The Ornament That Will Steal the Show: Create a Carousel Masterpiece!

Christmas is the season of joy, love, and cherished traditions. What better way to create lasting holiday memories than by crafting your own ornaments? These handmade keepsakes can become a treasured part of your decor, adding a personal touch to your celebrations for years to come.

This year, why not add a touch of vintage charm to your tree with a whimsical carousel-themed ornament? In this tutorial, Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows us how to create a stunning handmade piece that’s perfect for starting or continuing your Christmas crafting tradition.

Watch Donna's video below to get started, and follow the step-by-step guide to bring this enchanting decoration to life!

Step 1: Prep and Paint Your Base

Start with a sturdy wooden base. Paint it entirely in Pentart Gold Paint, available at DecoupageNapkins.com. For intricate cut-out areas, use a sponge to avoid paint buildup and ensure a smooth finish. Let it dry.

Step 2: Add a Crackle Finish

Apply a coat of FolkArt One-Step Crackle Medium to the center surface. Once dry (about an hour), paint over it with Dixie Belle Drop Cloth Paint, allowing the gold base to peek through the cracks. Avoid over-brushing to preserve the crackle effect.

Step 3: Create Your Carousel Horse

Use Das Air-Dry Clay and a horse mold to shape your embellishment. Smooth edges with water and freeze for 20 minutes before removing it from the mold. Attach the horse to your base with tacky glue while the clay is still slightly frozen—this helps hold its shape as you work.

Step 4: Detail the Horse

Paint the horse with Dixie Belle Cotton Paint as a base. Use Pentart Red and Pine Green Paints for the saddle and Pentart Gold Paint for the pole and bridle. 

Step 5: Add Gold Foil Accents

Apply Polyvine Metal Leaf Size Adhesive to the wooden frame and pole. Once tacky, press Gold Rub-on Foil over the adhesive. This creates a luxurious tarnished gold effect on wood and a solid gold shine on clay.

Step 6: Seal and Varnish, then add Antiquing

Protect your work with a coat of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in a satin finish. This step ensures durability while adding a subtle shine. For a vintage touch, mix a light brown paint with glazing medium and brush it over the ornament, wiping away excess with a soft cloth to highlight textures.

Step 7: Assemble Decorative Elements

Craft a circus tent using gold poster board and embellish with clay molds and trims. Attach the tent to the ornament with hot glue. Add roses painted in Pentart Vintage Pink and leaves detailed with Metallic Wax Rubs in Mint Sparkle.

Step 8: Decorate the Back of Your Ornament

Don’t forget the back! Paint it with Pentart Gold Paint, then add a layer of Dixie Belle Drop Cloth Paint. Use a snowflake stencil, secured with repositionable adhesive and apply transfer gel with a palette knife. Once dry, press on Gold Rub-on Foil for shimmering snowflakes. Seal everything with a coat of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish for a polished finish. This simple touch ensures your ornament is stunning from every angle!

Step 9: Final Touches

Antique the entire piece for a cohesive vintage look, and seal everything with another coat of varnish.Top it off with a plaid ribbon bow, and don’t forget a few rhinestones for sparkle! These finishing details bring your ornament to life with festive charm.

Subscribe for More Inspiration!

We hope you enjoy crafting this magical carousel ornament as much as we loved sharing it with you! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at DecoupageNapkins.com to receive 10% off your next order. A big thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her creativity and expertise with us—her work inspires us all to keep crafting beautiful memories.