Maya Ellison
Looking for a fun, simple, and cheap Christmas craft to do with your kids? You can make creative ornaments by melting plastic cups in the oven. You can use recycled cups, and decorate them with permanent markers, glitter, stickers, and more. Once they're done, add some ribbon, string, or yarn to hang them on your tree. This activity is a great way to bond with your family and get everyone in the holiday spirit!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 250° F to 500° F |
| Oven setting | Broil |
| Oven rack position | Middle |
| Cup size | 5 oz to 9 oz |
| Cup type | Plastic #6 |
| Cup brand | Solo Cups |
| Drawing tool | Permanent marker |
| Drawing tool brand | Sharpie |
| Drawing time | A few minutes |
| Melting time | 5 seconds to 45 seconds |
| Cooling time | 2 minutes to 5 minutes |
| Embellishments | Glitter, stickers, glitter glue, ribbon, pipe cleaners, yarn |
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What You'll Learn
Use permanent markers to decorate the cups
To make ornaments from plastic cups, you can decorate the cups with permanent markers before melting them in the oven. It's important to use permanent markers, as any removable marker will smear and make a mess. You don't necessarily need to use Sharpies, but you do need a permanent marker. Take your time and let the ink dry between drawing to avoid smudging. You can create patterns, pictures, words, names, or the year. You could even add glitter or stickers. Once you're happy with your design, place the cups face down on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven to melt.
If you're doing this craft with children, it's a good idea to create a stress-free space where they can focus on their designs. Lay down disposable tablecloths and have the children wear old clothes or art smocks to protect against any marker stains. You can also put on a movie to entertain the kids while they decorate their cups.
Before you start melting, make sure you have the right type of plastic cup. Look for cups with the recycle number 6 at the bottom, and aim for a size of 7 to 9 oz to avoid ending up with huge ornaments. You can experiment with different cup sizes, but smaller cups tend to result in cuter, more manageable ornaments.
When you're ready to melt the cups, preheat your oven to between 250°F and 500°F, depending on your oven's settings. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil and place the cups face down on the sheet. Keep the rack in the middle of the oven, and stay close by to watch the magic happen! The cups will start to melt within 5 to 10 seconds, and the whole process should take around 30 to 45 seconds. If you like the bubbly look, you can skip flattening the ornaments. Otherwise, use a spatula to flatten them before removing them from the oven.
Let the ornaments cool for a few minutes before handling them. You can then add extra embellishments, such as names, dates, or pictures. Punch a hole in the top, thread some ribbon or string through it, and your ornaments are ready to hang!
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Place cups face down on a cookie sheet
When you're ready to melt your plastic cups, place them face down on a cookie sheet. This is important because the cups will melt straight down, so you'll want to make sure your designs are visible. You can use a plain sheet pan, but if you don't want to use it for cooking again, you might want to cover it with tin foil.
Before you put the cups in the oven, make sure your rack is in the middle, as this is the most successful option. You can also preheat your oven to 250° F or 350° F, depending on your oven, and use the broil setting.
Keep in mind that the cups will start to melt within about 5 to 10 seconds, so don't take your eyes off them! The whole process should only take about 30 to 45 seconds. Once the cups are almost flat, you can open the oven door and use a spatula to flatten them completely before removing them.
Be very careful, as the pan will still be hot. It will only take about 10 seconds before you can touch the ornaments, but they will be hot, so be cautious.
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Melt in the oven at 350°F for 30-45 seconds
To melt plastic cups into ornaments, start by decorating your cups. You can use permanent markers to add names, dates, or any other designs. Remember to let the ink dry before moving on to the next step.
Preheat your oven to 350 °F. While you're waiting for the oven to heat up, place your plastic cups face down on a cookie sheet. Make sure the cookie sheet is covered with tin foil and place the cups in the middle of the rack.
Once the oven is preheated, place the cookie sheet inside and let the cups melt for 30-45 seconds. Keep a close eye on them, as they will start to melt within about 5 seconds.
When the cups are almost flat, take them out of the oven and use a spatula to flatten them completely. Be careful, as the pan will still be hot. You can add glitter or other embellishments at this point if you wish.
Let the ornaments cool for a couple of minutes before handling them. Once they're cool, you can add a ribbon, string, or yarn to hang them on your tree.
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Flatten with a spatula
To flatten your plastic cup ornaments with a spatula, start by preheating your oven to 350°F or 250°F. While the oven is preheating, decorate your plastic cups with permanent markers. Remember to draw on the bottom and sides of the cup, as the designs will be visible on the ornament. You can also add names, messages, or the year to the design. Once you're happy with your design, place the cups face down on a cookie sheet lined with tin foil.
Place the cookie sheet in the oven and watch as the cups start to melt within a few seconds. The cups will take around 30 to 45 seconds to melt completely. Keep a close eye on them, as the melting process happens quickly. When the cups are almost flat, open the oven door and use a spatula to flatten them completely before removing them from the oven. A non-stick, flat spatula works well for this step.
Be careful, as the pan and cups will be very hot. Allow the ornaments to cool for a few minutes before handling them. You can then add extra embellishments, such as glitter, stickers, or glue-on pictures. Finally, punch a hole in the top of each ornament and string cord, ribbon, or yarn through the hole to hang your unique creations on the tree!
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Add embellishments, such as glitter, names, and dates
Once your plastic cups have been decorated and melted, you can add extra embellishments to your ornaments. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your creations. You can use glitter, stickers, or glitter glue to add some sparkle and shine to your designs. If you are creating these ornaments as gifts, you can add names and dates to the back of the ornament for a special keepsake. You can also add pictures by gluing them to the front of the ornament.
When adding names and dates, it is best to use a permanent marker to ensure that your writing does not smudge or smear. You can also use a permanent marker to add additional designs and patterns to your ornament. If you are working with children, it is important to create a stress-free environment and provide them with the necessary tools, such as disposable tablecloths and old clothes or an art smock, to avoid any stains.
If you want to add glitter to your ornaments, you can do so by sprinkling it on top of the wet glue or glitter glue. You can also mix glitter with clear glue to create your own glitter glue. Be careful when handling glitter, as it can be messy and difficult to clean up. It is recommended to work over a tray or sheet of paper to catch any stray glitter.
To attach pictures to your ornaments, use a strong glue or adhesive. Cut out the pictures to the desired size and shape, then glue them onto the front of the ornament. You can also use a hot glue gun to attach ribbons, strings, or yarn for hanging your ornaments.
By adding these extra embellishments, you can make your melted plastic cup ornaments even more unique and special. Whether you are creating them as gifts or for your own enjoyment, taking the time to add personal touches will surely make them stand out.
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Frequently asked questions
The cups you use should be no larger than 9 oz. Smaller cups (5 oz) tend to melt into a rounder shape, whereas larger cups (16 oz) are known to curl up more.
Set your oven to 350°F. It should take less than a minute for the cups to melt.
You should use a permanent marker, as any removable marker will smear.
