Wood slice chalkboard ornaments are simple, charming, and quick to make. They work beautifully as tree ornaments, gift tags, place card holders, and small personalized gifts.
With the holidays approaching, I finally made time for a last-minute craft I’d been wanting to try since Thanksgiving: chalkboard wood-slice ornaments. They’re rustic, inexpensive, and easy to personalize, so they make a perfect quick DIY project whether you’re crafting for your own tree or creating thoughtful touches for gifts.
Last year I rescued a log from my parents’ wood pile and sliced it into rounds to create rustic ornaments. I drilled a small hole through the top of each slice and hung them with twine. This year I added a layer of chalkboard paint and used a chalk marker to write festive words and short phrases—an update that instantly gave them a modern, hand-lettered look.
Supplies You Will Need for Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornaments
- Wood slices (cut from a log or purchased ready-made)
- Drill (only if you need to add a hanging hole)
- Twine or thin ribbon for hanging
- Chalkboard paint
- Small craft paint brush
- Chalk marker or chalk pen for writing
- Regular chalk (to “season” the chalkboard surface)
Steps for Making a Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornament
These instructions cover both the case where you cut your own slices and where you buy pre-cut rounds. If you’re buying pre-made slices, skip the cutting step.
Step 1 — Cut your wood slices (if needed). Carefully slice the log into rounds with a saw, aiming for uniform thickness. If you prefer, buy pre-cut wood slices to save time.
Step 2 — Drill a hanging hole. If your slices don’t already have a hole, drill a small hole near the top to thread twine or ribbon through for hanging.
Step 3 — Paint the face with chalkboard paint. Apply chalkboard paint to the center of each slice. You can tape the edges first for a cleaner line, but freehand painting gives a more rustic, handmade look—any minor irregularity adds to the charm.
Step 4 — Season the chalkboard surface. Once the paint is fully dry, rub a piece of regular chalk over the painted area and then wipe it off with a dry paper towel. This “seasons” the surface, so future chalk writing erases cleanly.
Step 5 — Letter or decorate with a chalk marker. Use a chalk marker or chalk pen to write names, short greetings, or little drawings. Chalk markers create crisp lines and stand out well on the dark paint. Finish by threading twine through the drilled hole and tying a loop for hanging.
These ornaments are quick to make in batches—ideal when you want to add a personal touch to gifts or create a cohesive look on your tree.
Ideas and Uses
- Personalized gift tags: write a recipient’s name and tie to wrapped presents.
- Place cards for holiday dinners: use them as rustic place settings guests can take home.
- Mini signs or favors: add small icons, dates, or short sentiments for keepsakes.
If you’re short on time during the holidays, these are a great last-minute craft. They’re also worth saving the idea for next year when you have more time to plan a DIY ornament-making afternoon with family or friends.
More DIY Ornament Inspiration
- DIY Wood Finial Ornament
- DIY Twig Christmas Tree Ornament
- DIY Mason Jar “Snow Globe” Ornament
- Mini Wooden Christmas Sign Ornaments
- DIY Paper-Covered Ornaments
While photographing the new ornaments, I also captured some of the other decorations on my tree. I love collecting sentimental ornaments—those that remind me of people, trips, or special moments. My favorites include a cross-stitched Noel ornament, a “Deck the Halls Y’all” ornament from family, and a small bead angel my grandmother made. Sentimental ornaments often hold the most meaning because they tell a story.
Whether you prefer store-bought ornaments or handmade treasures, a tree full of memories is my favorite part of holiday decorating. If you try these wood slice chalkboard ornaments, they make lovely keepsakes and thoughtful additions to any holiday celebration.
Merry Christmas and happy crafting—may your holidays be restful, joy-filled, and full of memories.