DIY Flat Acrylic Ornaments

Create cheerful custom ornaments with printed designs and Mod Podge—a fun craft project that doubles as meaningful handmade gifts or unique tree decor.

Instructions 

Print the JOYFUL digital download file on regular paper. Cut out your chosen designs—trees, holly, candy canes, or other motifs. Cut as close to the design edges as possible. 

Option 1: Decoupage Back - Apply Design to Back 

1. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge Gloss to the back of your cut design. Press the design onto the BACK side of the flat acrylic ornament, smoothing out bubbles. Position centered on the ornament. Refer to the photo for placement. 
2. Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge Gloss over the design to seal. Let dry completely (1 hour). 
3. Important: You're working on the back so the design shows through to the front. 

Option 2: Paint Background in Reverse 

1. On the BACK side (same side as your design), paint around and over your design with background patterns. Since you're working in reverse, the paint will show through clearly from the front: 
2. Aqua stripes: Alternate Patina and Wicker White vertical stripes 
3. Pink stripes: Alternate Baby Pink and Wicker White diagonal stripes 
4. Yellow polka dots: Paint Wicker White base, add Happy Green dots once dry 
5. Refer to the photo for color and pattern placement. Paint over the entire back surface, including over the sealed design. Let dry completely (2-4 hours). 
6. For more opaque coverage, apply a second coat of your background pattern. Let dry completely. 
7. Cut a 12-inch length of ribbon. Tie into a bow and use hot glue to attach the bow to the top of the ornament, at the hanging hole. Refer to the photo for placement. 
8. Thread a contrasting ribbon color through the ornament hole to create a hanger.       
9. Work in reverse: apply design first, then paint background over it 
10. Let each layer dry completely before adding the next 
11. The Mod Podge seal protects the paper design under the paint layers 
12. Paint will look slightly translucent until fully dry  
13. Clean any paint mistakes immediately with a damp paper towel 

Tip: Use contrasting ribbon colors for visual interest.

Color Combinations from the Photo: 

• Tree ornament: Pink striped background with green tree, red ribbon bow 
• Holly ornament: Aqua striped background with holly design, aqua ribbon bow 
• Candy cane ornament: Yellow polka dot background with candy cane, white ribbon bow 
• All painting happens on the BACK—the front stays smooth and glossy