Every year around this time, I find myself daydreaming about crafting a unique set of family ornaments—something that just screams ‘us,’ you know? Like, wouldn’t it be amazing to hang up a little star shaped like my son’s favorite dinosaur, or an ornament that captures that hilarious inside joke we all laugh about? I can still picture last Christmas when my daughter accidentally broke our old family ornament—her face was a mix of horror and giggles, and it made me realize that those stories are what I want to capture. Isn’t it true that the best memories often come wrapped in the quirkiest packages? I’m thinking this year might just be the year I finally dive into creating something truly special for our tree that tells our story.
Items You’ll Need
- Clear glass or plastic ornaments
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Glitter
- Mod Podge or craft glue
- Ribbons and bows
- Beads and embellishments
- Wire for hanging ornaments
- Scrapbook paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Paint sealer spray (optional)
- Felt or fabric scraps (optional)
- Markers or permanent pens
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Supplies
First, I gather all my equipment: clear glass or plastic ornaments, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, glitter, Mod Podge, ribbons, beads, wire, scrapbook paper, scissors, hot glue gun, paint sealer spray, felt or fabric scraps, and markers. I lay everything out on a clean table so I'm ready to start crafting!
Step 2: Design My Ornaments
Next, I take a moment to design what I want each ornament to look like. I think about incorporating family names, dates, or special memories. I might sketch some designs on paper first to visualize them better.
Step 3: Painting the Ornaments
I choose a color scheme and start painting some of the ornaments with acrylic paints. I use various colors to represent different family members—perhaps blue for me, pink for my daughter, and green for my son. I apply a couple of coats for a vibrant finish.
Step 4: Adding Glitter
Once the paint is dry, I get creative with glitter! I brush a layer of Mod Podge on some of the painted ornaments and sprinkle glitter over it. This adds a beautiful sparkle and makes each ornament feel festive.
Step 5: Embellishing the Ornaments
I now decorate the ornaments with ribbons and bows. I tie pretty ribbons around the top of the ornaments and use my hot glue gun to secure larger embellishments like beads or fabric scraps. I even consider gluing on some scrapbook paper with family photos or drawings.
Step 6: Personalizing with Names
Using markers or permanent pens, I write names or special messages on a few ornaments. This personal touch makes each one unique and special. I might write things like '2023 Family Christmas' or each family member's name and year.
Step 7: Creating Loops for Hanging
I cut some wire and twist it to create loops for hanging the ornaments on the tree. I make sure to create a secure loop so they won't fall off during the holiday season!
Step 8: Sealing the Ornaments (Optional)
To protect my hard work, I might give my painted ornaments a coat of paint sealer spray. I take them outside for this step to avoid any mess indoors and to let them dry quickly.
Step 9: Final Touches
Before I put them on the tree, I double-check each ornament for any loose parts, and I make sure they're all securely attached. I can’t wait to see how they look when they’re hanging up!
Step 10: Hang the Ornaments
Finally, it's time to hang the ornaments on the family tree! I step back and admire my unique creations, feeling proud that I've crafted a set of beautiful family ornaments filled with love and memories.