DIY Vintage Door Handle Ornaments

DIY Vintage Door Handle Ornaments are pretty easy to make. Can you believe these are made with cardboard and clay? They are perfect for any Victorian, vintage, traditional, or chic Christmas tree. I love to make ornaments, so any chance I get to make them in an unusual theme, I make them. Handmade ornaments are unique, special, beautiful and also make the perfect gifts. Especially for loved ones that it is hard to find them the right present. Giving a handmade ornament shows genuine affection, since they know you spent your free time making something for them.

I needed to make some vintage Victorian style door handle ornaments for an Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas tree. So in order to bring this theme to life, I had to make most of the ornaments. I decided to make mini mad hatter hats, clock ornaments, door handles, tea cups, card ornaments, and Christmas baubles in the Alice in Wonderland theme. See other posts for instructions how to make each of these. If you do not see the post yet, I am still working on typing it up, but it is coming soon! These will also be great in table centerpieces or other accent decorations for a birthday, bridal shower, baby shower, or wedding.

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If you want to learn how I made the clock ornaments, click here: https://majorgates.com/do-it-yourself/clock-ornament/

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Supplies

Firm but thin cardboard that is tightly bound (like a box that has shinny pictures on it). You need cardboard that does not have too many lines in it, so it appears smooth. So look for bulk food boxes as they work really well.
Sharp scissors that can cut threw cardboard
Super light weight air dry clay
Clay molds – Victorian or Baroque style or any thing you like
Mini dual temperature glue gun and glue sticks
Fast grab Tacky glue (Optional) – can use instead of hot glue but will take longer to dry
Gold metallic acrylic paint ( I used Deco Art Glorious Gold)
Paint tray and paint brush
Drawer knobs
1/8 ” thin ribbon
Triple Thick (Optional)
Extra Fine Glitter (I used Champagne Gold)
Color printer and paper
Drop cloth or tissue paper to protect work surface
Baby wipes to wipe up mistakes and hands

Directions For DIY Vintage Door Handle Ornaments

Start by finding a door handle image on the internet and print the image to make a template. For example, I used this one. I printed in 3 sizes to determine the size I wanted to use.

Then trace the image onto firm cardboard. By this I mean, cardboard without a lot of holes when you cut it. Food boxes work best or a pre-printed box an item came in. If you buy in bulk, the container cardboard boxes work well. So I used a chicken stock box.

Next, cut out the image on the cardboard.
Then, lightly dust the clay molds with cornstarch so that the clay lifts easily from the mold. Next, press the air dry clay into the clay molds. I used, vintage baroque style molds. Then allow the clay to dry in the mold for at least 2-4 hours for easier handling. So I tend to let my clay dry longer so that I do not smudge the design when handling.

Remove the clay from the molds when it lifts cleanly out of the mold. Then do a dry fit on the cardboard until you achieve the design you like.

Then once you like the placement of the clay embellishments, hot glue them to the cardboard. Note: Set your glue gun to the low setting and be careful not to burn yourself with the hot glue. You can also attach with quick grab Tacky glue and it will just take longer to dry.

So once clay embellishments are set (dry), add on the drawer knob with hot glue.
Then paint the ornament with metallic paint color of choice. I also paint the back of the ornament but that is optional. So paint one side at a time and let each side fully dry before painting the other side.

If you can’t find drawer knobs, use clay and roll into a ball and clue onto the card board ornament.

For additional shine and to protect the ornament, paint with Triple Thick and allow to fully dry.
Then, lightly brush on some Mod Podge in the spots that you would like glitter and sprinkle on the glitter and allow to fully dry.

Last, glue on ribbon on the back for hanging. It is ready to go on the tree! But if you are using this decoration for a tea party or birthday party, it is ready for decorating without the ribbon.