How to Make Outdoor Tree Ornaments

When making outdoor tree ornaments, you need to take a few things into consideration. First, the ornaments must be bigger than indoor tree ornaments to be visible. Ornaments also must be able to withstand the weather conditions in your area, which may include rain and snow. Finally, make sure the ornaments are firmly attached to the tree so they do not blow away.

Things You'll Need

• Large inflatable balls
• Red and green vinyl tablecloths
• Twist-tie
• Kite string or fishing line
• Clear packaging tape (optional)
• Red plastic drinking cup

Instructions

Directions

1. Cut a square piece of the vinyl tablecloth large enough to wrap around the ball. An easy way to figure out the dimensions of the cloth is to lay the vinyl table cover flat, and place the inflated ball on top of it. Pull up the tablecloth around the sides of the ball. Mark the width and length it takes to cover the ball, leaving some excess on top that will be tied with the twistie-tie, and cut the square.

2. Set the ball in the center of the piece of vinyl tablecloth. Grasp each of the four corners of the tablecloth and bring them to the top of the ball.

3. Use the twist-tie to fasten the four corners of the table cover together at the top of the ball. Make sure the tie is tight around the table cover. You do not want the tablecloth to move or shift while you are working.

4. Tuck the sides of the vinyl fabric under the corners of the table cover, which should be flat against the ball. Continue tucking in the table cover until it is completely flat against the ball. If you are having trouble keep the table cover in place, use small pieces of clear tape to hold the tablecloth.

5. Cut a piece of kite string or fishing line approximately 18 inches long.

6. Fold the kite string or fishing line in half and tie both ends around the excess table cover that is bunched up at the top of the ball. When you are done you should have a large loop of string coming off the top of the ball. If you are concerned about your knots staying in place, wrap the bunched-up tablecloth, twist-tie and string with clear packaging tape to secure it.

7. Poke a hole through the bottom of the red plastic drinking cup. The hole must be large enough for the loop of kite string or fishing line to fit through.

8. Turn the cup upside down, and thread the kite strong or fishing line through the hole in the bottom of the cup. The cup will cover the twist-tied table cover, and look like the top of an ornament. Use the loop of kite string or fishing line to hang the ornament from the tree branch.

Tips & Warnings

• Use different-sized balls when making the ornaments.

• Do not substitute tissue paper or other delicate material for the vinyl tablecloth. Your fabric must be resistant to wet weather.

Resources

• All your needed craft supplies