Every holiday season, as I unpack the same old ornaments, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia mixed with a dash of disappointment. Why do we settle for mass-produced decorations when we could create something that tells our story? I remember last year, my kids and I made a few ornaments from polymer clay, and the laughter and creativity that filled the room were priceless. How amazing would it be to have ornaments that remind us of our cherished memories, each one a little piece of our unique journey? Isn’t it time to break away from the ordinary and craft something extraordinary together?
Items You’ll Need
- Clear Glass Ornaments
- Acrylic Ornaments
- Paints (Acrylic or Glass Paint)
- Glitter
- Glue (Craft Glue or Mod Podge)
- Ribbon or String
- Paintbrushes
- Sculpting Tools
- Small Bells or Charms
- Protective Gloves
- Sealing Spray
- Stencils
- Canvas Bags or Boxes
- Heat Gun
- Foam Brushes
- Foam Craft Shapes
- Beads
- Nail Polish
- Baking Soda (for DIY snow)
- Cardstock or Paper
- Baking Sheets or Trays
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Supplies
I start by gathering all my supplies: clear glass and acrylic ornaments, paints, glitter, glue, ribbon, paintbrushes, sculpting tools, small bells, protective gloves, sealing spray, stencils, and all the other fun items. I lay them out on my workspace so everything is within reach.
Step 2: Put on Protective Gear
Before I dive in, I put on my protective gloves to keep my hands clean and safe from any paint or glue.
Step 3: Choose My Base Ornament
I pick a few clear glass ornaments and acrylic ornaments. I love the way the glass ones catch the light, but the acrylic ones are fun to decorate freely.
Step 4: Design My Ornaments
I start sketching some ideas on cardstock for how I want my ornaments to look. I want a mix of snowflakes, Christmas trees, and some whimsical designs.
Step 5: Paint the Ornaments
I take a paintbrush and start applying acrylic paint to the ornaments. For the glass ones, I use glass paint for bright, vibrant colors. I let my creativity flow and paint different colors and patterns.
Step 6: Add Glitter
While the paint is still wet, I sprinkle glitter on top for some sparkle! I make sure to tap off the excess glitter onto a tray.
Step 7: Use Stencils for Precision
To add some extra flair, I use stencils to create neat designs. I hold them firmly in place and dab paint with a foam brush.
Step 8: Glue on Embellishments
I grab my craft glue and start attaching small bells, charms, and foam craft shapes to the ornaments for dimension and fun.
Step 9: Create a Snow Effect
I make a DIY snow effect using baking soda and glue. It's messy, but I love the way it looks on the ornaments!
Step 10: Seal Everything with Spray
After everything dries, I take my sealing spray and give each ornament a light coat to protect the design.
Step 11: Prepare for Hanging
I cut pieces of ribbon and string, attaching them to the ornaments for hanging. I tie them in cute bows for an extra touch.
Step 12: Pack My Ornaments
Lastly, I take canvas bags or boxes to pack my ornaments carefully. They’re perfect for gifting or hanging beautifully on my tree!
Step 13: Admire My Creations
I take a step back and admire my creations. They're unique and filled with holiday spirit. I can’t wait to hang them on the tree!