Repurposed Jewelry Box Red Christmas Door Ornament

I'm so excited to be part of the 2019 Ornament Exchange Link Party, where you’ll find tons of budget-friendly handmade ornament tutorials! This is my first year participating in this fun ornament exchange and I was partnered with Lynne from My Family Thyme, who like me, loves red and white Christmas decor. Since her ornament was shipped from my door to hers, I thought it fitting to make a festive Red Christmas Door Ornament from a repurposed jewelry box - I hope she likes it!

Upcycled and Repurposed Red Door Christmas Ornament

Repurposed Jewelry Box Red Christmas Door Ornament


The idea was inspired by this vintage jewelry box where I had already repurposed one of the doors for my granddaughter's DIY dollhouse bookcase.

Repurposed Jewelry Box Door Christmas Ornament Before

Some of the cherished ornaments on my Christmas tree are festive holiday door ornaments that were given to us by friends and family during annual ornament exchanges. I figured wouldn't it be fun to make a DIY version of a red Christmas door ornament.

Instead of using the original floral etched glass, it was replaced with a sheet of regular glass that I turned into an antiqued mirror that resembles mercury glass. It's super easy to do and I show you how further down in the post.

Repurposed Jewelry Box Door Ornament

Here's how I made it

You can find links to most of the products I used to make it in the supply list towards the bottom of the post.

While there may appear to be a heck of a lot of steps below that at a glance seem overwhelming, trust me when I say they are very quick and easy. I wanted to make sure I provided you with detailed instructions for every step of the process.

Repurposed Christmas Door Ornament DIY Antiqued Mirror Glass

Step 1 - Paint the jewelry box door

  • First, I removed the metal handle on the jewelry box door and put it aside for later.
  • The door was sanded lightly with 150-grit sandpaper to give the paint some bite.
  • Using paint that I had on hand, it was painted with three coats of Red Barchetta, a chalk-style paint. Any red chalky paint, multi-surface paint, or acrylic craft paint works for painting the door. 
  • To deepen the color and give the door a time-worn appearance, I applied dark wax with a lint-free rag and buffed to remove the excess. 

Step 2 - Cut new glass for the door

  • Salvaging glass from a thrift store picture frame and using the original etched glass as a template, trace the outline with a black marker. 
  • With a straight edge and glass cutter tool, score the glass on the marks. It's important you only score the glass once. 
  • I should note here that it's important to exercise caution in this step by wearing protective gloves and goggles.
  • With the ball-shaped tapping tool on the opposite end of the glass cutter, lightly tap the glass along the score lines.
  • Place the straight edge under the glass to raise it slightly under the positive side (the glass you'll be using) and apply light pressure on the negative side of the glass (the part you won't be using). 
  • Be prepared to have one or two failed attempts unless you're a seasoned glass cutter, so have another pane of glass at the ready just in case. 
  • Another option is getting a piece cut to fit OR finding a vintage jewelry box that has clear glass in the doors.

Step 3 - Turn clear glass into a mirror

The first thing we have to do is turn the clear glass into a reflective mirror and it's so quick and easy with mirrored effects spray paint. You watch the magic happen in minutes with just four coats.

  • Do this step in a well-ventilated area.
  • Spray the glass with a light coat of mirrored effects spray paint.
  • Wait about a minute until it dries and spray a second coat.
  • Repeat the step above another two or three times until you get the mirror effect you like.

Step 4 - How to antique the DIY mirrored glass

In this step, we're going to make the mirror look aged but also get the look of mercury glass. Just like the previous step, it's super easy to do. We're essentially removing the reflective spray paint in areas after the mirrored paint is dry.

  • Fill a small spray bottle (I saved an eyeglass cleaner bottle for this purpose) fill it with a 50:50 ratio of water and bleach.
  • Lightly spray along the edges of the mirrored glass and spritz a few small areas in the center. 
  • Shake the bottle a little so drops of the solution hit the glass in random areas. 
  • To help the process along lightly dab a shop rag over those areas. Don't worry if you remove too much paint in some areas because you can always spray over them again with more reflective spray paint.
  • Play with it until you get an effect you like and let the glass dry before moving onto the next step.

