There is something special about decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments that have a story behind them. Our wooden ornaments are designed to be more than seasonal decorations. They are small keepsakes that can celebrate a place, preserve a memory, mark a milestone, or become part of a family tradition.
Each ornament begins as an idea and goes through several steps before it is ready to hang on your tree. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how we make our wooden ornaments at Turnmeyers.
It Starts With an Idea
Every ornament begins with a design. Inspiration may come from the Shenandoah Valley, local landmarks, wildlife, Christmas traditions, customer requests, or ideas that simply make us smile.
We consider how the artwork will look when it is engraved or cut into wood. A design that looks great on a computer screen does not always translate perfectly to a wooden ornament, so we adjust the linework, lettering, spacing, and small details before production begins.
We also think about the ornament’s overall shape, its size, and where the hole for the hanging ribbon should be placed. These small decisions make a big difference in how the finished ornament looks and hangs on the tree.
Preparing the Artwork
Once the idea is developed, we prepare the artwork for our laser equipment. The design must tell the laser which areas should be engraved and which lines should be cut.
Engraved areas create the visible artwork, lettering, and texture on the surface of the wood. Cut lines form the outside shape of the ornament and any decorative openings within the design.
Before producing a full group of ornaments, we usually create a test piece. This allows us to check the size, clarity, engraving depth, and cutting settings. If lettering is difficult to read or a small detail does not engrave clearly, we return to the design and make adjustments.
Selecting and Preparing the Wood
Wood is a natural material, which means no two pieces are exactly alike. Variations in grain, color, and texture give each ornament its own character.
We inspect the material before it goes into production, looking for areas that may affect the finished ornament. The wood is then positioned carefully in the laser so the design can be engraved and cut accurately.
Laser Engraving the Design
The engraving process creates the ornament’s artwork. A focused laser moves across the surface of the wood, removing a very thin layer of material and leaving the design behind.
Laser settings matter. Too little power can produce an engraving that is faint or difficult to see. Too much power may create excessive burning or reduce the clarity of fine details. We adjust the speed and power to produce an engraving that is clear, attractive, and appropriate for the material.
Detailed designs can take time because the laser builds the image gradually, one line at a time.
Cutting the Ornament
After the artwork has been engraved, the laser cuts the ornament into its final shape. It also creates the small opening used for the ribbon or hanger.
The cutting process must be precise. Delicate areas need enough strength to hold up during handling, storage, and years of holiday decorating. When we develop a new ornament, we pay close attention to narrow sections, interior cutouts, and other areas that may need reinforcement.
Cleaning and Finishing
Once the ornament is removed from the laser, our work is not finished. Each piece is inspected and cleaned by hand.
Depending on the design and the wood, there may be a small amount of residue from the engraving and cutting process. We carefully clean the surface and edges while preserving the natural appearance of the material.
We check the engraving, the cut edges, the hanging hole, and the overall shape. Pieces that do not meet our standards are set aside rather than being sold as finished ornaments.
Adding the Finishing Touch
After the ornament passes inspection, we add its ribbon or hanging cord. This final detail turns the wooden piece into an ornament that is ready for the tree.
The completed ornament is then prepared for display, pickup, or shipping. We package it carefully so it arrives ready to become part of someone’s Christmas celebration.
Why We Enjoy Making Wooden Ornaments
Wooden ornaments combine several things we love: creativity, craftsmanship, local inspiration, and the opportunity to make something meaningful.
Some customers choose an ornament because it reminds them of a favorite place. Others purchase one to commemorate a trip, celebrate a new home, recognize a family milestone, or give a thoughtful gift. Over time, an ornament can become much more than a decoration. It can become a reminder of a particular person, place, or season of life.
Because wood has natural variations, every ornament is slightly different. The grain and shading help make each piece unique, even when several ornaments share the same design.
Made With Care at Turnmeyers
From the first sketch to the final ribbon, our wooden ornaments involve both modern laser technology and hands-on attention. Designing, testing, engraving, cutting, cleaning, and inspecting each piece allows us to create ornaments that we are proud to offer.
The next time you hang one of our wooden ornaments on your tree, you will know a little more about the process—and the care—that went into making it.
Explore our collection of wooden ornaments online or visit Turnmeyers to see our latest designs.