Add a personal, handmade touch to your Christmas tree this year with a turned wooden ornament you can craft yourself. In this video, we create a mini Christmas tree ornament on the lathe using the WoodRiver Tree Ornament Turning Kit. This project is quick, fun, and easy to customize, making it a great choice for last-minute gifts or relaxing weekend turning sessions in the shop.
The process begins by preparing your turning blank and securing it in the chuck, followed by inserting the brass tube and mounting the blank onto the mandrel. From there, you can shape your ornament to any style you like—sleek and modern, or traditional with carved details. Once the turning is complete, sanding and finishing bring out the wood’s natural beauty. A glossy friction polish or satin finish gives it that final festive shine before assembly.
The best part about this ornament project is its versatility. You can experiment with different hardwoods, exotic species, or even dyed or laminated blanks to create ornaments that reflect your personal style or match your holiday décor. Each one turns out a little different, giving every ornament a story of its own.
This project also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for friends and family, especially those who appreciate woodworking or unique, personalized decorations.
Whether you’re new to woodturning or an experienced turner looking for a quick holiday project, this mini Christmas tree ornament is a great way to celebrate the season at your lathe.
Watch the full video to follow along with the turning process, and visit Woodcraft.com or your local Woodcraft store to pick up the WoodRiver Tree Ornament Turning Kit and all the supplies you need to get started.