Sofia Martinez
Personalised ornaments are a great way to commemorate special events and can make wonderful gifts for friends and family. While it is possible to write on plastic ornaments, glass ornaments are recommended for better permanence of hand lettering. Before writing on a plastic ornament, it is important to prepare your marker by depressing the tip on paper to load it with paint and scribbling on scrap paper to get rid of any excess paint. You can then use washi tape as a baseline guideline for your first line of text, lifting the tape when you come to a letter with a tail. When placing your text, avoid going too far down the ornament so that your design is visible when it is hanging. If you want to avoid hand lettering altogether, you can order customised stickers to stick on your ornament.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament material | Plastic, glass, or acrylic |
| Ornament finish | Shiny or matte |
| Writing tools | Marker, pen, chalk, paint, stickers |
| Marker type | Paint marker, acrylic paint marker, liquid chrome marker, oil-based marker, Sharpie, Posca, Stabilo Glass Pencil |
| Pen type | Paint pen, gold pen, gold DecoColor Liquid Gold pen, DecoColor Paint Pen, Sharpie Oil-based gold pen |
| Chalk type | Sharpened chalk |
| Sticker type | Vinyl stickers |
| Design | Words, phrases, dates, snowflakes, dots |
| Additional items | Ribbon, glass cleaner, paper, washi tape |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing a pen
Choosing the right pen is crucial when writing on plastic ornaments, as the wrong type of ink can react poorly with the ornament's surface, distort your lettering, or scratch off too easily. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pen:
Ink Type
The type of ink in your pen is an important consideration. Oil-based pens tend to work well on unpainted surfaces, but they may react poorly with painted ornaments, causing the ornament's paint to dissolve or distort. Water-based pens can produce a nice matte effect on matte ornaments, but they are more susceptible to scratching. If you're using a glossy ornament, be aware that some pens may not adhere well to the surface, so a test on a small area first is recommended.
Pen Tip Size
The size of the pen tip will impact the thickness of your lettering. For delicate work, extra-fine tips are recommended, as they will allow for more precise and thin lines. A fine tip may be too thick for intricate designs, so consider the level of detail in your desired lettering before selecting a pen tip size.
Pen Brand
Different pen brands will offer varying levels of success when writing on plastic ornaments. Some popular options include Sharpie, Decocolor, Molotow, and Posca. Decocolor extra-fine paint pens, in particular, have been praised for their performance across different ornament surfaces. Sharpie paint pens are also widely used and can be effective, especially on matte ornaments. However, be cautious when using Sharpies, as they may smudge or wipe off, especially on metallic paint.
Colour Options
Consider the colour of the ornament and choose a pen colour that will stand out. Paint pens come in a wide range of colours, including metallic options like gold, silver, and "rose gold"/copper. Test the pen on a small area first to ensure the colour dries as expected and doesn't smudge or distort.
Practice and Preparation
Before writing directly on the ornament, practice your design on scrap paper to get a feel for the pen and the flow of the ink. Prepare the pen by depressing the tip on paper to load it with paint, then scribble on scrap paper to remove any excess ink. This will help ensure a smooth and consistent ink flow when writing on the ornament.
Plastic Density: Preventing Oil Seepage
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the ornament
Choosing the Right Ornament
Firstly, select a plastic ornament that suits your preferences. Consider the size, shape, and colour of the ornament, ensuring it provides a suitable surface for writing. Some ornaments have larger flat spots, which are ideal for personalisation. If you are opting for a clear plastic ornament, you can use a sheet of paper to trace around it, creating a template for your design.
Planning Your Design
Before you begin writing on the ornament, it is essential to plan your design. Decide on the words, phrases, or names you want to include, and sketch out the layout. This will help you visualise how the final design will look and ensure that your writing is well-arranged and legible. Remember that you are working on a curved surface, so keep your design simple and leave enough space between lines to avoid crowding.
Gathering the Right Tools
To write on a plastic ornament, you will need the appropriate writing instruments. Permanent markers, such as Sharpies, can work, but paint pens are often recommended for their variety of colours and thicknesses. Paint pens also have better visibility on plastic surfaces compared to Sharpies. Gold and silver paint markers are popular choices for their festive appeal, but you can use any colour you prefer. If you are unsure, practice on a separate surface first to get a feel for the pen.
Preparing the Surface
Before you start writing, ensure that the surface of your plastic ornament is clean and dry. Use a glass cleaner or a similar product suitable for plastic to remove any dust or residue. This step will help ensure that your writing adheres properly to the surface and does not smudge.
Adding Guidelines
Once your ornament is clean and dry, you can add guidelines to ensure straight writing. Use washi tape as a baseline for your text, placing it carefully to ensure it is straight. If you are writing multiple lines, leave enough space between each line to avoid crowding. Remember to remove the tape once you have finished writing.
Now that your ornament is prepared, you can begin writing your chosen words, names, or phrases, following your guidelines and sketch. Remember to write slowly and carefully, and evaluate the positioning of each letter as you go.
A Simple Guide to Installing Plastic Eyeglass Lenses
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Practising the design
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials, including your plastic ornament, chosen markers or paint pens, washi tape, paper, and any other desired embellishments.
