Omar Khalid
Decorating plastic Christmas balls is a fun and easy way to get into the festive spirit. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a DIY newbie, there are endless possibilities for customising plain plastic baubles. From filling them with shredded paper, artificial snow, or glitter, to painting them with a watercolour effect or twine-wrapping them, the opportunities are limited only by your imagination. You can even make mosaic Christmas ornaments from old CDs or fill them with photos, sea salt, or leftover yarn for a unique, personalised touch. So, gather your supplies and get creative – it's time to make some magical Christmas decorations!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic ball ornaments, glitter, paint, shredded paper, twine, ribbon, felt balls, snowflakes, Polycrylic, sea salt, crayons, CDs, scrapbook paper, feathers, cupcake decorations, beads, artificial snow, glass glitter, medicine dropper, paper shredder, paper towels, funnel, hot glue gun, etc. |
| Techniques | Painting, swirling, dry-brushing, shredding, dabbing, gluing, tying, pouring, coating, dipping, filling, etc. |
| Styles | Rustic, textured, vintage, eclectic, farmhouse, "Rae Dunn-inspired", boho chic, glam, glimmering, colourful, icy, etc. |
| Themes | Christmas, holiday, vintage, neutral, leopard print, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Fill with shredded paper, sheet music, or artificial snow
Filling plastic Christmas balls with shredded paper, sheet music, or artificial snow is a fun and creative way to decorate them. Here are some detailed steps to help you get started:
Prepare the Materials:
Start by gathering your supplies. For the shredded paper option, you will need a book or sheet music that you are willing to shred, a paper shredder, a large ziplock bag, plastic ball ornaments, and any additional decorations you want to include, such as artificial snow, glitter, or pearls. If you prefer to use sheet music, you can find it online or in music stores.
Shred the Paper:
Before shredding, ensure the paper shredder container is empty. Then, tear out the book pages or sheet music sheets and feed them into the shredder. Once shredded, empty the container and store the shredded paper in a ziplock bag for future use.
Fill the Ornaments:
Remove the tops or lids from the plastic ball ornaments. Then, fill them with as much shredded paper as you like. You can add artificial snow or glitter to create a sparkling effect. Get creative and experiment with different fillings to achieve your desired look.
Embellish and Personalize:
This is where you can truly make your ornaments unique. Consider adding decorations such as pearls, glass glitter, or other crafty items that align with your colour scheme and theme. You can also use pipe cleaners to create hangers for your ornaments. Hot glue one end of a pipe cleaner to the base of the hanger and tightly wrap it around until you reach the end.
Finalize and Display:
Once you are happy with your fillings and decorations, securely replace the tops or lids of the ornaments. Now, your DIY plastic Christmas balls are ready to be displayed! Hang them on your Christmas tree, use them as gift toppers, or create a festive centerpiece by placing them in a bowl with greenery and lights.
Remember, this project is a fun way to express your creativity and personalize your holiday decorations. Enjoy the process and feel free to experiment with different fillings and embellishments to make your ornaments truly yours.
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Paint with watercolours or acrylics
If you want to decorate plastic Christmas balls with watercolours or acrylics, you can follow these steps:
First, decide on the colours you want to use. You can opt for traditional Christmas colours like red, green, and gold, or choose colours that match your holiday colour scheme. If you're using watercolours, you can create a beautiful watercolour effect by following online tutorials on how to work with alcohol inks. For acrylics, you can use regular acrylic paint or metallic acrylic paint for a glittery, shiny finish.
Next, prepare your paint. If using watercolours, you will likely need to mix your chosen paint with water to create a paint consistency. With acrylics, you can mix one part baking soda with one part paint to create a textured finish, as seen on The DIY Mommy blog.
Now you're ready to start painting! Gently dab or brush the paint onto the plastic ball ornaments. You can use a dry-brushing technique for a textured look, or gently swirl the paint around the inside of the ornament for a different effect.
If you're happy with your painted design, allow the paint to dry completely. You can then add any additional decorations, such as ribbons or twine, and place the toppers back on.
Your beautifully painted plastic Christmas balls are now ready to hang or display!
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Add glitter or beads
Adding glitter or beads to plastic Christmas balls is a fun and easy way to decorate them. You can use any colour glitter you choose, and there are many ways to apply it. One way is to use an adhesive such as glue or Mod Podge, watering it down so it's a little runny, and then coating the inside of the ornament. You can then add your glitter, covering the opening and shaking, twisting and turning the bauble until the inside is covered. You can also use a funnel to make this process easier.
Another method is to use a product like Polycrylic, which dries shiny and has a strong hold. You can pour the glitter directly into the ornament and shake until covered. You can also add vinyl designs, use paint pens for intricate designs, or add beads or sequins with glue.
