A Nostalgic Santa Craft You’ll Treasure

Have you ever wanted to capture all your favorite Christmas memories in one handmade piece? This charming Santa plaque does exactly that. With tiny details like Rudolph, bells, candy canes, and festive trim, this project feels like a walk through cherished holiday moments.

Our talented friend Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows how to transform a simple wooden board into a dimensional Christmas keepsake using decoupage, clay molds, paint, and frosty finishes.

Be sure to watch the video below to follow along step by step.

Step 1 – Prepare the Wooden Plaque

Donna starts by gluing two thin round wooden boards together with Aleene’s Tacky Glue to add strength. After drying overnight, she sands the edges smooth and wipes away any dust to prepare the surface.

Step 2 – Paint the Decoupage Area

She paints the center of the plaque with Dixie Belle Cotton Chalk Paint, creating a bright base for the Santa rice paper image. Painting white underneath ensures the image stays vibrant and clear.

Step 3 – Decoupage the Santa Image

Using a water brush, Donna separates the rice paper image. Since trim will frame the picture, she cuts it into a clean circle. She applies Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish as her decoupage adhesive, smoothing the image carefully for a clean, wrinkle-free finish.

Step 4 – Create Clay Embellishments

Donna presses Das clay into Christmas-themed molds, smooths the surface, and freezes the molds for easy release. Once removed, she allows the clay to thaw briefly before attaching it to the plaque with Aleene’s Tacky Glue while still damp so it conforms perfectly.

Step 5 – Add Trim and Hanging Holes

Clay trim is added around the plaque edge, and holes are drilled at the top so the piece can be hung as either a wall plaque or oversized ornament.

Step 6 – Antique the Entire Piece First

Instead of painting each embellishment individually, Donna applies Pentart Hazelnut paint as an overall antique base. This fills all crevices and instantly adds depth. Once dry, she paints only the raised areas, saving time and creating natural shadows.

Step 7 – Paint the Holiday Details

Using a variety of Pentart paint colors, Donna brings each tiny element to life—Santa, snowman, nutcracker, trees, gifts, and ornaments. Soft dry brushing adds highlights while keeping the colors slightly muted and vintage.

Step 8 – Frost and Seal

Donna lightly dry brushes thinned Dixie Belle Cotton over the embellishments for a snowy, misted look. After drying, she seals the entire plaque with Polyvine Satin Varnish to protect the finish.

Step 9 – Final Frosting and Sparkle

She adds subtle antiquing where clay meets the image, then applies Dixie Belle Pearlescent Glaze for a frosty shimmer. A touch of Eternal Gold Wax highlights select details, and glitter trim hides the wood edge.

Step 10 – Finish with Bows and Tassels

Gold ribbon is threaded through the top holes and tied into a bow. A gold tassel and rhinestone embellishment complete the plaque, adding elegant movement and shine.

This Santa memories plaque is filled with warmth, detail, and timeless Christmas charm.

✨ A heartfelt thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing this beautiful holiday keepsake project.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the DecoupageNapkins.com newsletter to receive 10% off your next order and enjoy even more inspiring tutorials.