Each year our family makes a simple DIY photo popsicle stick ornament to capture a moment in our child’s life. We give them to grandparents, hang one on our tree, and keep one as a keepsake. This year we turned ours into tiny popsicle stick fireplaces — a cozy backdrop for a holiday photo.
These ornaments are quick, kid-friendly and a great collaborative project. Children can help paint, choose decorations and place small accents depending on their age. Over the years we’ve made many popsicle stick ornaments — windows, trains, gingerbread houses — and this fireplace version is one of our favorites.
Since so many family photos are taken by the hearth, this little popsicle stick fireplace felt like the perfect way to recreate that warm moment in ornament form. Below is an easy step-by-step guide so you can make your own.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather the following materials for each ornament:
- 9 popsicle sticks (standard size)
- 1 jumbo popsicle stick (or two regular sticks in place of a jumbo)
- Hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Paint in your chosen colors
- Paintbrushes
- Felt, cardstock or faux leather scraps for trim and decorations
- A printed photo (wallet size or a trimmed 4×6 printed on photo paper or laminated for durability)
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Small embellishments such as mini wreaths or tiny hats, if desired
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Popsicle Stick Fireplace Tutorial
- Trim your popsicle sticks. For each ornament you’ll need:
- 7 full-size sticks
- 2 sticks cut to about 3/4 length
- 1 jumbo stick with the ends trimmed
- Arrange five full sticks side by side and place the two 3/4 sticks at the sides to frame them.
- Apply hot glue to the back of the jumbo stick and adhere it horizontally across the top area to form the mantel. Allow glue to set.
- Glue the remaining two full-size sticks horizontally across the bottom to form the base of the fireplace.
- Paint the assembled frame. Let kids help paint the body and choose a different color for the mantel if you want it to stand out.
- Cut a black rectangle from felt, foam, leather or paper to fit between the mantel and the bottom base, covering the five center vertical sticks to create the fireplace opening.
- Cut flame shapes from orange and yellow materials to layer as fire pieces.
- Glue the black rectangle into place, then layer and glue the flame shapes on top.
- Add your photo. Carefully cut around the subject so the background is removed. Put hot glue on the top and bottom of the back of the photo and affix it to one side of the fireplace opening.
- Personalize with small decorations such as:
- A wreath above the mantel
- Mini stockings cut from felt
- Tiny presents made from felt or paper
- Mini Santa hats placed on the photo subjects
- Flip the ornament over and hot glue a loop of twine or ribbon to the back for hanging.
- For a neater finish, glue a piece of felt over the back to cover the glue and provide a smooth surface.
Homemade Ornaments as Gifts
Handmade ornaments like these popsicle stick fireplaces make thoughtful gifts for grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and close friends. They’re also perfect for classroom or neighborhood ornament exchanges and are a fun project for kids to give as presents.
If you’ll be shipping the ornament, wrap it in bubble wrap first to protect it, then place it in gift wrapping with a bow for a charming presentation.
More Popsicle Stick Ornament Ideas
Over the years we’ve tried many designs. Here are a few other popsicle stick ornament ideas to inspire your next crafting session:
- Popsicle stick gingerbread house ornaments
- Popsicle stick train ornaments
- Popsicle stick window ornaments
Enjoy making these holiday keepsakes with your family — they’re simple to create and become treasured memories year after year.