Now we're going to add some color to the backside of the glass so it shows through the front. You can do it with colorful patterned scrapbook paper like I did in my Aged Fall Mirror or make it look like mercury glass like I did with this ornament.

  • Spray two light coats of metallic gold spray paint onto the back of the glass (the unpainted side).  
  • It's the combination of the silver reflective paint and the gold underneath that gives it the look of mercury glass which is so pretty.

Step 5 - Add a festive message to the front of the antique mirrored door

Once the door is completely dry, it's time to make it look more festive with a holiday message.

  • I used parts of two stencils (link in the supply list) to add the holiday greeting and the swirly Christmas tree to the front of the mirrored glass.
  • With a foam stencil brush and vintage white multi-surface paint, I stenciled the front of the glass. 

Now that we've made the glass all pretty it's time to slip it inside the door and add a back to the ornament.

Repurposed Jewelry Box Door Ornament Backboard Assembly

Step 6 - Add a back to the ornament

  • For the back of the ornament, simply trace the door onto a sheet of thin hardboard.
  • Clamp a straight edge onto the hardboard and the work surface with spring clamps to hold it in place while carefully cutting it with a retractable utility knife.
  • Paint the backside of the hardboard with three coats of the same red chalk-style paint on the door.  
  • While the paint is drying, insert a small gold eye hook to the center of the top of the painted door.
  • Once the paint is dry on the back, glue it onto the back of the door with strong permanent bond glue. 
  • Clamp it in place with spring clamps while the glue sets but be sure to use something beneath the clamps to protect the paint (I used wood tongue depressors).  
  • Once the glue has cured, age the back with dark wax just like you did the front.  

DIY Red Door Christmas Ornament Embellishments

Step 7 - Embellish the jewelry box door ornament 

This is the final step of the DIY Christmas ornament to make it look festive.

  • Gently hammer the metal door handle back onto the jewelry box. 
  • Glue two sprigs of faux evergreen to the top of the door with a hot glue gun.
  • Slip a 14-inch piece of 3/8" plaid holiday ribbon into the eye hook and tie it in a bow.
  • Dab a little hot glue to the backside of the bow to hold it in place. 

This next step is totally optional but I decoupaged the front of a holiday greeting card onto the back of the ornament. Another option if giving this ornament as a gift is inscribing the back with a metallic pen so they always remember who made the ornament.

That's it - seven quick and easy steps and voila, we have an adorable red Christmas door ornament! It really is quick to make and the most time-consuming part is waiting for paint and glue to dry.

What you'll need to make it

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Supply List

Jewelry Box Door (salvaged thrift store vintage jewelry box)
Sheet Of Glass (salvaged from thrift store picture frame)
Red Barchetta Chalk Style Paint (not an affiliate link)
Mirrored Effect Spray Paint
Metallic Gold Spray Paint
Vintage White Multi-Surface Paint
22 Piece Small Christmas Stencils
3/8-inch Plaid Holiday Ribbon
Faux Evergreen Pick
Brown Wax
Small Gold Eye Hook
Hardboard
Strong Bond Glue
Bleach & Water Solution Spray Bottle
Shop Rag

Tools

Glass Cutter Tool
Protective Gloves & Glasses
Straight Edge
Small Spring Clamps
Retractable Utility Knife
Awl
Hot Glue Gun


If you have any questions about this DIY Christmas ornament, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

I'd be so thankful if you pinned this idea or shared it with a friend. With gratitude! -Marie


DIY Repurposed Jewelry Box Door Holiday Ornament

I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.

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Comments

  1. That is really pretty. I played around with faux mercury glass for my ornament craft too and had lots of fun getting the look just right. Pinned.

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    1. Joann, your faux mercury glass ornaments are beautiful! I want to try your version too so I can make pretty vinyl snowflakes with my brand new Cricut Maker. I bet Vicki just loved them!

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  2. Marie - you are crazy talented and creative! Love the ornament that you created for your lucky recipient!

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    1. Hi Vicki! Thank you for your sweet comment. Girl, I ditto the sentiment right backatcha! Such fun doing this ornament exchange party with you and the others 😊

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  3. Thank you for visiting my blog. I love your jewelry box. You did a terrific job on it.
    I love red and white also. My favourite Christmas colours.
    I am your newest follower. Thelma xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Thelma for your visit, your sweet comments, and the follow! xo

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  4. Marie, I'm always impressed by your recyled projects and this one is fabulous! What a creative way to repurpose that jewelry box door. It's lovely. Pinning.

