Painting Glass Ornaments

Craft: Personalized Christmas Ball Ornaments

Creating a personalized, ornamental ball for the tree can be as individual as you like. Mine are red balls with golden glass paint depicting a design and each loved one's name.

Supplies:

• a large garbage bag or several sheets of newspaper
• several plain Christmas balls
• glass paint with writing tip (available at most craft or art centers)
• metallic thread
• scissors
• paper
• pencil

Instructions:

1. Before you start, clear the table and cover it with newspaper or a large garbage bag to avoid getting paint on the table.
2. Start by creating a template of the design you want to paint with pencil on a piece of paper. Incorporate the name of a loved one into the design.
3. Take out your Christmas ball. Cut a length of thread from the spool and thread it through the hoop on the top of the ornament. Create a loop to hang your completed ornament by.
4. Once your design is ready, open your bottle of glass paint. Remove the cap and screw the writing tip onto the end of the bottle. Copy your design onto the Christmas ball.
5. Hang the ball on the tree or from a hanger to dry.
6. Complete steps two to five for each personalized ball you want to create.
7. Give your completed ornament to its namesake or hang it on the tree as a reminder of the one you love. (Originally Published 12/4/2005)

By Christine Weber

Tip: Paint Inside of Clear Glass Ornaments

Sharon

December 20, 2010

To make beautiful homemade Christmas tree ornaments, pour or squeeze craft paint, your choice of colors, into clear glass bulbs. Twirl the bulbs around, holding your finger over the open top, and watch the paint swirl around.