Save those park maps! You can easily (and inexpensively) transform the free maps into a keepsake by making DIY Photo Ornaments.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was another wonderful year at Knott’s Berry Farm. Looking back over the year, so many of our favorite memories of the year were made at Knott’s!
We rode Calico River Rapids before it reopened to the public, got to be on the news showcasing the fun of Knott’s Summer Night, scared ourselves to death at Knott’s Scary Farm (and then kept going back for more).
My youngest hit a height milestone and able to ride more rides, including her first “big kid ride”–Sierra Sidewinder. The big girls pushed their limits with coasters, too. Plus, they reached they gained some additional independence in the park and explored with the friends.
Part of our family’s tradition is to remember our vacations and special moments with Christmas ornaments. To commemorate the year at Knott’s Berry Farm, I wanted to make ornaments that we could look back upon the year.
Easy DIY Knott’s Photo Ornaments
Supplies Needed:
- Cardboard ornaments (found at Michael’s)
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Mod Podge
- Knott’s Berry Farm park map
- Photo
Instructions:
I’ve made similar ornaments out of wood plagues, but they were on the heavier side and required an eye hook to be inserted. So I was thrilled when I stumbled upon round lightweight cardboard ornaments at my local Michael’s craft store. I stocked up so I’d have plenty for future projects, too!
Gather your supplies. Start by tracing your circle onto the park map. I made two ornaments out of each map.
Paint the back and sides of your ornaments. It’s okay to go over the front side. Let dry.
Cover your ornament in Mod Podge and arrange your map circle. Carefully press out bubbles. Make sure you cover the edge of your map circle so it’s well adhered.
While that’s setting, you can cut your photo circles. Make sure your photo circle is smaller than your ornament so a border is visible, showcasing the park map. I got super fancy and use the inside of a roll of painter’s tape for one and a red Solo cup for another.
Mod Podge the photo circle onto your ornament, making sure the bottom and top are both well glued. Don’t forget the edges of your photo, too!
I added a little Knott’s emblem to one ornament to make it a little extra fun. Feel free to be creative! You can summarize your favorite memory on the back or make your ornament double-sided.
How to Make DIY Photo Ornaments
Watch this video to see how easy it is to make your own park map ornaments. Plus, the project is super inexpensive so you can make them for every family memory throughout the year.
Looking for more crafts made from theme park maps?
Make a Simple Disney Parks Map Planter
Make a Disney Maps Welcome Banner
Park maps are a great way to make custom souvenirs! Do you have a favorite vacation souvenir? Share your favorites!
15 Comments
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It is so nice to save memories at a favorite place on an ornament like this. I feel bad my kids are older and almost a little big for theme parks.
These are so pretty! What a great idea. We don’t go to Knott’s, but we go to Disney, so I’ll keep this in mind the next time we go.
what a super fun and unique idea 🙂 we dont go to this but def a great way to learn about new places to visit
These are some very pretty ornaments. I love collecting them throughout the year.
I love this idea! It is so clever and yet simple. Your ornaments turned out really well, what a wonderful keepsake!
What a clever way to use a park map! We are big on buying ornaments for our tree from the places we travel, but I like the extra personal touch this diy ornament brings to the tree!
Such adorable ornaments. I have always liked personalized items. I actually have mugs with our pictures on it back in my hometown.
This is such a cool idea. I’ll have to do this next time we are able to go to a theme park. It will likely be a while though.
Those are cute ornaments. I wouldn’t mind doing this in time to decorate our Christmas tree this year.
I love the ornaments, so cute! My family and I haven’t been to Knott’s Berry farm yet. It sounds like a fun place.
What a brilliant way to display a memory. I love how easy it is to make as well. Definitely something I don’t mind making when I have free time. It looks fun!
This is such a lovely idea and a nice way to be able to display and share memories as well! Definitely a cute DIY!
I collect ornaments from my travels and this one is such a cutie. In years to come this ornament will make you smile with memories.
That is such a lovely souvenir idea! I’ve visited Knott’s Berry Farm a few years ago and would love to visit again!