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    1. Aw, you're so sweet Beverly, thank you very much! It was a fun project and now I want to make one for our tree. LOL

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  5. If this isn't the cutest ornament, ever! And how sweet to make it from your door to hers! So clever making and sending a darling little door ornament! You rock, Marie!

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    1. Thank you, Gail, you are too kind! I had so much fun making this ornament that now I want to make one for our tree. LOL You rock too my friend. xo

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  6. Your ornament is so pretty! The mirror effect on the glass is such a neat technique!

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  7. What a gorgeous ornament and an awesome way to reuse a jewelry box door! I love handmade ornaments, they are simply the best!

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    1. Thank you Christina! I agree that handmade ornaments are the best to receive.

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  8. Again Marie you never disappoint. Another pretty re love. This is awesome. Have a great weekend. Stay warm and cozy.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thank you so much, Kris my tree needs one now too. LOl Stay warm and cozy in Illinois too. We're decking the halls this weekend but first we need a new tree.

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  9. That is such a great project Marie! It's really pretty! Now, you've used both doors... would the rest of the jewelry box make a closet or pantry or something for the dollhouse??

    Tania

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    1. Thanks Tania, I was happy to put that second door to good use! Oh I have dollhouse plans for the rest of the jewelry box, coming January...or December if I get my act together.

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  10. This door is beautiful! I feel like Santa and Mrs. Claus would be on the other side. It's beautiful. Thanks for the great tutorial because I feel like my tree needs one now.

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    1. I like that idea of it being a Santa & Mrs. Claus door, Jenny! My tree needs one of these now too. LOL

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  11. Marie, what a cute idea! You always come up with something unique and this is no exception! I love it and I bet the recipient does, too.

    Thanks for the very clear and complete tutorial also.

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    1. Thank you very much, Naomi, I'm glad you like it and appreciate the detailed tutorial. I'm happy to report Lynne really likes her new ornament!

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  12. I love the ornament, and what a creative use of an old jewelry box!

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  13. Wow! I would have never thought to recycle a jewelry box door for an ornament! Genius and gorgeous! Pinned.

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    1. Thank you, Erlene, I'm glad you like the DIY ornament! I liked how it turned out so much that I want to make another for our tree. LOL

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  14. Marie, you hit this one out of the park! I just pinned this since I am so inspired to look for some old items I can upcycle into beautiful Christmas decor.
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Kippi

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    1. Thank you very much, Kippi, I'm glad you like it! I was so happy with how it turned out that I'm making another for our tree. LOL Happy Thanksgiving!

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  15. THIS ORNAMENT IS AWESOME!! I had seen it, but hadn't gotten to it on the ornament link up yet. One of my favorite things is Christmas cards that have a door on them - this reminds me of it, and I really love how it turned out! Pinned, and picked as one of my features at this week’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party (goes live Saturday at 5pm EST).

    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.com

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    1. You just made my Friday, Alexandra! Thank you for your sweet comment and the feature 🤗

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  16. Thanks for sharing with us at the Snickerdoodle Link Party! This will be one of my features at tomorrow's party!

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    1. Thank you very much Roseann for the feature, I'm thrilled! xo See you at the party 😊

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  17. Hi Florence, I hope you are well! I'm glad you like the holiday door ornament. I was so thrilled with how it turned out that I'm making another for my tree. LOL

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  18. Oh my goodness! What a clever idea! And it's so cute! I love this unique ornament! Thanks so much for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party!

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  19. So pretty, Marie... I have an old jewelry box that I keep wondering if I should makeover, or just get rid of... now I have another option!

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  20. Marie, I'll be featuring your lovely Christmas upcycle on Tuesday Turn About this week!

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  21. Marie, this decoration turned out so dang cute! I love the mirror effect and ..the whole thing!! I also hopped over to see the doll house you are making and that is adorable already!! The door and window boxes are really clever and I'm sure your little granddaughter will get many hours of fun with that for a very long time!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comments, Karolyn, they made my morning! Happy Thanksgiving to you 😊

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