Step 2: Create Mock-ups and Sketches
Take a sheet of paper and trace around your plastic ornament to create a template. Fill the sheet with multiple tracings, and then sketch out your design ideas within these shapes. Consider the layout, spacing, and overall appearance of your lettering or artwork. This step ensures that you are happy with the design before transferring it to the ornament.
Step 3: Practice on the Template
Once you have decided on a design, use your mock-ups to practice lettering or drawing. Go over your sketches with ink or marker to make them stand out. This step allows you to perfect your technique and get a feel for writing on a curved surface. Remember to slow down, as writing on a curved surface can be challenging.
Step 4: Experiment with Different Markers or Pens
If you plan to use markers or paint pens, test them out on your paper template first. Prepare your marker by depressing the tip on paper to load it with paint, then scribble on scrap paper to remove any excess. Practice writing with different colours, thicknesses, and types of markers to find the best option for your ornament.
Step 5: Consider Embellishments
If you wish to add embellishments like snowflakes, dots, or rhinestones, practice applying them to your paper template. This will give you an idea of the final look and ensure that you are comfortable with the application process.
Step 6: Repeat and Refine
Don't be afraid to repeat and refine your practice attempts. The more you practice, the more confident you will become in your design and technique. Remember, you can always make adjustments as you go, so don't be too hard on yourself if your first attempts don't match your expectations.
By following these steps and taking the time to practice, you will be well-prepared to write on your plastic ornament with confidence and precision. Happy crafting!
The Easy Guide to Replacing Plastic Water Lines
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Writing on the ornament
Writing on plastic ornaments is a fun way to personalise your decorations. You can use a variety of writing tools, from markers to paint pens, to get the job done. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Planning and Preparation:
Before you begin writing on your ornament, it is important to plan and prepare. Decide on the design and layout of your writing. You can sketch out your ideas on paper, especially if you plan to include intricate designs or multiple lines of text. Remember to consider the space you are working with and keep the design simple if it is your first time. You can use washi tape as a baseline guideline for your text, ensuring it is straight and well-positioned.
Choosing the Right Tools:
The type of pen or marker you use will depend on the effect you want to achieve and your ornament's material. Paint pens, such as the Posca paint marker, are popular choices as they come in various colours and thicknesses. They are ideal for achieving a monolinear look. If you want a brush-lettered or calligraphy effect, consider using a paintbrush with a fine tip or a gold Uni Posca paint marker. For a more permanent option, use a paint pen instead of a Sharpie, as the ink may appear muted or sink into the plastic.
When you are ready to write on your ornament, prepare your marker by depressing the tip on paper to load it with paint and removing any excess on scrap paper. As you write, anchor your pinky on the ornament to steady your hand. Take your time and write slowly, especially when working on a curved surface. Remember to leave enough space for your design to be visible when the ornament is hanging.
Final Touches:
Once you have finished writing, remove any guidelines or tape and allow the ink to dry completely. You can add extra designs like snowflakes or dots to enhance the overall look. If desired, you can also add some brush strokes of acrylic paint to the back of the ornament to make your writing stand out even more. Finally, add a ribbon hanger by cutting about 10" of ribbon, looping it through the hole, and tying a knot with the ends.
With these steps, you can create beautifully personalised plastic ornaments with confidence!
A Guide to Covering Windows with Plastic: Easy and Effective
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding finishing touches
Plan Your Design
Before you start writing on the plastic ornament, it's essential to plan your design. Decide on the layout, including any words, phrases, or flourishes you want to include. Consider the space you have to work with and keep your design simple, especially if this is your first attempt. Remember that you are working on a curved surface, so you might need to rotate the ornament as you write. Sketching your design on paper first will help you visualise how it will look on the ornament.
Choose the Right Tools
Select the appropriate writing instrument for your project. Paint pens, such as the Posca paint marker, DecoColor paint pens, or acrylic paint markers, are popular choices for writing on plastic ornaments. These pens come in various colours and thicknesses, allowing you to create monolinear or calligraphy-style lettering. If you're using a paint marker, prepare it by depressing the tip on paper to load it with paint and then scribbling on scrap paper to get rid of any excess.
Embellishments
To make your ornament even more special, consider adding some embellishments. You can incorporate snowflakes, dots, or other decorative elements to complement your hand lettering. These extra details can be added using the same paint pens or markers you used for your lettering.
Final Touches
Once your design is complete and the ink or paint has dried, you can add some finishing touches. Consider adding a clear sealer to protect your design and ensure its longevity. You can also add a hanger to your ornament by cutting a piece of ribbon and looping it through a hole in the ornament, tying a knot with the ends. Now your ornament is ready to be displayed or gifted!
Plastic's Devastating Impact: Destroying Our Planet
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use a Sharpie marker or a paint pen. Paint pens come in many colours and thicknesses and are sold at craft stores or online.
Depress the tip of the marker on a piece of paper to load it with paint, then scribble on scrap paper to get rid of any excess paint.
Anchor your pinky on the ornament to help steady your hand.
Avoid placing your design too close to the bottom of the ornament.
Place a piece of washi tape on your ornament as a baseline guideline for your first line of text.
