Wood slice chalkboard ornaments are fun and easy to make. They work beautifully as tree ornaments, gift tags, place card holders, and more.
I finally made these wood-slice ornaments at the last minute this year. I’d been meaning to make them since Thanksgiving but hadn’t found the time, so in the days leading up to Christmas I set aside an afternoon and finished a batch. They were quick, satisfyingly rustic, and perfect for gifting.
Last year I grabbed a log from my parents’ wood pile, sliced it into rounds, drilled a small hole in the top of each slice, and hung them with twine. This year I added chalkboard paint to each wood slice and wrote holiday words and phrases using a chalk marker — it transformed a simple rustic craft into a charming homemade keepsake. The chalk marker produced clean lines and vibrant lettering that stood out nicely against the painted surface.
Supplies You Will Need for Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornaments:
- Wood slices (either cut from a log or purchased pre-sliced)
- Drill (only if you need to drill a hanging hole)
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Chalkboard paint
- Small craft paint brush
- Chalk marker or fine-tip marker made for chalk surfaces
- Regular chalk (to “season” the chalkboard surface)
Steps for Making a Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornament:
These first two steps only apply if you are preparing your own wood slices. If you buy pre-cut slices, skip to step 3.
Step 1. Cut the log into slices. If you’re cutting wood yourself, use a miter saw or another suitable saw and work carefully. Aim for slices that are about 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick so they’re lightweight enough for a tree.
Step 2. Drill a hole for hanging (optional). Drill a small hole near the edge of each slice so you can thread twine or ribbon through for hanging.
Step 3. Paint the wood slice with chalkboard paint. You can tape the wood edges if you prefer a crisp line, but I found that freehand painting around the edge looked more natural. The slight irregularities contribute to a rustic, handmade look.
Freehand painting allowed the natural grain and bark of the wood to remain a visible frame around the chalkboard surface. That contrast is part of the charm of these ornaments.
Step 4. Season the chalkboard paint with chalk. After the paint fully dries, rub regular chalk over the painted area and then wipe it off with a dry paper towel. This “seasoning” helps prevent first-use ghosting and gives the surface a soft, usable finish.
Step 5. Decorate with a chalk marker. Use a chalk marker or fine-tip chalk pen to write names, holiday phrases, or small drawings. Because the surface has been seasoned, your marker lines will read clearly and erase cleanly if you want to reuse the ornament year after year.
These ornaments are versatile. Write names to use them as place cards, add short messages for gift tags, or keep them blank to let recipients personalize them. They’re also great for crafting with kids (with supervision for cutting/drilling) and make thoughtful handmade gifts.
If you plan to sell or gift many at once, set up a simple assembly line: paint several slices, let them dry, season them with chalk, then finish with lettering. Use different shapes, painted borders, or metallic twine for variety.
More DIY Ornament Ideas
- DIY wood finial ornament
- DIY twig Christmas tree ornament
- DIY mason jar “snow globe” ornament
- Mini wooden Christmas sign ornaments
- DIY paper-covered ornaments
While I was taking photos I also captured some of my other new ornaments on the tree. I enjoy collecting sentimental pieces — each ornament usually brings a memory. A bead angel made by my grandmother, a handprint ornament from when my daughter was two, and small cross-stitched pieces all live on the tree and tell a family story.
Ornaments often hold sentimental value, and I always treasure the memories that come with hanging each one. Whether handmade or store-bought, these wood-slice chalkboard ornaments add a personal, rustic touch to holiday decorating.
Merry Christmas — may your season be restful, joyful, and full of memories. If you’re short on time this year, pin this idea for next season; it’s an easy project to revisit when you have a free afternoon.