Update 12/2014: For the past year, I have been writing DIY articles for our local paper. After over 8,000 hits on my blog, I updated the steps and added pictures for the article, which you can view here.
The holidays are quickly approaching which means a couple of things – time with the family, yummy food, presents and NO SCHOOL! While the teachers are enjoying their time off, you are left with hours upon hours to fill and keep the elves entertained. These DIY glittery ornaments are a fun way to add a little sparkle to your tree without all the mess that a glittered ornament likes to shed (think those ornaments that keep on giving). The best part – the glitter is contained to the inside of the ornament! This project is a fun way for kids to not only help with the tree, but to also make affordable gifts for friends and family that are made with love.
The holidays are quickly approaching which means a couple of things – time with the family, yummy food, presents and NO SCHOOL! While the teachers are enjoying their time off, you are left with hours upon hours to fill and keep the elves entertained. These DIY glittery ornaments are a fun way to add a little sparkle to your tree without all the mess that a glittered ornament likes to shed (think those ornaments that keep on giving). The best part – the glitter is contained to the inside of the ornament! This project is a fun way for kids to not only help with the tree, but to also make affordable gifts for friends and family that are made with love.
Materials:
clear glass or plastic ornaments (seasonal aisle of craft stores)
Pledge Floor Care (found with the cleaning supplies)
Fine brown glitter
black paint
red buttons
hot glue
22 gauge brown wire (jewelry making section of craft store)
decorative ribbon
Plastic or Styrofoam cups
come in handy to prevent your ornaments from rolling away.
Glittering the
Ornament
Carefully remove the top of the ornament. Squirt Pledge Floor
Care into the inside of a glass ornament and make sure the entire inside is
coated by rolling the ornament. Drain liquid (I reuse it) and add glitter using
a funnel. Gently coat the inside with glitter and empty excess glitter out of
the ornament. Be sure not shake it so glitter does not clump.
The Eyes & Nose
Using black paint, paint two eyes about 1/3 of the way from the
top. Use hot glue to glue a red button 2/3 of the way down from the top. When
using hot glue on glass, make sure to place the button quickly after applying
the glue.
The Antlers
Using Brown 22 gauge wire, cut one 9" piece and two 5"
pieces. Wrap the middle of the long piece of wire around your finger twice to
make a loop, making sure the remaining ends of the wires are even. Using one
piece of the short wire, fold it in half and twist and intertwine it with one
side of the long piece. Repeat on the other side using the other piece of short
wire. Roll the ends of the wires into a curled shape and adjust to your
preference.
Finishing Your
Reindeer
When the eyes are dry, carefully replace the top of the ornament
and place the loop of wire you had around your finger around the neck of the
ball and tighten. Use a dot of hot glue to secure. Tie a bow with your ribbon
ribbon and attach with hot glue.
While this reindeer is precious, your options are endless! I have included a couple of my favorites that have been done in my studio.
Any color of glitter with a coordinating ribbon can add a simple but elegant touch to your tree. And the best part - these ornaments will last from year to year without losing any of their sparkle!
Any color of glitter with a coordinating ribbon can add a simple but elegant touch to your tree. And the best part - these ornaments will last from year to year without losing any of their sparkle!
