Things You'll Need:
- styrofoam balls
- tissue paper
- water
- glue
- christmas ornament hooks OR decorative eye bolts
- paint for crackling (two colors
- including metallic) glitter (optional)
- ribbons (optional)
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Step 1
Select a styrofoam ball the size and shape of the ornament you want; or mold a shape from a sturdy, lightweight material like aluminum foil or craft gauge wire.
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Step 2
Press or wire a Christmas hook, a small, decorative eye bolt, or a curved piece of wire to the top of your shape, using a little glue to secure it in place -- this becomes the ornament's hook for displaying it.
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Step 3
Apply paper-mache to the ornament shape by layering small, torn pieces of tissue paper with water and glue over the surface of the shape. Spread it thickly and evenly to create a smooth surface.
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Step 4
Minimize rough layers or wrinkles by smoothing the paper pieces with additional dampness, if necessary. Cover the ornament completely with paper-mache, up to and over the edges of the hook.
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Step 5
Once the ornament is dry, paint with a dark or light base color, depending upon what shade you want for your primary coat. Neutral shades like brown or black contrast well, as do bold colors. Use dark shades beneath light or pastel colors and light shades (like white) beneath dark-colored ornaments. Metallic paints work as well and contribute additional sheen to your ornament.
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Step 6
When the ornament is dry, apply a thick layer of glue over the base color; wait five to ten minutes, then paint the finishing coat over the glue, whether white, colored, or a shiny metallic coat. The glue drying beneath should split the top coat apart, creating a "crackle" effect.
