Easy Audubon DIY Bird Ornament

Use free images from Audubon's Birds of America to create this inexpensive and simple DIY bird ornament.

Ever since I discovered that the Audubon Society has made available on their website hundreds of images from John J. Audubon’s seminal Birds of America, all in full color and high quality, I’ve been busy coming up with ways to use them in my home decor and crafts. This year I used them to make very simple Christmas tree ornaments. I used ceramic ornament bases from the craft store, but you could also do these on wood, glass, plastic, or any material you like.

Easy Audubon DIY Bird Ornament

Easy DIY Bird Ornament Supplies

  • Plain ceramic ornament, 2.5″ x 2.5″
  • Mod Podge
  • Iridescent glitter glue
  • Two sponge brushes
  • Color printer
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Ribbon

Easy DIY Bird Ornament Instructions

  • Choose an image you like from the Birds of America collection. (I used the Great Horned Owl for this ornament.) Save it to your computer, and use the program of your choice to shrink it to the appropriate size. Print the image.
  • Lay the ornament over the image so it’s centered. Trace around the ornament with a pencil. Cut out the image, and trim carefully so it just fits on the front of the ornament.
  • Brush a coat of Mod Podge on the front of the ornament. Carefully press the image in place, smoothing any wrinkles. Allow to dry.
  • Brush a coat of iridescent glitter glue over the entire image. Allow to dry.
  • Use ribbon to create a hanger and bow.

Easy Audubon DIY Bird Ornament

Jill Staake
Jill lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes about gardening, butterflies, outdoor projects and birding. When she's not gardening, you'll find her reading, traveling and happily digging her toes into the sand on the beach.