DIY Vintage Angel Christmas Ornament with Decoupage

Have you ever wanted to make an ornament that looks like it came from Grandma’s attic?

Today, we're sharing a truly special Christmas keepsake tutorial from our talented friend Donna at Mason Creations etc. She's created a stunning Vintage Angel Ornament that blends decoupage, crackle, gold wax, and embossing techniques into a project any beginner can do with a little patience and joy. Watch her full tutorial video below and follow along with our step-by-step guide!

Step 1: Prepping Your Ornament Base

Start with a two-piece wooden filigree ornament blank. Paint the back layer with Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint in Cotton—this will be the base for your decoupage angel image. Paint the top layer in Dixie Belle Magnolia, a warm vintage white that fits the classic feel. Avoid painting the outer edges just yet—we’ll come back to those with a little shimmer!

Step 2: Tear and Apply the Rice Paper

Choose a rice paper with vintage angel imagery. Tear around the angels using a water brush to give soft, blendable edges. Position your image, lightly secure it with painter’s tape, and decoupage it using Polyvine Decorators Varnish—apply lightly under the paper and more generously over the top. Let dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Once dry, glue the two wood pieces together using a strong craft glue like Aleene’s. A sponge brush helps keep glue out of the delicate filigree cutouts. Clamp or clip the pieces and let them set overnight.

Step 4: Add the Crackle Finish

Brush on Pentart Fineline Crackle Varnish (component 1), let it dry until clear, then add component 2 in thin, even strokes. Once dry, cracks will appear, giving it that antique porcelain look.

Step 5: Antique the Cracks

Rub Pentart Antique Paste into the cracks to highlight them. Wipe back with a soft, dry cloth—no wet wipes. Let dry fully, then seal with clear solvent-based gloss varnish which preserves the crackle beautifully.

Step 6: Embellish the Back

Don't forget the back! Tear a small sheet music design from your rice paper scraps and decoupage it to the back with your Polyvine varnish. Repeat the crackle and antiquing steps for a finished look all around.

Step 7: Add Gold Accents

With your finger, lightly apply Redesign with Prima Decor Wax in Eternal to the edges and sides. This soft, rub-on wax adds a warm gold shimmer that catches the tree lights beautifully.

Step 8: Embossing Magic

Use holiday-themed clear stamps and embossing ink to add decorative gold flourishes. Sprinkle on your gold embossing powder, shake off the excess, and heat with a craft heat gun until it turns shiny and raised. This adds that wow factor that brings your ornament to life!

Step 9: Make the Bow and Foliage Accent

Use a bow-making tool to layer and tie small ribbons together. Add gold cord for a hanger, and embellish your bow with tiny faux berries, leaves, and sprigs. Make one for the front and one for the back to keep it looking perfect from every angle.

Step 10: Finishing Touch

Glue a small decorative gem—like a gold-rimmed emerald rhinestone—into the center of each bow. You now have a handmade heirloom ornament worthy of gifting, treasuring, or displaying proudly on your tree.

Thank you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for this beautifully detailed tutorial and for sharing your creativity with us. We’re proud to carry many of the products used in this project—just search for them here on our site.

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