Rhinestone Embellished Ornament for the Christmas Tree! (2025)

Learn how to create a sparkling sublimation ornament with rhinestones this Christmas!

I’ve been making homemade holiday ornaments since I was a child. Now as an adult, I have a tree full of memories of places I’ve been, people I’ve cherished, and crafts I’ve conquered! This year, I wanted to turn up the sparkle with something new. Are you ready to add a festive touch of sophistication to your Christmas tree? I think holiday decorations are even more beautiful when they’re bejeweled, so let’s learn how to do it!

The full step-by-step video showing you exactly how to create your own embellished ornaments was part of Maker Academy Weekend 2024. Get a pass to watch all 18 workshops, each with a printable handbook, transcript, audio files, design files, and support with a Maker Academy Weekend 2024 VIP pass!

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In this tutorial, I’ll show you step by step how to prepare your ornament blank to sublimate both sides at once. Then we’ll add my favorite part — the optional jewels! In the materials list below, I’ve linked to colorful rhinestones that coordinate with the colors in the ornament designs.

Speaking of these cute designs, I’ve included four designs for you to sublimate: a peaceful Polar Bear, a sweet Bunny, a cunning Fox, and a wise little Owl. I’ve got versions of each that you can sublimate and display without rhinestones, and versions that include a placement grid to place the jewels in the right spots.

They’re a beautiful way to glitz up your holiday decor and fill your Christmas tree with sparkle! And they’re even better to gift to someone special at a holiday celebration.

First, I’ll show you the best way to measure your ornament so you can make sure the sublimation transfer is the perfect size. Then I’ll walk you through preparing and printing your sublimation transfers. Don’t forget to mirror your designs so they transfer correctly! You’ll need a sublimation printer with the right ink, as well as sheet of sublimation transfer paper.

You’ll also need a fan — both for the sublimation portion of the process, as well as the rhinestone application. Always use caution around sublimation ink fumes AND adhesive fumes.

Next, we’ll sublimate the ornament on both sides with my cool new hack. I’ll go over my best tips for a successful transfer, including how to avoid ghosting or smudging of your sublimation design.

Then comes the rhinestones! I tested multiple different kinds and sizes, and found that the 3 mm “diamond” drills in my materials list worked best. They’re typically used for diamond painting, but this time we’ll use them on our sublimated embellished ornaments. Some basic diamond painting tools can be really helpful, too — like trays, a wax pencil, and tweezers.

I’ve got lots of tips in the tutorial for the best rhinestone application onto your ornament. Isn’t it awesome when someone else does the testing so you don’t have to? I have to be honest — I love that part! I always learn something new I can take with me to the next project.

I just adore how these turned out, and I can’t wait to see how extra-sparkly my Christmas tree looks this year! Don’t forget, they’re great to give as gifts, too! Include a handmade card with a handwritten personal touch for the perfect present.You can even include gift cards for a glitzy, generous gift! Make sure to check out the tutorial for the complete details on how to make a sublimated embellished ornament of your own.

Let me show you how to make an embellished ornament! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more, there is no additional cost)! Read myfull disclosure policy.

How to Sublimate an Embellished Ornament!

The detailed step-by-step assembly video on how to make embellished ornaments was available to watch for free for 24 hours during Maker Academy Weekend 2024, held online November 7-10, 2024. Get access to the Maker Academy Weekend 2024 videos, printable handbooks, and design files with a 2024 VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekendor by joining theADVANCE with JenniferMaker program as an ANNUAL member!

Answers to Your Questions About My Embellished Ornament Tutorial

Q: Where is your tutorial for this project?

A: This is a special project we made for our free Maker Academy Weekend 2024 event! A complete and detailed step-by-step video premiered during the event November 7-10, 2024. You can get access to the video tutorial and printable handbook that details how to make this great project if you get a2024 VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekendor by joining theADVANCE with JenniferMaker program as an ANNUAL member which comes with other perks and bonuses, too!

Q: What does embellish ornament mean?

A:To embellish an ornament means to decorate it with additional accents — in this case, that’s rhinestones, also called diamond drills!

Q: How do you sublimate an ornament?

A: Sublimating an ornament is easy with the right supplies and tools when you follow my step-by-step tutorial. Access the tutorial to learn how to sublimate your own for the perfect gift!

Q: What temperature do you sublimate ornaments?

A: The recommended times and pressing temperature for the aluminum sublimation ornament blanks in my materials list is available in the tutorial for this project.

Q: Can you sublimate on both sides of an ornament?

A:Yes, you can! In the tutorial, I’ll show you a fun hack for sublimating your ornament on both sides at the same time. If you want to decorate both sides, space the copies out on the full page (for example, one at the top right of the page and the other at the bottom) so you have space to cut them apart easily.

