How to Make Vintage Picture Frame Photo Ornaments DIY

Make gorgeous gold, velvet and plaid ornaments with all the Ralph Lauren Christmas Vibes!

If you love DIY Christmas ornaments with a rich, vintage feel, you will adore these little gold ornate frames turned into sentimental keepsakes. 

I picked up a set of small resin frame pieces and transformed them into luxe gold frames using Plaid Crafts Treasure Gold in Maya Gold. 

When brushed over the original black resin, the gold settles beautifully into the details, giving each mini frame an heirloom look—totally that “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic. 

Pair those frames with favorite photos of your little ones or family photos, a splash of tartan plaid, some black velvet ribbon, and you get the perfect DIY ornament that brings a deep personal touch to your own tree for the holiday season.

Let's get started!

Whether you're crafting with things you already have, picking up bits from the thrift store, or grabbing supplies from the dollar store, this is a great project for makers of all skill levels. 

Let’s dive in with this easy tutorial—and if you want to share your results, hop over to my Facebook page, tag me on social media @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on!

Supplies Needed for Vintage Photo Frame Ornaments:

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• Small resin or plastic ornate frames (I bought the black ones and NONE arrived broken!)
• Plaid Crafts Treasure Gold “Maya Gold”
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Favorite photos printed using a laser or inkjet printer
• ½" black velvet ribbon
• Tartan plaid cloth napkin (or ribbon)
• Craft knife or scissors

Optional Supplies:

(I did not use any of these, but get creative if you want to add different elements!)

• Mod Podge
• Globe ornaments, or snow globe supplies (for alternate styles)
• Mod Podge (optional for sealing the paper photo)
• Scrapbook paper, wood slices, wood shapes, or popsicle sticks (optional alternatives)
• Small amount of fake snow if you want a fun snow-globe effect
• Cutting mat

Step 1 — Paint the Frames Vintage Gold

Start by brushing the Treasure Gold paint onto your black resin picture frame pieces. 

The contrast of gold over black gives the details that deep, antique glow. 

Let them dry completely.

This is an easy way to make custom ornaments without the high cost of designer Christmas tree decorations. 

You can also paint photo frames from the thrift store or dollar store if you don’t have resin ones on hand.

The resin frames are easy to paint and I didn't worry about getting into all the little nook and crannies.

I love the black showing in the deep recesses because it adds to the vintageness and texture.

Just one coat of paint is all it takes, then set them aside to dry while you make the bows or work on a different project.

Step 2 — Print and Prepare Your Photos

Choose favorite memories—baby pictures, family moments, or old snapshots you've been saving for years. Print them on regular paper with an inkjet printer.

If you want extra durability, brush lightly with Mod Podge and let dry.

Step 3 — Attach the Photos

Place your printed picture face-down and align the back of your frame over it.

Use your hot glue gun to secure the backing onto the photo. Press firmly and let cool.

Trim ends of the ribbon or any excess white paper, photo edges, or scrapbook paper using your craft knife.

Add a bead of hot glue around the little picture frame then press it down onto the photo and let it cool.

Step 4 — Make the Velvet Ribbon Loop

Cut a piece of ½" black velvet ribbon and form a loop. Glue it to the top center of the back of the frame.

 This will serve as your ornament hanger, perfect for dangling on the tree branches.

This velvet ribbon with the plaid adds that luxe Ralph Lauren vibe and pairs beautifully with your gold frames.

Step 5 — Tie the Tartan Bow

Take your old tartan plaid napkin and cut a strip about 1 inch wide...or use some plaid ribbon.

Add a zig zag of glue in the middle of the plaid fabric.

Fold each end up to the middle and press into the hot glue.

While the hot glue is still warm, gather the fabric right down the center to create the iconic gathered look of a bow.

Hold the bow in place and let the hot glue cool.

Then wrap a small piece of the black velvet ribbon around the center, securing with hot glue.

Glue the bow to the top of the ornament, just above your photo.

This bow makes the whole ornament look like a designer piece—without the cost!

Repeat the bow making process for all your little frames.

Optional Ideas & Variations

• Add a sprinkle of fake snow inside a mini frame for a “mini snow globe” vibe.
• Use wood slices or wood shapes instead of frames for rustic and free DIY photo ornaments.
• Try a set of DIY picture ornaments using popsicle sticks or globe ornaments for kids to help with.
• Print your photos on scrapbook paper backgrounds for more color.
• Create a coordinated photo ornament idea set each year to track your family through time.

Making your own photo ornament collection is so much fun!

I didn't realize how much I miss and love those little squishy faced babies of mine and they make the perfect ornaments to pull out year after year.

I absolutely love how these little ornaments turned out!

They are sophisticated, layered and wonderful!

They would look great with a silhouette image in them too.

I love the gold paint with the deep black paint in the crevices of the frame, but these little frames come in gold and white as well.

I picked the cheapest and fastest shipping!

These darling photo ornaments would make Ralph Lauren proud. 

Decorate your tree with a few of them or a bunch of them.

They are easy to make, have that brass look, have velvet texture and that plaid print!

These DIY Christmas ornaments are a heartfelt, budget-friendly way to decorate your home, honor your favorite memories, and craft something meaningful for the holidays.

That's it!

Transform your holiday space into a rich atmosphere with layers of metals, plush, texture, and print. 

These Ralph Lauren Christmas DIY dupe ornaments are the perfect holiday craft to cherish year after year or give as holiday gifts this season.

Happy crafting—and Merry Christmas!

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