Ethan Clarke
Clear plastic Christmas balls can be filled in a variety of ways to create unique decorations. Some popular options include filling them with glitter, paint, pom-poms, yarn, tissue paper, or artificial snow. For those seeking a more personalised touch, Christmas balls can also be filled with letter beads, family pictures, or small trinkets. Melted crayons, candy canes, and decorative cranberries are additional festive options. When filling plastic Christmas balls, it is important to consider the age of the person crafting, as some methods may require adult supervision or assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty level | Easy, simple, and suitable for kids |
| Materials | Plastic ornament ball, paint, glitter, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, yarn, pom-poms, letter beads, fake snow, candy canes, decorative cranberries, etc. |
| Process | Remove the lid/cover from the ornament, fill with chosen materials, replace the lid/cover, and embellish as desired. |
| Age Recommendation | Varies with the complexity of the craft; some are suitable for toddlers, while others are recommended for ages 5 and up or 10 and up. |
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Fill with glitter
Filling plastic Christmas balls with glitter is a fun and easy DIY project that can make for gorgeous decorations or thoughtful gifts. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:
Materials and Preparation
First, gather your materials. You will need clear plastic ornaments, which can be purchased or crafted from fillable plastic balls. Ensure you have an adhesive of your choice, such as polycrylic, liquid hairspray, or glue. If using polycrylic, a plastic syringe for application is recommended. You will also need a small cup to support the ornament while filling, and a funnel can be useful to prevent spills. For the glitter, you can choose your favourite colours and consider mixing fine and chunky glitters for a unique look.
Filling the Ornament
Remove the top cover of the ornament. If using hairspray, pour a teaspoon into the ornament through the funnel, followed by a teaspoon of glitter. Alternatively, if using polycrylic, fill the syringe with the product and gently inject it into the ornament, rotating the ornament to coat the entire inside surface. For glue, squirt a generous amount inside the ornament.
Coating and Decorating
Once the adhesive is applied, coat the inside of the ornament with glitter. You can use your finger to swish the glitter and adhesive around, ensuring full coverage. If needed, use a piece of paper to cover the top and give the ornament a few shakes to coat the remaining areas. Allow any excess adhesive to drain by setting the ornament upside down on the cup. Repeat the process until the ornament is well-coated. Finally, decorate the outside with ribbons, paint, or vinyl decals to make your ornament even more festive!
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Paint the inside
Painting the inside of plastic Christmas balls is a fun and easy way to create colourful homemade ornaments. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Prepare Your Workspace and Materials:
Before you begin, it's important to prepare your workspace and gather all the necessary materials. Cover your work surface with a disposable tablecloth or large cookie sheet to protect it from paint. Wear a painter's smock or old clothes that you don't mind getting paint on. You will need clear plastic ornament balls, acrylic paint in your desired colours, and items to protect your hands and hair, such as gloves and a hair covering.
Remove the Caps from the Ornament Balls:
To paint the inside of the plastic ornament balls, you will need to remove the caps. Simply grab the band and pull it out of the ornament opening. It's important to ensure that the inside of the ornament is clean and dry before adding paint.
Choose Your Paint Colours and Technique:
You can use acrylic paint, which comes in various fun colours, including metallic shades like gold. If you want to create a marbled effect, you will need at least two colours of paint and a skewer or brush handle for swirling. You can also add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the inside of the ornament before adding paint to help prevent the paint from cracking.
Add Paint to the Ornament Balls:
Squirt or pour your chosen paint colours into the ornament balls. You can add one colour at a time or create a layered effect by repeating this step for each colour. Tilt, roll, and gently tap the ornament against your palm to help distribute the paint evenly. If you are creating a marbled effect, gently swirl the paint with a skewer or brush handle, being careful not to overmix.
Allow Excess Paint to Drip Out:
Once the inside of the ornament is coated with paint, invert the ornament upside down to let the excess paint drip out. Place the ornament on a disposable cup or a paintbrush holder made from PVC pieces glued to a small piece of wood. Leave the ornament upside down for at least 10 minutes to ensure that most of the excess paint runs out.
Dry and Display Your Painted Ornaments:
After allowing the excess paint to drip out, you can let the ornaments air-dry. The drying time may vary, but it usually takes more than a day for the paint to fully dry. Once dry, feel free to add any additional embellishments, such as glitter or ribbon, and your painted plastic Christmas balls are ready to be displayed or gifted!
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Yarn bits or pom-poms
Making Yarn Pom-Poms
To make yarn pom-poms, you will need yarn, scissors, and either a fork or your fingers. If using a fork, cut a 12-inch piece of yarn and place it horizontally across the prongs. Wrap the yarn around the fork about 90 times, then trim off the excess. Cut through the loops of yarn and fluff the pom-pom. You can also use your fingers instead of a fork. Drape the end of the yarn across two to four fingers, depending on the desired size, and wrap the yarn around your fingers. Cut the yarn and set aside a 12-inch piece to tie the pom-pom together. Remove the yarn from your fingers and tie a knot in the middle. Trim the pom-pom as needed to create a ball shape.
