Add an authentic DIY twist to your décor, or gift the DIY’er on your holiday list this year with these handmade Tool Ornaments. All you need is a jigsaw and a ¼-inch-thick “hobby board” found at most home centers and craft store! (Oh yeah, and a drill to make a hole for the ornament hanger.) The best part is that the ornaments are petite, so even if you are terrible at following a line with a jigsaw (like me!) you can still pull these off and look like a pro.

TIP: Click the tabs below to find our free downloadable template, and to see the tools and materials lists.

 

Cost: $4

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate. The cuts are easy, but taking it slow is key.

Note: This list may contain affiliate links

Printer to print our Free Template

Scissors

Tape

Jigsaw with Scroll Blade

Drill/Driver

Hand Clamps

Sanding Sponge or Sandpaper

(1) ¼” x 4″ Board

Ribbon or Wire Ornament Hooks

Download our Free Template HERE. For best sizing and quality, “Save” the template to your computer, and then print.

Free Printable Template - DIY Tool Ornaments - Building Plans by @BuildBasic www.build-basic.com

DIY Tool Ornaments Free Printable Template by @BuildBasic www.build-basic.com

Steps

 

1. Print and Cut our Template

Download our FREE TEMPLATE. Using scissors cut out each tool drawing.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 1

www.Build-Basic.com2. Prep the Drawings

Roll up small pieces of tape, and then press them onto the back of each cutout.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 2

www.Build-Basic.com3. Position and Trace the Cutouts

Place the first template on the ¼” x 4″ board. If there’s a curvy end, like the top of the hammer, place that towards the end of the board so you can work on it first. To get warmed up, begin with the more simple designs, like the Hammer or Screwdriver, and then work your way up to the more difficult Handsaw. Trace the template onto the board, and then remove the paper and tape.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 3

www.Build-Basic.com4. Prep the Jigsaw

Since most of the tools have small curves, swap out your regular jigsaw blade for a small scrolling blade ours (See link in our Tool List above).
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 4

www.Build-Basic.com5. Begin Cutting the Outline

Using a jigsaw, begin trimming along the intricate parts of the design. It’s easiest to make these cuts while the majority of the design is attached and supported by the board. Finding a way to clamp the small ornament to the work surface after it’s been removed from the board can be more difficult.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 5

www.Build-Basic.com6. Finish Cutting the Outline

Once all the intricate parts of the ornament are cut out, make the final cut to remove the ornament from the board.
Make DIY Tool Ornaments - Building Plans by @BuildBasic www.build-basic.com

www.Build-Basic.com7. Begin Cutting the Saw’s Teeth

To cut the teeth on the saw’s blade, cut a series of parallel slanted slots.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 7

www.Build-Basic.com8. Finish Cutting the Saw’s Teeth

To complete cutting the saw’s teeth, cut a second series of angled slots in the opposing direction as Step 7 to remove a wedge and create each tooth. As you can see, my teeth aren’t perfect, but the ornaments are so small that errors quickly fade in favor of the overall shape–so don’t stress about mistakes!
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 8

www.Build-Basic.com9. Cut the Saw’s Handle

To create the rounded ends of the Saw’s handle cutout, drill a hole at each end inside the outline. Place a scrap block below the ornament to reduce splitting on the backside. Lastly, use the jigsaw to cut between the holes and create the handle detail.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 9

www.Build-Basic.com10. Drill Holes for the Ribbon

To create a place for the ribbon or wire hook to attach to each ornament, carefully drill a small hole through the ornament. Once again place a scrap block below each ornament to reduce splitting on the backside.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 10

www.Build-Basic.com11. Finish the Ornaments

Clean the look of each ornament by sanding the edges smooth with sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Apply a coat of paint or stain, followed by a clear coat to protect the ornaments for years to come. Finish by adding a ribbon or wire hook.
DIY Tool Ornaments by Build Basic - Step 11

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