Color Your Own Christmas Ornament: A Family Craft How-to
By Crocodile Creek | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
Turn a colorable ornament kit into a calm, creative family holiday activity with a simple setup, coloring plan, and drying routine that works for mixed ages.
Quick answer
Use a colorable ornament kit like Color Your Own Christmas Ornament as a low-prep family craft: cover the table, assign each child one ornament and a few markers, then let them color before you hang the pieces to dry. The kit’s six ornaments and six markers give everyone a clear starting point without extra shopping.
Why this craft works for mixed ages
A colorable ornament craft is forgiving for different skill levels because the design is already printed. Younger kids can fill large areas with one color, while older kids can add patterns or outlines. The kit’s six ornaments mean siblings can each own one without competing for the same design.
The main trade-off is that markers can bleed if kids press hard or layer too quickly. Plan for a short drying break between colors, and keep a scrap sheet of paper nearby for testing marker flow.
Set up a marker-friendly workspace
Work on a washable tablecloth or a large sheet of kraft paper, and keep a damp cloth within reach. Markers are the only coloring tool included, so avoid handing out paint or glitter glue unless you have tested them on a scrap piece first. The kit’s six vibrant markers are enough for a small group, but you may want a second set if more than four kids are coloring at once.
Step-by-step family craft routine
- 1. Protect the table and prep the markers: Lay down newspaper or a washable cloth, then test each marker on a scrap sheet to check ink flow. Common mistake: skipping the test and discovering a dried-out marker after kids have started. Keep the scrap sheet nearby so kids can test colors without marking the ornaments.
- 2. Assign one ornament per child: Let each child choose a design from the six included ornaments, or draw names if two kids want the same one. Common mistake: letting kids trade mid-way, which can lead to smudged marker lines. Write names on the back of each ornament in pencil before coloring begins.
- 3. Color in light layers and let each layer dry: Encourage kids to fill large areas first with light strokes, then add details after a one-minute drying pause. Common mistake: pressing hard on the first pass, which can feather the marker ink into the printed design. Set a small timer for drying pauses so kids do not rush the next layer.
- 4. Add names and dates on the back: Use a fine-tip marker or pencil to write each child’s name and the year on the unpainted back of the ornament. Common mistake: writing on the front and covering the design. Check that the ink is dry before hanging so the writing does not transfer.
- 5. Dry flat before hanging: Place finished ornaments on a flat surface for at least 15 minutes, then hang them on a tree or display. Common mistake: hanging too soon and letting wet marker drip onto branches or gifts. If you are packing them away, wait a full hour before stacking ornaments together.
What’s in the kit
- Color Your Own Christmas Ornament: The set includes six ornaments with classic Christmas designs such as Santa, a reindeer, and a gingerbread man, plus six markers. You can start coloring right away with one ornament per child and a shared marker set, which keeps the activity simple for a family afternoon.
Color Your Own Christmas Ornament