If you want to create a two-sided ornament, you can seal each side with hot glue and add different colours of glitter to each side. You can also add a paper scene to one side, creating a glitter globe effect.
There are many ways to get creative with glitter and beads when decorating plastic Christmas balls, and it's a great craft for all ages.
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Wrap with twine or ribbon
There are many ways to decorate plastic Christmas balls with twine or ribbon. One popular method is to use Mod Podge and twine to create a rustic-looking ornament. First, blow up a balloon to the desired size of your ornament, protecting the surface below with newspaper or a drop cloth. Next, mix Mod Podge with a small amount of water and soak several feet of twine in the mixture. Wrap the soaked twine around the balloon, allowing it to dry, and then pop the balloon, removing it from the twine ball ornament. You can decorate your twine ball ornament further by tying a bow with ribbon and gluing it to the top.
Another method for creating a rustic ornament involves using a glue mixture and twine. First, blow up a balloon and hang it upside down. Then, mix school glue, cornstarch, and warm water until smooth. Soak the twine in the glue mixture and wrap it around the balloon. Once dry, pop the balloon and remove it from the twine ball ornament. You can decorate your ornament further by tying a bow with ribbon and gluing it to the top.
If you are looking for a simpler approach, you can wrap twine around a plastic Christmas ball and secure it with glue. You can also add a ribbon bow to the top of the ornament for extra decoration. This method allows you to dress up old plastic baubles and give them a rustic farmhouse look.
For a unique touch, you can fill clear plastic ornaments with items such as twigs, holly berries, felt balls, or small snowflakes. After placing the desired items inside, simply tie a ribbon in a bow around the top of the ornament. You can cut the ends of the bow at an angle for a neat finish. This method adds a classy and sophisticated look to your plastic Christmas balls.
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Create a mosaic with old CDs
If you're looking to create a mosaic with old CDs, here are some steps you can follow to decorate plastic Christmas balls:
First, gather your old CDs and cut them into small squares or festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or hearts. You can also experiment with different types of CDs—some have a foil film material on top that might flake, while others have ink printed directly on them. The ink-printed CDs may be easier to work with and provide a better finish. If you're finding that the CDs are cracking when you cut them, try using heavy-duty scissors or cutting larger pieces.
Next, take your plastic Christmas balls and decide on a design or pattern. You can cover the entire ball with the CD pieces or create an abstract design. Use clear glue to attach the CD fragments to the plastic balls. If you're using a Styrofoam ball, you can use glue or a glue gun, but be cautious as the hot glue may melt the plastic. Tacky glue or E6000 are safer alternatives for plastic balls.
Once the glue has dried, it's time to add some finishing touches. You can punch a small hole at the top of the ornament and thread a string or ribbon through it for hanging. If you'd like to add some extra sparkle, decorate your ornament with paint, glitter, rhinestones, sequins, or stickers.
Your mosaic CD ornament is now ready to hang on your Christmas tree or in a window where it can catch the light. The reflective CD pieces will create shimmering light patterns, adding a playful and dazzling touch to your holiday decor.
Have fun crafting your unique and eco-friendly Christmas ornaments!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some unique ways to decorate plastic Christmas balls:
- Shredded paper, sheet music, or book pages with artificial snow or glitter.
- Watercolour effect using alcohol inks.
- Twine-wrapped with ribbons.
- Paint with a white filling, such as shredded paper or leftover yarn.
- Mosaic patterns using old CDs.
- Rustic designs using red and green Christmas scrapbook paper.
- Feathers for a colourful and ethereal look.
- Fake snow for a snow globe-inspired look.
- Gold or multi-coloured beads for texture and colour.
Decorating plastic Christmas balls is a fun activity for kids. Here are some kid-friendly ways to decorate them:
- Using sea salt to create a beautiful, icy ornament.
- Colourful broken crayons.
- Old CDs for a mosaic design.
- Filling the ornament with Christmas-themed items, such as small snowflakes and felt balls.
Decorating plastic Christmas balls is a simple craft that requires only a few basic supplies:
- Plastic ball ornaments.
- Filling materials such as glitter, artificial snow, shredded paper, beads, or small craft items.
- Paint, such as acrylic or metallic paint, for a colourful or rustic look.
- Ribbons or twine for hanging or decorating the ornaments.
- Other decorative elements like pearls or artificial flowers.
To create unique and personalised designs on plastic Christmas balls, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with different colours and textures to match your holiday colour scheme.
- Use Polycrylic to coat the inside of the ornament before adding glitter for a stronger hold and a shinier finish.
- Upcycle old ball ornaments or use clear glass ornaments for a different effect.
- Add a personal touch with a special photo or a time capsule.
