WOODEN INSPIRATIONS: Hulbert Community Library patrons create slice ornaments

Skyler Hammons |, Tahlequah Daily Press, Okla.
·2 min read

Dec. 13—Hulbert Community Library patrons got into the holiday spirit this week by creating bird-themed wood slice ornaments on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

While this wasn't the library's first ornament making workshop, Emily Dean, a library assistant, said this was a new way to create ornaments.

"I really want them to have an awesome ornament that they can take home, and they like, and I want them to feel like if they wanted to ado this on their own they could get really creative with it," Dean said.

Dean said when she researched the activity it was called "transfer ornaments." The library had a lot of leftover wood slices, and Dean said she wanted to host a workshop that be cost-free to the Hulbert Community Library.

To create the ornaments, Dean said, artisans need to take a small, round, wood slice and place an image printed on transfer paper onto the surface of the ornament.

"[Transfer paper] is a really thin paper that you can print on and melt stuff with it," Dean said. "Some transfer papers just transfer the ink, but this one was the paper itself."

The next step is to place the wood slice, accompanied by the picture, on transfer paper under an iron while applying pressure. Lastly, the individual will spread a thin layer of Modge Podge over the object to seal it.

Crystal Hicks, a workshop attendee, said she has seen other people using a similar tactic, but include pictures of friends and loved ones. Hicks said she has made handmade ornaments before, but these allow her to use mediums different than the usual paint, ribbon, and other materials.

Dean said she believes the easiness of the ornament amplified creativity, as it allowed everyone to participate and take unique liberties.

Jennifer Johnson said she loved the ornaments, and it was the first time she had created one like it. Johnson attended with her children, whom she tries to bring to the library as much as possible.

"I just try to get the kids to do anything that's not TV- or electronic-related," Johnson said.

Check it out

The next ornament-making event at the Hulbert Community Library will be Monday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 1 3-6 p.m.