Our Christmas tree is extremely eclectic and all the ornaments mean something to us. We make or buy ornaments based on what we love, where we went on vacation, or Halloween costumes, etc. My husband and I took our first vacation without our children this summer. We spent a wonderful 2 and 1/2 weeks in Hawaii! The first island we visited was the Big Island. I was so stressed from packing, cleaning my house, leaving my kids and two six hour flights. I didn’t really feel like I was on vacation until the magical moment my husband and I spotted this green sea turtle swimming next to us in Kealakekua Bay. I made a Hawaii photo ornament so I could remember that moment every year when we put up our Christmas tree.
Supplies
- links in supplies are affiliate links
- cereal box or thin chipboard
- copy paper
- Mod Podge for paper
- Silhouette Portrait
- Silhouette Portrait mat
- color printer
- coordinating card stock
- foam brush
- raffia
Instructions
I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out all the shapes I needed for the ornament:
- one “chipboard” Big Island shape
- two card stock pieces cut in the shape of the Big Island
- one photo cut with a 1/4 inch internal offset to the Big Island shape
My cheaper alternative to chipboard was to use a cereal paper box to cut the base of the ornament. The photo was printed on copy paper because Mod Podge is best used with copy paper and not photo paper. NOTE: I intended to have a full Silhouette tutorial but Hurricane Matthew had other ideas.
First use Mod Podge as an adhesive. Apply Mod Podge with a foam brush to the front of the chipboard and place one piece of cut blue card stock onto it. Repeat for the back of the chipboard. Make sure to line everything up. 
Now use the Mod Podge as a sealer to protect the paper and chipboard. Apply Mod Podge along the edge of the ornament with the foam brush. Then hang the ornament on an ornament stand and cover the front and back of the ornament with Mod Podge.
Dry for about 30 minutes. Finally, add raffia through the hole for hanging. The raffia reminds me of Hawaiian skirts.
I will remember our wonderful Hawaiian vacation every year when I hang this Hawaii photo ornament on our Christmas tree!
31 Handmade Christmas Ornaments
I’ve teamed up with 30 other bloggers to bring you 31 days of handmade Christmas ornaments. Here are all 31 bloggers in order of their appearance:
Here are all 31 Bloggers in order of their appearance:
Day 1 – The Silly Pearl :: Day 2 –Yesterday on Tuesday
Day 3 – Cupcakes and Crinoline :: Day 4 – An Extraordinary Day
Day 5 – Knick of Time :: Day 6 – Pet Scribbles :: Day 7 – Simply Kelly Designs
Day 8 – Town and Country Living :: Day 9 – Petticoat JUNKtion
Day 10 – The Everyday Home :: Day 11 – Up on Tippy Toes
Day 12 – Remodelando la Casa :: Day 13 – DIY 180 :: Day 14 – 504 Main
Day 15 – Sum of their Stories :: Day 16 – At Home with Jemma
Day 17 – The Kim Six Fix :: Day 18 – Shabby Art Boutique
Day 19 – Morena’s Corner :: Day 20 – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Day 21 – Our Southern Home :: Day 22 – Domestically Speaking
Day 23 – The Crafting Nook :: Day 24 – Sweet Pea
Day 25 – Dukes and Duchesses :: Day 26 – Heathered Nest
Day 27 – Lovely Etc. Day 28 – Stone Gable Blog :: Day 29 – Mod Podge Rocks
Day 30 – Running with a Glue Gun :: Day 31 – All Things Heart and Home
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you order through the links I receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Simply Kelly Designs.
Every time I see something that needs a Silhouette I vow that this is the year I buy one. This is completely adorable. So sweet.
Gorgeous!!! We went to Hawaii this summer and find a sea turtle sunbathing was definitely one of our highlights.
That’s a really special way to remember a fabulous memory Kelly. Pinned
Hawaii is my favorite place in the world! I love the idea of using vacation photos to decorate the tree.
Awesome!!! I’m from Hawaii!! This really hits hime! Such an awesome keepsake!
Great idea. You could use this idea for lots of special occasions and vacations, too. Love it.
What a pretty ornament, and I love the story behind it! The Mod Podge sealed it perfectly! Hope you guys are OK in Florida. Thinking of you!
Oh, those wonderful memories! Awesome way to keep them alive!
What a lovely way to remember a special vacation, Kelly. Those magical moments are priceless and we surely don’t want to forget them. So glad you and your family survived the hurricane. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity during out 31 days blog hop!
I love this ornament, because I remember when you shared the incredible picture on Instagram of the turtle, which was indeed magical! Soooo glad and relieved you were ok through the hurricane. xo
Thanks Laura. This photo is one of my favorites from our vacation. We were lucky the hurricane stayed east of its projected path.
My aunt and uncle have a tree full of ornaments from their travels, I think it’s such a lovely idea. I really like the idea of making your own from a special photo.
I think that is a wonderful idea for a tree theme Julie! We always try to buy at least one ornament when we go on vacation.
When you can attach a sweet memory to the ornaments, it makes decorating the tree so special…love this idea xo
Thank you Robin. We have a ton of photo ornaments on our tree and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What a great addition to your tree!
Thank you Laurie! I can’t wait to put it on our tree this Christmas.
So unique and what a wonderful way to decorate with your memories!
Thank you Mary Beth! I love anything and everything that has to do with photos.
Very clever and a great way to remember a special place. Glad you made it out of the hurricane okay.
Thank you Jennifer! I’m looking forward to seeing your ornament tomorrow!
What a great way to remember a wonderful Hawaiian vacation! Stay safe in the storm!
Thank you Paula! We were extremely lucky and got through the hurricane okay.