Nov 2025 - With 3 Things - A Trio of Christmas Ornaments {by Ann Barnes}

Hi friends, 

It's Ann from aksbarchitect CREATES with you for another 'With 3 Things' challenge post.

For this feature on the PaperArtsy Blog 3 identical items are sent to 3 members of the PaperArtsy Blogging team. Typically we will receive a stamp, a stencil and a couple of Fresco Paints.

We have no clue what PaperArtsy HQ is going to send, the whole idea of this challenge is to do something crafty in our personal style with these 3 items. We can incorporate other PA products into the mix if we feel it is necessary.

So let's take a look at what I was sent from PA HQ ...

I received the PaperArtsy Eclectica Kay Carley Stamp Set 11 (EKC11), PaperArtsy Stencil 162 by Kay Carley (PS162) and two beautiful PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic paints Verdigris (FF191) and Zinc (FF235). These products have given me a number of ideas for the upcoming Christmas Season.

Today I am sharing some Christmas ornaments I made using these three things...... let's take a closer look.

These ornaments were made with inexpensive paper mache blanks from the craft store that I found in my stash. These could also be made with circles cut from chipboard or any other stiff durable material you may have in your possession.

I cover the entire surface of the ornament (both front and back) with a coat of Fresco finish chalk acrylic in Zinc (FF235) and allow to dry.

Next, use a piece of sea sponge to dab Heavy Cream Fresco Finish (FF203) randomly on top of the Zinc giving the surface a mottled/textured appearance.

Using the holly branch section of the stencil, lightly dab Verdigris Fresco Finish (FF191) through the openings to create the pattern. Allow this to dry completely.

I decided to change out the original ornament hanging string with some Sari Silk ribbon that coordinates with the Verdigris color. A decorative bead cap holds it in place.

Stamp the "Christmas Wishes" sentiment onto a piece of tracing paper, determine where it fits best in a non-stenciled area. Using embossing ink, stamp "Christmas Wishes" and heat emboss with silver embossing powder.

Flip the circle over and work on the opposite side. Start by adding German Dresden trim along the rim.

Audition a stamp and stencil combination on this side of the ornament to ensure proper fit. For these, I use the smallest tree image and a modified pot.

Using the Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic in Verdigris (FF191) stencil the triangle onto the surface.

Next stamp the smallest tree from the stamp set onto the triangle with archival ink. Embellish with crystals if desired.

Stamp the pot from Kay Carley Stamp Set 11 (EKC11) onto card stock and color with silver Uni ball pen. Then fussy cut the pot, trimming the top portion of the pot off. Add a small piece of silver Dresden to make the pot a bit more fancy and attach with glue at the base of the tree.

Allow the glue to dry. This side is complete. 

Time to finish the opposite side of the ornament. 

Attach larger crystals to the stenciled holly berries with glue.

Using the silver Uni ball pen, add highlights around the stenciled holly leaves. Add a bead of glue around the rim and sprinkle with vintage German glass glitter to create a sparkly edge detail.

All three hanging together.

I think these beautiful ornaments will make wonderful gifts this holiday season. I may even keep one for myself to hang on my tree! You could easily change the color palette by simply choosing different PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Paints. PaperArtsy has a nice selection of holiday stamps and stencils to choose from if you would like to make varying styles as well.

Thank you for stopping by, Be sure to check out how these three things are used by two other PaperArtsy bloggers, it's always fun to see what great ideas they come up with! 

I hope you have a creative day,

Ann

Blog: aksbarchitect CREATES

YouTube: Ann Barnes

Facebook: Ann Sullivan Barnes 

Instagram: @aksbarchitect