Get crafty this Christmas with a DIY photo bauble

by myFUJIFILM December 18, 2023

The festive season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a touch of personalisation to your Christmas decorations? Personalised photo gifts are a wonderful way to share precious memories with loved ones.

When it comes to gifting at Christmas, getting crafty and making your own little photo bauble is a great way to express your creativity, show your loved ones you care, and spread the festive spirit. If you’re thinking about making a DIY photo bauble, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one.

Materials you need

Before we dive into the step-by-step process of creating your personalised photo bauble, let's gather the necessary materials. You'll need:

Empty plastic or glass bauble

You can find these at your local arts and crafts store or order them online. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Choose one that suits your style and preference.

Photograph

Select a photo from our High-Quality Photo Prints that holds sentimental value or represents a cherished memory. It could be a family portrait, a snapshot of your children, or a picture of a beloved pet. Ensure that the photo fits inside the bauble.

Scissors

You'll need scissors to trim the photo to the correct size.

Ribbon or string

This is used to hang the bauble on your tree or as a decorative element.

Glitter, sequins, or other decorative elements

Optional embellishments to make your bauble even more festive.

Craft glue or adhesive dots

To secure the photo and any decorative elements inside the bauble.

Now that you have your materials ready, let's get started on creating your personalised photo bauble.

Step-by-guide

To start making your festive photo bauble, simply follow these easy steps to bring your creation to life.

Step 1: Prepare your photo

Begin by selecting the photograph you want to use. It's essential to choose an image that fits comfortably inside the bauble. Once you've chosen your photo, trim it to the appropriate size using scissors. Ensure that it's small enough to fit through the bauble's opening.

Step 2: Open the bauble

Carefully open your empty plastic or glass bauble. Most baubles have a removable top or an opening that allows you to insert your photo and any decorative elements. Gently remove the top, taking care not to damage it.

Step 3: Insert the photo

Now, insert your trimmed photo into the bauble. You may need to roll or fold the photo slightly to fit it through the opening. Once inside, use a small stick or the eraser end of a pencil to adjust the photo's position and make it lay flat against the bauble's interior surface.

Step 4: Add decorative elements

To make your photo bauble even more festive, consider adding some decorative elements. You can sprinkle a bit of glitter, add tiny sequins, or place a few small beads inside the bauble along with the photo. These embellishments will create a whimsical and personalised look.

Step 5: Seal the bauble

After you've inserted the photo and any decorative elements, it's time to seal the bauble. Carefully put the top back in place, ensuring it fits securely. If your bauble has a snap-on or screw-on top, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper sealing. If necessary, use craft glue or adhesive dots to secure the top in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Add a ribbon or string

To hang your personalised photo bauble on the Christmas tree or as a decorative ornament, attach a ribbon or string to the top of the bauble. You can use a matching colour or something that complements your holiday decor theme. Make sure it's securely tied so that your bauble hangs beautifully.

Step 7: Personalise your tree

Once your photo bauble is complete, it's time to add it to your Christmas tree or incorporate it into your holiday decor. The warmth and sentimentality of your personalised ornament will be a cherished addition to your festive ambience.

Theme and design ideas

If you’re not sure what photos to include in your bauble, or you’re struggling to choose amongst your favourites - it can be useful to choose a theme for your photo bauble instead.

Family memories

Family memories hold a special place in our hearts, and what better way to celebrate them than by featuring a collection of family photos from past Christmases? As you create your personalised photo bauble, you can curate a visual timeline of your family's growth and the changes that have occurred over the years.

Start by selecting photos from various Christmases, spanning different generations. It could be a snapshot of your parents as newlyweds, or your children's first Christmas. Place these photos inside the bauble in chronological order, creating a sentimental ornament that tells the story of your family's journey through time.

Pet love

Pets are an integral part of many families, and their presence during the holiday season brings joy and warmth. Showcase your furry friends by placing pictures of your beloved pets inside the photo bauble. It's a wonderful way to include them in the holiday festivities, especially if they have since crossed the rainbow bridge.

Select images that capture your pets' playful antics, adorable poses, or their first encounter with snow.

Travel adventures

For those with a passion for travel, the holiday season often brings memories of vacations and adventures from around the world. Incorporate the spirit of your travel experiences into your Christmas decor by using photos from your favourite trips to create a personalised photo bauble.

Select pictures that showcase iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, or candid moments from your journeys.

Baby's first Christmas

Welcoming a new addition to the family is a momentous occasion, and the baby's first Christmas is a milestone worth celebrating. Commemorate this special moment by creating a personalised photo bauble featuring a baby photo of your little one.

As your child grows, this bauble will serve as a treasured keepsake, allowing you to look back on those precious early moments.

Wedding or engagement photos

Love is a central theme of the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate it than by displaying pictures from your wedding or engagement in a personalised photo bauble? These photos represent the love and commitment you share with your partner and serve as a beautiful symbol of your journey together.

Nature and scenery

If you have a deep appreciation for nature, you can use scenic photos of natural landscapes, snowy winter scenes, or serene outdoor settings to bring a touch of the outdoors inside your home during the holiday season. These photos can serve as a source of connection to the natural world.

You could choose an image of snow-covered mountains, peaceful lakes, or a serene forest covered in a blanket of snow - making your bauble into the perfect miniature Winter Wonderland.

Create a DIY photo bauble with myFUJIFILM

If you want to make a DIY photo bauble, you can start putting your creation together with the help of myFUJIFILM.

Bring your memories to life with our High-Quality Photo Prints, you can cut them to your desired size and shape to put inside your bauble. And if you don’t fancy creating your own Christmas gift this year, you can browse our range of Personalised Photo Gifts to find the perfect festive treat for someone special.