Ornaments

Wood turned ornaments are quite popular. They are great for everyday use in your home or for special occasions. Christmas ornaments are welcome every year and can be either plan or very fancy!

There are lots of designs for ornaments. My family likes them so much that I make a different one each year for keepsakes.

		Inside-Out Ornament by James D. Thompson
In this photo tutorial, James shows us how he builds a turning blank for making an Inside Out ornament. Then he shows us the steps that he follows to do the first turning, the blank reversal and the second cutting. This tutorial will give you a great overview of the process and allow you to try turning some of these unique ornaments yourself!

		Turning a Scoop Ornament by David Reed Smith
In this photo tutorial, David shows us how to make an ornament which is a scoop that uses a lattice technique to become a strainer. David's first step is to show us how to make a perfect sphere. These techniques would be useful in other applications. Then after putting the lattice lines on the outside of the sphere and splitting into into it's component piece, David shows us how to make a compression jig to hold the inverted half sphere so that we can hollow it and then apply lattice lines on the inside. This is a very clever project and looks really wonderful. It's not for the faint of heart or beginners but like always David teaches us so many new techniques that you'll find yourself using them for other projects!!

		Making a Recess Ornament by David Reed Smith
In this photo tutorial, David shows us a really unique concept in using a piece of an original turning as a component in a second turned piece, thereby resulting in a final ornament. This is not a beginners project but David's detailed instructions and photo's will allow any experienced woodworker to duplicate the process. David (like normal) goes into great detail in how to hold the pieces on the lathe. These are wonderful techniques to learn and you may find ways to use them for other projects.

		Turning Eccentric Christmas Tree Ornaments by David Reed Smith
In this photo tutorial, David shows how to turn a normal Christmas tree and then gives it a twist. By putting the base offset on the lathe, you can turn an eccentric tree, thereby making it quirky and much more attractive! David goes through each step with detailed explanations so it's easy for your to follow. And he shows multiple ways of dressing them up with paint and glitter paint. This is a project that you might just have to run out to the shop to try!

		Acorn Ornaments by Bob Rosand
In this reprint from the AAW American Woodturner magazine, Bob Rosand shows us how to make an acorn ornament. He goes through each step in detail which should enable you to duplicate his process leading to a successful result. Bob also challenges you to attempt a smaller version and shows the acorn ornaments in earring size. As a lover of miniature turnings, this is an exciting project!

		Wishing Well Ornament by Larry Marley
In this online video project, Larry turns this 1.7 ounce, 206�piece segmented wishing well that is only 2" wide by 4" tall. With all the pieces and it's small size, one might think that this was a really hard to make project. Well, it might be if you didn't see how Larry does it. With this video�breaking down all of the tasks, it's easy to see that this is a realistic project by taking it one section at a time. We hope that you'll give it a try!

		How to turn a pierced Christmas tree ornament by Richard McGann
In this tutorial, Richard shows us how he makes a Christmas ornament that has a large open area (the pierced space) that can be used to hold little things like: birds, snowmen or other decoration objects. Richard starts with a 2" x 2" x 8" piece of light colored wood which most of us either have or can get easily. He turns the ornament to include both the top finial and the bottom icicle so when you've finished turned the project, it's done! It's all one piece. This looks like a fun and easy project and one worth trying, I hope you give it a chance!

		Celtic Knot Ornament Video by Larry Marley
Larry has created a 21 minute video which runs on his website to show how to make this ornament. With the extended length video, he is able to walk you through all the steps in creating this beautiful ornament. As you should expect, there is a bit of woodworking involved in this project but the results are quite stunning! So, if you've ever wondered, "How did he do that", Larry is giving you an opportunity to learn all the secrets! Check it out!!

		Make a Bell Christmas Ornament by Walter Anderson
This tutorial shows you how to make a bell ornament on the lathe using metal spinning techniques. Walter shows us his setup and how to make this ornament.

		Making a Bell Shaped Chistmas Ornament by Larry Marley
In this video project, Larry Marley makes a Christmas Bell Ornament. The design is made from 3 pieces of wood and he uses contrasting woods to make the project more attractive. He then hand cuts pedals into the top of the bell and carves them to make them look like a flower. The close-ups of the carving are really helpful for those of us without carving experience! This is a new and exciting project and one worth trying!

		Making Eyelets for Ornaments by Jim Underwood
In this photo article, Jim shows us how he takes a spool of wire and makes a custom eyelet that is perfect for your wood turned ornaments. It's fast and easy enough for anyone to do! And more importantly, looks so much better than those eye hooks from the hardware store!