Filling Plastic Christmas Balls with Yarn Pom-Poms
Once you have made your yarn pom-poms, you can fill your plastic Christmas balls. Remove the lid or plug from the plastic ball and stuff the pom-poms inside one at a time until it is full. Replace the lid or plug and label the ornament with the year and your initials.
Filling Plastic Christmas Balls with Yarn Bits
If you prefer to fill your plastic Christmas balls with yarn bits, you will need scissors and yarn in your desired colours. Cut the yarn into 1- to 4-inch pieces. Remove the lid from the plastic ball and stuff the yarn bits inside until it is full. Replace the lid and label the ornament. You can mix and match colours or use a single solid colour.
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Family photos
Filling plastic Christmas balls with family photos is a great way to preserve precious memories and add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Here are some detailed steps and ideas to create these ornaments:
Choosing the Right Ornaments:
Select clear plastic fillable ornaments that separate into two parts, making them easier to fill. You can find these at craft stores or online. Consider the size of the photos you want to use and choose an ornament size that will accommodate them well.
Gathering Materials:
Collect the family photos you want to use. You can choose a variety of photos, including individual family members, special occasions, vacations, or even old photos from past holidays. Make sure the photos are small enough to fit inside the ornaments. You may need to cut or resize the photos accordingly.
Filling the Ornaments:
Start by carefully removing the top or separating the two sections of the ornament. If needed, use a small funnel to guide the photos into the ornament, especially if they are very small. You can fill the ornament with multiple photos, creating a collage effect. Once you are happy with the arrangement, securely close the ornament.
Decorating and Personalizing:
Enhance the outside of the ornament with decorations that complement the photos inside. You can use glitter, paint, stickers, rhinestones, or sequins. Consider adding a ribbon, cord, or wire to hang the ornament on your tree or mantle. Get creative and involve the whole family in this fun activity.
Adding Sentimental Touches:
Turn this craft into a meaningful tradition by adding other mementos or keepsakes to the ornament. Include items such as baby hospital bracelets, wedding invitations, or small vacation souvenirs. You can also add a personal message, the date, or the initials of each family member. These special touches will make the ornaments even more cherished.
Filling plastic Christmas balls with family photos is a delightful way to celebrate your loved ones during the holidays. It encourages creativity, preserves memories, and makes for heartfelt gifts or decorations that will be treasured for years to come.
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Candy canes
First, source your plastic fillable ornament balls. These can be found online or at craft stores. They typically come in various sizes and quantities, so choose the ones that best fit your needs. You can find simple clear plastic balls or ones that resemble candy canes with a red and white twisted design.
Now, for the fun part – filling your plastic Christmas balls! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Candy: Fill the balls with colourful candy such as M&Ms or Jordan almonds. This is a simple and tasty option that kids will enjoy helping with. Just make sure the candy isn't too big for the ball's opening.
- Pom-poms: Remove the lid of the plastic ball and stuff it with colourful pom-poms. This creates a fun, textured look and is a great way to reuse leftover crafting materials.
- Yarn bits: Similar to the pom-poms, you can fill the balls with bits of yarn. This gives the ornament a unique, colourful appearance. You can even use acrylic paint to create eye-catching effects. Just be sure to follow the necessary safety precautions when working with paint.
- Fabric scraps: Cut fabric into strips and wrap them tightly around the plastic candy cane, securing the ends with hot glue. You can use red and white fabric to resemble a traditional candy cane or get creative with different colours and patterns. This method is perfect for adding a rustic touch to your decorations.
- Wire and fabric: Cut a piece of wire and attach red and white fabric scraps by twisting them together. Bend the tip to create a candy cane shape. This method adds a unique, braided look to your ornaments.
Once you've filled or decorated your plastic Christmas balls, don't forget to label them with the year and initials. These ornaments will bring joy to your family for years to come as they're reused and cherished each holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
Remove the top cover of the ornament. Fill a plastic syringe with polycrylic and gently push a small amount inside the ornament. Rotate the ornament so the polycrylic can cover the entire inside surface, adding more polycrylic as needed. Set the ornament into a small plastic cup and add your glitter.
Remove the top of the ornament. Slowly turn the ornament in your hands and watch the paint ooze around the inside. If the paint isn’t moving enough, add more paint. When the ornament is fully covered, turn it upside down to let the excess paint drip out. Replace the cap and label with the name and year.
You can fill plastic Christmas balls with a variety of items, including pom-poms, yarn, candy canes, cranberries, faux snow, small trinkets, and family pictures.
You can decorate the outside of plastic Christmas balls with items such as pipe cleaners, tissue paper, ribbon, and letter beads.
