How to Make Watercolor Ground Wood Slice Ornament DIY

Bring an elegant, hand-painted touch to your holiday décor with these metallic watercolor painting wood slice ornaments. 

By preparing the wood slices with Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground or other watercolor grounds, you can turn natural wood grain into a smooth, non-porous painting surface perfect for metallic shimmer.

These ornaments combine rustic charm with luminous metallic wreaths and soft pastel ribbon—a beautiful blend of art and holiday magic.

Let's get started!

Materials Needed for Wood Slice Watercolor Ornaments:

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• Wood slices (1–3 inches diameter)
• Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground, watercolour ground, or transparent ground
• Arteza Metallic watercolor paints
• Small paint brush (round brushes for detail)
• Water cup (use little water for best metallic effect)
• Palette or plastic organizer for mixing
• Pencil (optional for sketching)
• Pastel chiffon ribbon
• Permanent Calligraphy Brush Pen
• Drill + drill bit OR hot glue
• Paper towels
• Optional: acrylic gesso, titanium white, mars black, or other base colors
• Optional tools: watercolor pencils
• Optional: Sand Paper

Step 1: Prepare the Wood Slices

You can use many different surfaces for watercolor, but wood truly shines with this project. 

To prepare:
Lightly sand the wood slices if needed to smooth the wood grain.

Brush on a thin, even layer of Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground, watercolour ground, or transparent ground. 

These watercolor grounds create non-absorbent surfaces, similar to cold press paper or watercolor paper, allowing your metallic paints to sit beautifully on top.

Let the ground dry fully.

For alternative looks, you may base coat the slices with acrylic gesso, titanium white, or even mars black before adding the ground.

This creates the perfect painting surface for crisp shapes and shimmering color.

Step 2: Lightly Sketch the Wreath (Optional)

If you prefer a guide, use a pencil or watercolor pencils to lightly sketch a wreath shape. 

A simple circular outline with leaves or berries creates a clean frame for your metallic paint. 

Keep the marks faint so they blend into later brush strokes.

Step 3: Paint the Metallic Watercolor Wreath

Using your metallic watercolors:

Dip your brush in just a little water to keep the colors vibrant.

Paint along your sketched circle—or freehand a wreath.

Use short brush strokes to mimic leaves, branches, or berries.

Layer the metallics gently; the shimmer shows best on non-absorbent surfaces created by the ground.

Allow the ornament to dry completely before handling.

Add tiny metallic dots around the wreath for a delicate snowy effect.

Step 4: Calligraphy

Now use a brush calligraphy pen, my favorite is from Speedball, to write a single word on each wreath.

The watercolor ground makes it easy to write on the wood surface without it bleeding into the organic structure.

A simple little JOY on the first ornament!

Next a little hope on the wood slice ornament. 

Pick the words you love...or even write your name, Shaw Family 2025.

Finally finishing the ornaments off with hand lettered word, peace. 

Perfect for a shimmery metallic ornament.

Step 5: Add the Hanging Ribbon

Drill a small hole near the top of the slice or use hot glue if drilling isn't available use with your tools.

Thread an 8–12 inch piece of pastel chiffon ribbon through the hole.

Tie a bow or knot at the top.

The soft pastel ribbon pairs beautifully with the metallic shine.

Step 6: Optional Finishing Touches

Seal the ornament with a clear acrylic spray to protect your watercolor painting from moisture.

Create a coordinated set using various metallics or backgrounds like titanium white, mars black, or transparent ground finishes.

Step 7: Display or Gift

Hang your finished ornaments on the tree, add them to wrapped gifts, or display them on hooks or doorknobs. 

These hand-painted pieces are wonderfully personal and make charming seasonal gifts.

Tips for Success

Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground provides one of the most reliable results on wood slices, but almost any watercolour ground works well.

Metallic paints look best on smooth, non-absorbent surfaces, so allow your ground to cure fully.

Keep a plastic organizer nearby to separate brushes, paints, and ribbon pieces.

Use soft brushes and light brush strokes to maintain the smooth texture of the ground.

That's it!

For beginners transitioning from watercolor paper to different surfaces, this project offers a fun way to explore watercolor painting beyond traditional materials.

These DIY watercolor wood slice ornaments bring together rustic beauty and shimmering metallic art.

With a little pastel ribbon and thoughtful preparation using watercolor grounds, you're able to create elegant, gift-worthy ornaments that elevate your seasonal décor with handmade charm.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER WOOD SLICE CRAFTS:

Wood Slice Watercolor Lettering Sign

Here's a fun homemade craft that takes 5 minutes to make! 

I love quick crafts and this Wood slice watercolor mantra sign is perfect. 

First off, pick something you want to write on yours!

How to make a wood slice hand lettering mantra sign in just 5 minutes.

Marbled Wood Slice Ornaments with Plaid Crafts!

Marbling is the most amazing craft and it's easy!  These show-stopping wood slice ornaments take just 15-20 minutes, minus the drying time.  Plaid makes it easy with their awesome line of Marbling Paints.

Plaid Marbling Paints are mixed and ready to pour. They don't blend together, so all the individual colors stay bright and vivid.