
Decide what kind of base you want to use to make your new ornaments. I purchased wooden discs at the craft store that were 6.5" around and 3.5" around. These fit the artwork perfectly.
In addition, I also purchased a few round paint canvases and a few wood DIY ornaments in a package of 4 that were in the shape of an ornament. Be creative and try different sizes and shapes.
. Step 3: Drill holes in the discs:
Using a hand drill or a drill press, drill a small hole at the top of the ornament to run a string through to hang them.
Step 4: Prepare the Surface
Choose your paint colors. I used Annie Sloan dark wax and black acrylic craft paint.
For the clock faces, I stained them using dark wax, but first, I used Mod Podge to attach the clock faces.
For the black bases, I painted the entire surface of the disc black on the front and back before adding the clock faces.
Another idea would be to decoupage the disc before adding the clock face. Use book pages, old sheet music, or a paper napkin.
Step 5: Adding a Vintage look:
Antiquing with wax:
Using the dark wax, add a bit to a cloth and dab it onto the clock face to distress the ornament. (to get a darker color, add a second layer after the first layer dries)
Using various colors of the archival ink pads is a great way to add additional distressing and dimension.
Add Clock Hands:
Use vintage clock hands if you can. If not, you can always use new ones or print them and cut them out.
I drilled a hole in the middle of the disc, placed my clock hands over the hole, and put a brad through the hole.
Add a few hot glue dots to the back to secure the brad.
Step 6: Embellishing:
The perfect way to add a little glitz is with glitter! So fun and easy.
You can also add some other vintage pieces you may have collected from old jewelry or trimmings from your craft closet.
Step 6: Finishing touches:
Once your clock faces are complete, spray them with a clear sealer to protect them for years.

Additional Tips and Ideas

Personalization: Add a name to the front or back of your vintage-inspired ornaments.
Write a heartfelt message expressing your love, appreciation, or well wishes on the back of the ornament.
Be sure to add a date to your tree ornament.
Gift-Giving:
Choose a small, decorative gift bag that complements the vintage style of the ornament. Look for bags with vintage patterns, colors, or textures.
Place the ornament inside the bag using tissue paper, protecting it from damage.
Tie a ribbon around the top of the bag, securing it with a bow. Choose a ribbon that matches the color scheme of the bag or the ornament.

Two wrapped gifts in white fabric with red stripes and the word "joy" are on a wooden surface, exuding the charm of DIY vintage Christmas ornaments. Each is adorned with pinecones, pine branches, red berries, and silver bells. Pinecones are scattered around them. — The Idea Room

How to Style Your Own Vintage Christmas Ornaments

Incorporate them into your Christmas tree decorations:
Create a vintage-themed vignette:
- Arrange a collection of vintage clock face ornaments on a mantelpiece, side table, or bookshelf.
- Add other vintage-inspired decorations, such as antique clocks, old books, or vintage toys.
Use them as gift tags or place card holders:
- Attach a vintage clock face ornament to a gift as a unique and personalized tag.
- Use them as place card holders at your Christmas dinner table.
Make a Christmas Wreath:

A decorative arrangement on a shelf features vintage books, DIY vintage Christmas ornaments, a small white ceramic Christmas tree, hydrangeas in a vase, blue glass lamps, a wooden clock, and a dish with buttons. A mirror reflects the items, adding depth to the display.

A Christmas tree adorned with vintage-style clock ornaments and metallic baubles, set on a white porch. The tree has frosted branches and a sparkling ribbon on top.

A Christmas tree adorned with DIY vintage clock ornaments, each displaying different times. The tree is frosted with white snow-like detailing and embellished with golden leaves and ribbons, creating an elegant, festive atmosphere.

Other Vintage-Inspired DIY Ornament Ideas

DIY vintage Christmas ornaments with buttons:

A DIY vintage Christmas ornament, elegantly covered in white buttons and small wooden beads, is adorned with a cream ribbon bow on top. It rests on a white surface beside pine branches, against a light-textured background. — Just that Perfect Piece

Close-up of a DIY vintage Christmas ornament featuring a charming illustration of Santa Claus with his classic red suit and white beard. In the background, soft, blurred lights dance among snowy branches, capturing the nostalgic spirit of the season. — Cottage in the Mitten

Christmas Cards Ornaments: Use your old Christmas cards and create charming ornaments like my friend Kim at Cottage in the Mitten.

DIY Rustic Christmas ornaments- Dried Orange Ornaments: While dried orange ornaments aren’t necessarily “vintage” in the sense of being antique or decades old, they can evoke a vintage or nostalgic feeling. Historically, dried fruits and citrus, including oranges, have been used for centuries as decorative elements during the holiday season. This practice, often associated with simpler times and traditional decor, contributes to their vintage appeal.

Wrapping Up

Creating your own vintage clock face ornaments is a fun and easy DIY Christmas craft. It’s a great way to spend quality time with loved ones while adding a touch of vintage charm to your holiday decor. With these simple steps, your new Christmas ornaments will look old, adding a nostalgic touch to your festive celebrations. I hope you enjoyed this post.

A Christmas tree decorated with clock-themed ornaments, baubles, and snow-like accents. A banner at the top reads "How to Make Clockface Ornaments." At the bottom, "www.wmdesignhouse.com" is displayed.

Did you make this craft?

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More about me!

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

How to Make Easy DIY Vintage Christmas Ornaments