Q: Why are my sublimation ornaments blurry?

A:If your sublimated image turned out blurry or like a double-exposure, your sublimation transfer may have moved against your blank during or just after the heat pressing process. This is known as “ghosting.” To avoid this in the future, be sure to lift your heat press straight up after pressing your intricate design.

Q: Do sublimation images need to be mirrored?

A: Yes, they do. If you do not mirror your sublimation images before printing, they will look different from the original designs on your computer screen after they’re pressed.

Q: Can you use the same sublimation transfer twice?

A:No! Your transfer sheet may look like it has ink left on it, but if you use it to sublimate another item, it will not turn out the way you expect. Always use a never-used sublimation transfer for your sublimation projects.

Q: Where can I buy sublimation blanks?
A: If you order blanks online, look for sellers and items with 5-star reviews or a high average rating. A responsible company will have expert support from friendly representatives to answer any questions or provide requested information to interested buyers. If you’re in the United States, ordering from businesses that ship from within the country can be faster than shopping across the global marketplace. And when you open the package, make sure the physical item is in its original condition and is sublimation appropriate. You can often sign up for a seller’s mailing list to hear about exclusive deals, new arrivals, new collections, their latest news, and insider news like how to get free shipping! Or, if they have a loyalty program, consider signing up to start earning loyalty points today. It might require making an online account, but loyalty members often save money compared to the regular price, or unit price if buying in bulk. Plus, you’re not restricted to store hours if you’re shopping online!

Q: Can I use Infusible Ink instead of printing sublimation designs?
A: Not to recreate these designs specifically. But you can transfer an Infusible Ink sheet design or pen designs.

Q: Can you use Iron-on Vinyl on top of sublimation items?
A: I would not suggest that because heating the sublimation image to apply the vinyl could discolor the sublimation image.

Q: Do heat set rhinestones work on these ornaments?
A: No – they will only hold for a short time before they start falling off. The Heat Set Adhesive will not last on nonporous materials.

Q: Does sublimation ink expire?
A: Yes, you will need to check the original packaging the ink came in.

Q: If you use the mini heat press, which temperature do you use?
A: The third setting is the highest and gets to about 360 and 400, but you can’t control the temperature specifically, so try it at your own risk.

Q: Can add rhinestones on both sides?
A: You can glue rhinestones to both sides, but be sure to allow the first side to dry thoroughly before flipping it to glue the other side.

Q: Can we print these files using a regular printer and paper?
A: You could print the designs on sticker paper or printable vinyl and cut it to shape.

Q: How did you make the pattern for colors and placement of rhinestones?
A: If you use a design program, or Design Space, to prepare your print, you can add circles to the design where the rhinestones need to go. Be sure to make the circles the correct size to match the stones you are using.

Q: If you have Infusible Ink markers could design your own?
A: Yes, you can use infusible markers on these sublimation ornament blanks.

Q: Could you do these on sublimation ceramic ornaments also?
A: Yes! Just be sure the ornaments you purchase are already prepared for sublimation and you can use them.

Q: Will the hinge process for double sided pressing work with ceramic ornaments that have more of a rounded edge?
A: It really depends on the thickness of the ornament. If they are too thick, one side or the other may press off center. Then I would suggest not using this method.

Q: What if I don’t have a sublimation printer?
A: If you don’t have a sublimation printer, you could upload the PNG designs to the Jiffy website and order copies of them. A Jiffy partner will print the designs to your dimensions on sublimation paper and send them to you within a few days!

Q: Can you use larger rhinestones?
A: I would suggest not changing sizes for these designs, but you can use larger rhinestones on your own designs.

Q: How do you prevent clogging in the Epson for sublimation?
A: Check out the tutorial on keeping your converted Epson sublimation printer working well!

Q: How does the heat gets to the back of the ornament? I thought you had to turn a blank over to do the back?
A: These ornaments are thin metal and the heat transfers all through the ornament to heat both sides at the same time.

Q: Would glitter HTV work on sublimation?
A: Applying HTV on top of sublimation might make the applied design blur. But, you can sublimate on white Glitter HTV.

Q: Could I use Print Then Cut and use Mod Podge to an acrylic ornament and then later stick rhinestones to it?
A: Yes, you can use B-7000 glue on top of Mod Podge and sublimated acrylic.

Q: Can you use the painting diamonds instead of the rhinestones?
A: Yes, you can use diamond painting drills, just make sure they have flat backs and are not the Hot Press style that have glue on the back.

Q: Can you use family photos on these blanks if printed on sublimation paper?
A: Yes! You can use any image printed on sublimation paper. Just be sure to mirror your image!

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I love seeing what you make with my designs and tips! Please share a photo of your embellished ornament in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

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