Holiday Ornament How-To's

[Chris Jenkins]

I know it is really getting late in the season to be just learning how to make something new, but I would really like to take a stab at making one of these ornaments that I keep seeing with the long finial / icicle's and hollow bulb body.

I have never done anything like these and was just wondering if there was a good website or a magazine article that covered how to make one of these little trinkets.

Thanks,
Chris

[Scott Lux]

Been tempted myself lately.

http://bobhamswwing.com/Articles/Christmas%20Ornament/Christmas%20Ornament1.htm

http://marleyturned.com/id126.htm

There are a couple.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Here is another place for birdhouses, bells and ornaments.

http://www.woodturningonline.com/Turning/Turning_projects.html

[Chris Jenkins]

Thank you for the links. I tried my hand at the turned angels (woodturningonline) last night and not too bad, but sure not good enough to give away as a gift. Guess I'll just have to spend more time in the shop this week, darn.

Chris

[Don Orr]

By Bob Rosand at http://www.rrosand.com/articles/19-3.shtml

This is the one that most people have emulated over the years.

I do a similar style but all one piece and smaller so it's light. I also use a light colored wood so it doesn't get lost on the dark green tree. Sorry I don't have a photo to show you.

Good lick and have fun,

[Darryl Hansen]

Another way to make interesting ornaments. It is important that the wood stock pieces are square or things won't turn out correctly. Get some stock square it up. Use four pieces about 1" square. Put glue on just the tips and glue the pieces together. Then put the piece in a chuck and turn a design. Depending on the wood you can go rather deep towards the center with your turning. Then either cut the ends where you glued them or use an Xacto knife blade to split them apart. Before splitting mark each the end of each piece so you know which is which. Then turn the pieces 180 degrees. That puts the turned face on the inside of the ornament. Then glue them together completely. Put them back in the chuck and turn the outside round or partially round which ever suits your fancy. You then have an ornament that is hollow on the inside and depending on your initial turning can be quite decorative. I sometimes spray the first turning with a color so that when the pieces are turned the inside will be colored. O by the way do leave the ends untouched during the first turning or your rotated piece will have holes at the top and bottom. I sometimes put a coat of lacques on the final piece and sprinkle glitter on it to give it a festive appearance.

[Skip Spaulding]

Chris, glad you asked I picked up some great ideas! This site is great.