		Christmas Ornament by Bob Hamilton
In this photo tutorial, Bob shows how he makes a Christmas Ornament that appears to be an inside-out turning. But, it's NOT!! Bob cleverly walks us through his process on making this faux inside-out turning! It's well photographed so that anyone can follow along and make it for themselves! So, if you want to avoid the hassle of an inside-out turning and all the glue-up steps, check this one out!!

	Making Fancy Ornaments (using Inside-Outside Technique) by Ken Grunke
This is one of the best Inside-Outside projects that I've seen. It's clear and precise which is what you need for these semi-complex concepts. In addition to the turning process, Ken also shows a couple of good alternatives to hangers.

		Peek Through Holiday Ornament by Wood Magazine
Turn a scrap of wood, a piece of dowel, and a dab of paint into an elegant decoration.

		Turned Inside-Out Christmas Ornament by Larry Marley
In this free video, Larry starts by showing us how he mills his wood for this inside-outside project. Then he shows the glue-up method that he used for assembling his turning blank. While the glue is drying, Larry turns a small tree which will ultimately become the insert inside of his turning. Larry then mounts the inside-outside blank and shows us how he turns it, checking it with a small template. After disassembling the blank and rotating it, Larry proceeds to glue it back up into the final turning blank. Back on the lathe, Larry turns the final shape of the ornament. We're always big fans of video's as they are more like a real demo than any other form of online content. With this video, you'll really be able to understand each step in the process. If you have any interest in inside-outside turning or in ornaments, this is one video not to miss!

	Turning Birdhouse Ornaments by Eugen Schlaak
In this great photo tutorial, Eugen shows us the step-by-step process to making 2-piece spindle orientated birdhouse ornaments. He uses close-up photography so that you can see every detail of the process. Eugen makes this project easy for even the beginner! And I personally know that people love these little ornaments.

Woodturning Ornaments Projects by David Reed Smith

Inside/Outside Angel Ornament by David Reed Smith

In this detailed photo tutorial, David starts by building a custom chuck for Inside-Outside turnings. Then he proceeds to assemble his blank and cut the inside of his angel. He then rotates the stock (the usual inside-outside method) and turns the final shape of the angel. Lastly, David shows us how he uses a faceplate turning to build a set of wings for the angel.

This project is a little more challenging than most but the stunning results would be worth the effort! If you have an interest in inside-outside turning and are looking for a well documented project, you may have found it!!

	Turning Tree Ornaments by Eugen Schlaak
In this photo tutorial, Eugen shows us how he mounts a short log on the lathe and turns it into a Tree Ornament. He uses excellent close-up photography to show each step of the process, making the project look very simple for any turner to do! He even shows how to texture the branches and then apply color. If you looking for a different holiday project this year, check this one out!

Woodturning Ornaments Projects by Eugen Schlaak

Angel Christmas Tree Ornament by Eugen Schlaak

In this photo tutorial, Eugen shows us how he makes "Angel Ornaments". These are 2-piece spindle turnings cut from one piece of wood. The close-up photo's in this project are some of the best that you will see!

Eugen takes us step-by-step through the process and even shows the best way to use a skew in this project. Even people with "fear of the skew" might be willing to give it a go after looking at the clear pictures in the project!!

The final angels are extremely cute and would be welcome in any house! This project is a "keeper"!!

	Turning an Ornament for the first time by Jim Shaver
In this photo tutorial, Jim Shaver shows a series of steps to make a 3-piece hollow ornament. Jim documented these steps during a turning class at Lee Valley. The pictures are really helpful in this tutorial and the use of glue-ups for all 3 pieces is worth considering.

Woodturning Ornaments Projects by Brad Vietje

Hollow Ornaments by Brad Vietje

In this project, Brad explains how to make a hollow ornament. Then he shows us how he glues the bottom icicle into place while the hollow globe is still on the lathe. This is a very different technique than most people and achieves Brad's goal of having an ornament with an icicle that looks and feels one-piece. This turns out to be an interesting alternative to the traditional 3-piece ornament.

For anyone that makes hollow ornaments, this is worth a good read as it may really get the "little gray cells" working!!

	Turning a Christmas Ornament by Curtis Thompson
In this photo tutorial, Curtis walks us through the steps that he uses to turn a hollow ornament.

	Hollow Ornaments - Inside Out Turning by Herman Burghard
In this project, Herman gives us exact dimensions and drawings to be able to duplicate his delicate inside-outside ornaments. He discusses each step along the way and uses line drawings to show us what to expect. He is so clear that he makes this somewhat complex project easy to understand.