DIY Photo Ornament Balls: Buy or Make Your Own?
Photo ornament balls are clear or frosted spheres that hold printed photos inside. Ornament Xmas offers handcrafted photo ornaments ready to order (2–5 days production), while DIY kits require assembly at home—each suits different timelines and skill levels.
Deciding between a DIY photo ornament kit and a ready-made personalized option depends on your timeline, budget, and comfort with crafting. This guide walks you through both routes so you choose wisely.
Ready-Made Photo Ornaments: Speed & Simplicity
A custom photo ornament from Ornament Xmas is designed, printed, and assembled by hand. You upload your photo, review a proof before we print, and it ships ready to hang. Production takes 2–5 business days; US delivery is another 2–5 days.
This route suits anyone who:
- Needs an ornament by mid-December
- Prefers zero assembly work
- Values consistent, professional printing
- Wants a keepsake finished to gift-wrap quality
You'll receive your ornament already sealed and ready to hang—no glue, no risk of photos shifting inside. The photo ornaments collection includes acrylic and glass balls, each holding a single photo or multiple images depending on the design.
DIY Photo Ornament Kits: Control & Craft
A DIY kit includes a clear or frosted plastic or glass ball, photo paper, scissors, and sometimes glue or adhesive strips. You print your own photos at home, cut them to fit, and insert them into the ball.
DIY kits suit you if:
- You enjoy hands-on projects
- You have 1–2 weeks of lead time
- You want to customize the exact photo layout
- You're making multiple ornaments (cost per unit may be lower)
Pros of DIY kits:
- Full creative control over photo size and placement
- Potential savings if buying kits in bulk
- Fun activity to do with kids or a partner
Cons:
- Requires color printer access and photo paper
- Photo edges may curl or shift inside the ball
- Assembly time (30–60 minutes per ornament)
- Quality depends on your printer and precision
- No professional proof or revision
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gift Type | Who It's For | Timing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-made photo ornaments | Busy gift-givers, last-minute orders | 4–10 days total | Professional finish, zero assembly, proof before print |
| DIY photo ball kit | Crafty people, bulk projects, budget-conscious | 7–14 days (includes shopping + assembly) | Creative control, hands-on fun, potentially lower per-unit cost |
Choosing the Right Photo: Size, Clarity & Emotion
Whether you buy or DIY, the photo quality matters most.
For ready-made ornaments:
- Upload a high-resolution photo (300 dpi ideal)
- Check that faces are clear and well-lit
- Confirm color accuracy in the proof before we print
- Choose a shot with minimal background clutter
For DIY kits:
- Print test samples on regular paper first
- Use a color inkjet printer; laser prints may smudge
- Print on glossy photo paper for durability
- Trim carefully so photos fit smoothly inside the ball
Remember: a blurry or poorly lit photo will look blurry or poor in any ornament. Spend a moment selecting your clearest memory.
Timeline & Shipping: How to Plan Ahead
Ready-made ornaments from Ornament Xmas:
- Design & proof: 1–2 business days
- Production: 2–5 business days
- US shipping: 2–5 business days
- Total: 5–12 days from order to your door
If you order by mid-December, aim for December 20–22 arrival. See shipping & returns for details and international options (UK/EU take 5–10 additional days).
DIY kits:
- Shopping: 1–3 days (online order or local craft store)
- Photo printing: 1 day
- Assembly: 1 day
- Total: 3–5 days if you already have photos ready
DIY works best if you're not ordering until the week before Christmas and have time to print and assemble at home.
Adding a Personal Touch: Cards & Engravings
Ready-made photo ornaments from Ornament Xmas can include a handwritten gift card (included). You can also request a short date, name, or message to be engraved or printed on the ornament if the design permits.
DIY kits may allow you to add printed labels or write directly on the ball with a fine-tip marker, though permanence varies.
For group or family ornaments, consider pairing a photo ornament with a handwritten card to explain the memory—a small touch that transforms a decoration into a story.
Sustainability & Reusability
Both options produce keepsakes meant to last years.
Ready-made photo ornaments use durable acrylic or glass; they'll hang from tree branch to tree branch without fading (assuming they're stored away from direct sunlight between seasons).
DIY photo balls may face fading if inkjet-printed photos are exposed to light for months on end. Store them in a cool, dark box to extend photo life.
What to Check Before You Order or DIY
Before ordering a ready-made ornament:
- Confirm the photo upload format (JPEG, PNG)
- Check spelling of any text or dates you're adding
- Verify the ornament size (measure your tree branch or display space)
- Review the proof carefully—this is your last chance to catch errors
- Check delivery dates; we ship promptly but cannot guarantee Christmas arrival
Before buying a DIY kit:
- Confirm your printer works and has ink and photo paper in stock
- Measure the ball diameter to ensure your printed photos will fit
- Count how many photos you need to print (don't run short)
- Have scissors, ruler, or craft knife ready for precise cuts
🎁 Shop Personalized Christmas Ornaments
Gift Ideas Beyond Single Photo Balls
If a single photo ornament isn't quite right, explore alternatives:
- First Christmas ornaments: Baby's first Christmas, newlyweds, or newly engaged couples—often include space for a date or name alongside a photo
- Family ornaments: Display multiple family members' names or photos
- Pet ornaments: Honor a furry family member with a custom photo
- Ornament sets: Bundle multiple personalized pieces into one gift
- Memorial ornaments: Frame a cherished memory of someone no longer here
✨ Browse First Christmas Ornaments
---
The final decision is yours: choose ready-made if you value speed and polish, or DIY if you have time and enjoy hands-on creativity. Either way, you're giving a gift that turns a memory into an ornament—and that story will hang on someone's tree for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any photo in a DIY photo ornament ball?
Yes, any photo that fits the ball's diameter. Print it at home on glossy photo paper, trim carefully, and insert. Quality depends on your printer; test on regular paper first to avoid wasting photo paper.
How long does a ready-made photo ornament take to arrive?
Production is 2–5 business days, then 2–5 days US shipping—so 5–12 days total. Longer for UK/EU (5–10 additional days). Order by mid-December for December delivery, though exact arrival is not guaranteed. See shipping details.
Can I add text or dates to a DIY photo ball?
Informally, yes—you can glue a printed label or write on the ball with a permanent marker. For a finished look, order a ready-made personalized photo ornament and request engraving or printing of your date or name during checkout.
Will a photo fade inside a plastic or glass ornament?
Ready-made ornaments use archival-quality inks that resist fading for years. DIY inkjet prints may fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods; store your finished ornament in a dark box between seasons.
Is a ready-made photo ornament more expensive than a DIY kit?
Costs vary. A DIY kit may cost less per unit if buying in bulk, but requires your time and materials (printer, photo paper, scissors). Ready-made ornaments include design, proof, professional printing, and assembly—simpler upfront cost for one-off gifts.
What file format do I need to upload a photo to Ornament Xmas?
JPEG or PNG files. High-resolution images (300 dpi) produce the sharpest print. See personalization guide for full specs, or contact us via FAQ if you're unsure.