How to Make a Christmas Ornament With Plastic Canvas Ball

The plastic canvas industry makes a round 2-piece ball to allow crafters to make their own ornaments. The ornaments can be stitched with satin ribbons and metallic cording in standard Holiday colors or can be done any way you choose. With patience you can help a child make a Christmas ornament by using the steps that follow.You can make elegant ornaments or traditional ones. Be sure to make a set for gifts filled with candies or potpourri.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 plastic canvas ornament ball
• Large eye needle
• 1/8-inch satin ribbon in colors of choice
• cording
• Crystal or pearl beads if desired
• 5 or 6-inch long tassel

1. 

   Separate the 2-piece ball.

2. Thread needle with chosen fiber. Start with the bottom row of holes and use continental stitch to fill in the entire ball half. Repeat with second half. Leave the top four holes empty in both pieces.

3. 
   Satin ribbon fits through holes

   Thread satin ribbon into needle. Start at the top piece of the ornament and make a Smyrna Cross pattern on the side of the piece over the layer of continental stitching. Go to the exact opposite side of the top half and repeat the design.

4. 
   Metallic fiber

   Thread metallic thread through large eye needle and run long and short stitches over the continental stitches if desired.

5. 
   Hanger

   Thread cording through two of the top four holes and tie inside the ball to secure a hanging cord. Place stitches of chosen filler fiber into the four holes to further secure the hanger and finish the top.

6. Make or buy a tassel that matches the ornament colors and secure it by tying a cord through the bottom four holes and into the top of the tassel. Tie very securely.

7. You can stitch beads here and there on to the fiber you have used as the filler continental stitching. Run a small thread needle through the center hole of a bead and sew to the fiber. Do this one at a time. Knot the thread inside the ball and cut after each bead is applied.

8. Fill the plastic canvas ball with potpourri, pine needles or a cinnamon stick if desired. You can fill it with candy if it is going to be a gift.

9. Glue or stitch together the half only if it will remain permanently closed.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with ornament balls. You can also make a decorative half ball with a scene nestled inside for a unique item.