How to Make Glass Christmas Balls

Fabric and a glass ball are all that are needed to make a pretty ornament.

Easy to personalize, glass Christmas ornaments are a simple craft that can be done by children and adults alike. You can vary the degree of difficulty to suit the crafter, but all can enjoy this project. Plain glass balls are available at local craft stores or online at websites, such as Saveoncrafts.com and Amazon.com. These clear spheres can be decorated using a variety of techniques to create the ideal ornament to adorn your own home or to give as a gift to a special person.

Things You'll Need

• clear glass balls
• nontoxic paint
• paintbrushes
• paper plate
• paper towel
• potpourri
• pompoms
• glitter
• sand
• miniatures
• tweezers
• craft glue
• yarn
• ribbon
• fabric
• stickers

Instructions

1. 

   A painted glass Christmas ornament.

   Glass ornaments can be painted inside or outside for a unique look. Young children might enjoy pouring some nontoxic paint into the ball and swirling it around to coat the inner portion of the glass. Two or more colors can be used to create a marbleized effect. Once the design is to your liking, turn the ornament upside down and stand it on a paper plate or towel to drain the excess paint. Once dry, place the top back on and add a pretty ribbon for a hanger.

   More experienced painters can decorate the outside of the ornament with any type of design. Designs can be as simple as a person's name or as complex as a landscape scene. Some cute ideas include decorating a glass ball to look like a snowman or reindeer. Websites, such as Michaels.com, have a wide variety of ideas with simple instructions to follow. There are thousands of possibilities; you are only limited by your imagination.

2. A quick and easy way to customize glass Christmas ornaments is to fill them with potpourri. Balls can also be filled with small pompoms, tinsel, glitter, sand or any type of craft product that will fit through the opening.

   Small scenes can be created inside a glass ball using miniatures and tweezers. You can place twigs or grass inside the ball and then add a tiny bird to the scene, securing it in place with a drop of craft glue.

   Ornaments that are filled can also be painted on the outside. Consider filling a ball with cotton balls or white pom-poms and then painting a snowman face on the outside using non-toxic paints. Add a pretty ribbon to the top and you have a cute ornament that is ready to hang on your tree.

3. 

   A glass ornament that is covered with fabric.

   Glass balls can also be covered in yarn, ribbon or fabric to create unique ornaments. Using craft glue and a small brush, coat a portion of the ball and then place ribbon or yarn over the area. You can also place the glue onto the fabric or ribbon and then place it on the ornament. Cut a swatch of fabric that coordinates with your home, large enough to cover an entire ornament. Place the ornament in the center of the piece; gather it at the top and secure it with a ribbon. In an instant, you have a special Christmas ornament perfectly suited to your décor.

4. Flocking and etching are other techniques that can be used to create beautiful glass ornaments. Placing stickers is another possibility to add a personal touch to a clear glass ball. Experiment with different techniques to discover those you like the best.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment to find the techniques you enjoy working with most.

• Use your imagination.

• Use nontoxic paint for safety.

References

• Save on Crafts: Clear Glass Ornaments
• Amazon: Clear Glass Ornaments
• Michael's Craft Store: Ornament Projects

Resources

• Save on Crafts: How to Paint Clear Glass Ornaments