Popsicle stick ornaments are an easy, thoughtful holiday project that make excellent gifts for parents and grandparents. This popsicle stick train ornament is a simple craft that holds a small photo and becomes a keepsake to hang on the tree for years. It’s a playful follow-up to other kid-friendly popsicle stick ornaments like the gingerbread house and window ornaments.
Children can help paint and assemble parts of the ornament depending on their age, while an adult handles cutting and the hot glue. This tutorial walks you through the process step by step so you can create a festive photo ornament together.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these materials before you start:
- 8 popsicle sticks per ornament
- 3 small wood discs or beads per ornament (for wheels)
- Hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Paint in your chosen colors
- Paintbrushes
- Felt, cardstock, or faux leather scraps for trim
- Photo (wallet size or a trimmed 4×6)
- Twine for hanging
- Mini wreaths or tiny Santa hats for decoration (optional)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Popsicle Stick Train Tutorial
1. Lay four popsicle sticks side by side horizontally to form the base of the train.
2. Trim about 1″ off the top of two additional sticks. Glue one trimmed stick across the four horizontal sticks near the top to hold them together.
3. Glue the other trimmed stick about 1.5″ from the first to create the taller section that frames the photo window.
4. Cut another popsicle stick in half. Glue one half across the horizontal sticks to act as the support for the chimney. Trim the rounded end off the remaining half and glue it across the top of the two taller vertical sticks to form the window ledge.
5. Paint the train body in your chosen colors. Paint the wheels black and consider painting one popsicle stick silver or another contrasting color for the bumper. Allow paint to dry completely.
6. Cut a small triangle for the train’s front and a chimney shape from felt, cardstock, or faux leather for added detail.
7. Glue each wheel to the bottom of the train, spacing them evenly.
8. If desired, trim the metallic or contrasting popsicle stick and glue it across the wheels to form a bumper.
9. Attach the triangular front piece and the chimney to the train body with glue.
10. Turn the train over and glue your photo into the window area so it shows from the front.
11. Fold a short length of twine in half and glue the folded end to the back of the photo to create a hanger loop.
12. Glue a small scrap of felt or cardstock over the back edge of the photo to hide raw edges and secure the hanger.
13. Add any extra trim you like—tiny wreaths, a Santa hat, or other small embellishments finish the ornament.
More Popsicle Stick Ornament Ideas
- DIY Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House Ornaments
- Christmas Window Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft
Photos by Studio DIY
Make one ornament per child or place a family photo in a single train for a heartwarming, personalized decoration that’s fun to create and beautiful to display each holiday season.
Popsicle Stick Train Ornaments
2 hours
1 ornament
Equipment
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Pair of scissors
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Hot glue gun
Materials
- 8 popsicle sticks per train
- 3 wood discs or beads per train
- Paint in desired colors
- Paintbrushes
- Felt, cardstock or faux leather
- Photo wallet size or 4×6, trimmed down
- Twine
- Mini wreaths or other decoration
Instructions
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Lay four popsicle sticks next to each other horizontally.
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Trim 1″ off the top of two other popsicle sticks. Glue one to the horizontal sticks to hold them together.
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Glue the other trimmed stick about 1.5″ away from the first to form the taller window section.
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Cut another popsicle stick in half and glue one half across the horizontals to support the chimney.
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Trim the round end off the remaining half and glue it across the top of the two vertical sticks to form the window.
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Paint trains and wheels as desired and allow to dry.
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Cut a small triangle for the front and a chimney shape from felt or other material.
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Glue each wheel to the bottom of the train.
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Glue a popsicle stick across the wheels, trimming if needed.
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Glue the chimney and front piece in place.
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Glue the picture to the back of the train in the window space.
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Glue a folded piece of twine to the back of the photo to create a hanger.
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Cover the photo edges with a felt scrap for a neat finish and add decorations if desired.