If you’re looking to add a few more ornaments to your tree, these DIY pasta frames make great additions! Pick out some favorite family photos from your albums or use more recent photos – either way, these ornaments make great keepsakes that are sure to put a smile on your face for years to come.

These ornaments also make great DIY gifts for family and friends – make a whole set like this and wrap them up in a box, or instead use them as gift toppers for other wrapped gifts you already have ready. By using simple pasta shapes combined with bold paint colors, you almost can’t even tell these frames feature macaroni. I also love the idea of turning these frames into magnets. I might end up doing that once we take our Christmas tree down later – I have a feeling I won’t want to keep these hidden away in a box until next year!

• Pasta (various shapes)
• White glue
• Wooden laser cut frames
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Pencil
• Ribbon
• Family photos

Step 1
Layout your wooden laser-cut frames on your work surface. I used two sizes – 4″ across and 3″ across – any larger and the ornaments start to get too big, but any smaller and it’s hard to find pasta shapes that fit nicely. I got these frames from a local wood supply shop, but if you can’t find any at a store near you, you can always cut your own frames using cereal box cardboard and a craft knife. Pour out your pasta noodles into small bowls and have fun playing around with different designs and patterns. Some noodle shapes I used included macaroni, tubetti, tripoline, anelli siciliani, and stars from a pack of space-shaped mac and cheese.

Step 2
Once you’re happy with the designs, stick the pasta noodles onto the frames using white glue. Set aside and let dry completely.

Step 3
Apply paint onto the frames, doing your best to cover the noodles from all sides. Let dry completely.

Step 4
Place your photos behind the frames and use a pencil to trace the frames. Cut the photos to fit and glue in place onto the back of the frames.

Step 5
Cut pieces of ribbon and form into loops. Use glue or tape to secure to the backs of the photo frames.

Happy crafting!