Cookie Cutter Ornaments With Old Photos

Trim your tree this year with ornaments that have a personal touch. Made from aluminum cookie cutters and old photos, these do-it-yourself ornaments showcase family members present and past.

These ornaments are super easy to make. Just whip out your grade school skills of tracing, cutting and gluing, and you’re good to go.

Whether you need an inexpensive method to fill your Christmas tree or a creative way to personalize your tree, these cookie cutter ornaments are eye-catching and easy-to-make.

I came up with this project when tasked with producing a Christmas-themed craft using old photos for the December issue of VintageKC magazine. I didn’t have any old photos on hand, so I headed to my favorite antique mall.

As I sifted through bins of black and white photos, I couldn’t help but feel sad for the people pictured. How had the photo memories of their marriages, babies and special events ended up in a nameless bin? At least the few I took home with me would find new life, if only on a stranger’s Christmas tree.

I also found a few aluminum cookie cutters for $1 each at the antique mall.

Besides your cookie cutters and old photos, you’ll need just a few more supplies to make your own homemade cookie cutter ornaments.

What you’ll need:
– Old photos
– Aluminum cookie cutters
– School glue
– Scissors
– Pencil
– Needle
– Baker’s twine

You’ll be able to whip up these cookie cutter ornaments faster than you can bake a batch of cookies. This craft project really is super easy. Here’s how to make your own cookie cutter ornaments using old photos.

Step 1: Align
Before you start tracing or cutting, play around with your cookie cutters and photos, so you choose the right cookie cutter shape for the right photo.

Step 2: Trace
Once you choose which cookie cutter should go with which photo, trace along the outside of the cookie cutter with a pen or pencil. Make sure you trace the outside of the cookie cutter, not the inside. If you trace the inside, then your photo may be too small to glue to the cookie cutter once you cut it out.

Step 3: Cut out
Carefully cut along your traced outline.

Step 4: Glue
Next, take your school glue and squeeze out a thin layer all along the edge of your cookie cutter. It’s okay if a little drips. You won’t be able to see it on the photo. Then, place your cookie cutter glue side down on top of the photo you just cut out. Let it dry.

Step 5: Thread a needle
Thread a needle with baker’s twine. I liked using baker’s twine because it’s thicker than regular thread and adds a more decorative touch. Poke a hole through the top of the photo and thread the baker’s twine through. Remove the needle and tie a knot in the twine.

Step 6: Admire
That’s it! Now, finish up the rest of your cookie cutter ornaments.

I like the more intimate feel the old photos add to the Christmas tree. It’s kind of like having your family members (or in my case, some friendly-looking strangers) watching over you. Is that comforting or creepy?

If you’re not into the old photos, these cookie cutter ornaments would also look great just using simple patterned craft paper. You could even repurpose Christmas wrapping paper or cut up last year’s Christmas cards, too. There are so many possibilities!

This project was featured in the Winter 2015 issue of VintageKC magazine, a vintage lifestyle magazine inspired by the booming vintage and antique market in Kansas City.

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