This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Do you have a Cricut Maker on your wish list this year? I absolutely love mine!
Most people think they are only for cutting vinyl and paper. But, there are so many other projects you make with it.
In this project, I will show you how to make your own Christmas ornaments out of basswood cut on your Cricut Maker.
Cutting Wood on Your Cricut Maker
When I first opened my Cricut Maker, wood was one of the materials I was most excited to be able to cut.
It's amazing to watch! Using the knife blade and the strong grip mat, the Cricut Maker cuts with precision.
I used a basic 3″ circle with a smaller inner circle to create my own wood ornament blanks.
Now it's time to personalize them!
This has been a year to remember, so why not create an ornament to remember 2020.
“Stuck at Home for the Holidays” sums up how COVID is impacting us all this year. I downloaded this fun design from on Etsy. You can grab this design and follow along with this project.
Prepare Your Screen Printing Frame
Import the SVG design into Cricut Design Space and cut it on Oracal 651 vinyl. Don't forget to mirror the cut!
Just like screen printing on t-shirts, transfer the weeded vinyl to the back of your Speedball screen printing frame. I like using the hinge frame setup for this type of project.
Using the hinge frame makes it much easier to align your blank ornament under the screen, especially when you are making more than one.
Before you add ink to your screen, align one of your ornaments under the vinyl. Adjust it until it's in the perfect spot. Now, outline the ornament with a pencil to mark this spot.
Once ink has covered your design, it is difficult to see through the screen. This outline will make it easy to place your next blank in the proper spot under the screen.
Screen Printing on Wood
Place a scoop of ink above your design and squeegee the ink towards you using a graphic squeegee. I have found that one squeegee of ink is all you need to cover the design. If you add too much ink here, you're likely to see some bleeding under your vinyl.
Repeat the process until you have printed as many ornaments as you would like. This is where screen printing really surpasses adhesive vinyl. With this one vinyl design on your screen, you can print tons of ornaments.
If you are looking to make a bunch of ornaments to sell or gift to all of your friends, this screen printing process will make it quick and easy!
Add the Finishing Touches
Speedball acrylic ink dries quickly. Unlike fabric ink, there's no need to heat set acrylic ink. Once it's dry, it's time to add the ribbon and hang your ornament on the tree!
Cool DIY! You are so creative and genius. I did great work and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the instructions.