Christmas Crafts
Christmas Ornament Wreath
I saw one of these ball wreaths in a
store and they wanted $20 for it, but I
figured I could make it myself for less
and I was right.  I found shiny plastic
Christmas ornaments at a local
discount store in several different
colors and just glued them to an MDF
craft wreath with hot glue.  I used a
plastic beaded garland for the hanger.  
I only spent about $6-$7 and I have
some left to make something else or to
use on my tree. You can use the same
concept with Easter eggs or Valentine
hearts.  The options are endless.
In 2004, I was into making lighted glass blocks and decided to do the same with this glass snowman I
found. First you need to drill a 1-1/2" size hole in the bottom with a diamond studded hole saw.  Then I
decoupaged tissue paper on the inside of the container in the spots for his eyes, buttons, hat and scarf,
staying within the lines on the glass.  After that dried, I sprayed the inside with an adhesive and sprinkled
white glitter on the inside until the entire body was covered.  After that dried, I sprayed an acrylic sealer
on the glitter.  After several days of drying, I inserted a strand of 20 lights into the bottom of the hole and
strung them up into his hat as well as his body.  I glued on some flat marbles for feet to allow room for
the cord.  I have not had any problems with the lights overheating the paper or glitter, but I would not
recommend leaving this plugged in unattended, because you just never know.
Snowman Light
painted ornaments
painted ornaments
These first ornaments are made by swirling paint inside them.  First
you need to clean the inside of the glass with either rubbing alcohol or
a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.  Sit them upside down in a cup
so they can drain and completely dry.

Once they are dry, put a small squirt of paint inside and swirl it
around.  Continue with different colors until you get the effect that you
want. Turn the bulbs upside down in a cup and the excess paint will
painted ornaments
painted ornaments
painted ornaments
Tip: Use a pencil or dowel to support the ball during drying time by placing the dowel in craft foam or a small vase.
transparency ornaments
transparency ornaments
I saw these ornaments on the
Carol Duvall show.  HGTV
seems to have removed the
original link to the how to
instructions.

Basically, you print a picture on
a piece of transparency paper,
cut it out (in a circle shape), roll
it up on a pencil and slide it into
the ornament where it will open
up and fill the inside of the ball.
Tips: For a 4" ornament, you can get four images on a page.  Always print them out on a test page of plain paper first and make
sure that when you cut them out the circles don't overlap each other.  Stained glass style images work great as do images with
simple designs and bright colors.  Dark colors tend to blend together too much.  Remember if the image is white, it will be clear on
the transparency paper. Choose a paper that is appropriate for your style printer (inkjet or laser).  This special paper can be
found in bulk at office supply stores, but I found smaller packages online through
amazon.com.  A small amount of glitter or fake
snow can be added to the inside.  A little hot glue can be used to seal the opening at the hanger so the snow or glitter doesn't
come out.
Paper ornament
These paper Christmas
ornaments are made from
recycled Christmas cards.  
See how I made them
here.
Nativity
Nativity
I needed a manger for the new nativity I
recently purchased, so Gary surprised me with
this one.  It's absolutely perfect and exactly
what I wanted.  He thinks he should have made
it a little taller, but I think it's the perfect size (it
will fit in the box the nativity came in).
Can you guess what the roof is made out of?
The roof is
covered with
straw from a
broom.
bell ornaments
bell ornaments
These bells were made for Christmas 2007 and I really like how
they turned out.  The one on the top far left was painted like the
glass balls at the top of the page, but the remaining five were
decoupaged with tissue paper.
stained glass star
stained glass star
stained glass star
Stained glass
stars that can be
used for sun
catchers as well
as Christmas
ornaments
My latest venture is stained glass using the copper foil
technique.  It just seemed like a natural progression
from mosaics, although many artists start with stained
glass and then progress to mosaics because they have
so many scraps, but of course, I rarely take the logical
route...LOL.  I will probably start a new stained glass
page as I make more projects.
salt dough ornaments
Basic Salt Dough Recipe
You can probably find more variations on the Internet.
Ingredients
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1-1/2 cups hot water (from tap)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional)
Mix the salt and flour together, then gradually add the water until the dough
becomes elastic. Once the water is mixed with the dry ingredients add your
vegetable oil.  This will make a smoother dough, but is not necessary.  If your
mixture turns out too sticky, add more flour. If it turns out too crumbly, add
more water. Knead the dough until it feels smooth.  You'll know it's ready when
you can pull and stretch the dough a little ways before it breaks.  If you are not
sure if it's done, knead it a little longer.  I probably kneaded this dough between
7-10 minutes before it felt "done".

If you want colored dough, mix food coloring or paint into the water before
adding it to the dry ingredients. Or you can simply paint them after they have
been baked in the oven....again about 2-3 hours at 200 degrees or less.   Wear
rubber gloves when using dyes so you don't stain your hands.

You can store your salt dough in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day
or two, but it is best to use at the time you make it.  Dough will need to reach
room temperature and be kneaded again to reach a smooth consistency.
beaded cross ornaments
The ornaments below are made by putting sticker shapes on the ornament and then spraying them with "Stained Glass" paint.  
Once they are dry, peal off the stickers and then spray with a Frosted Paint.  Very easy.
These ornaments are made by putting
beads on chenille stems.
heat transfer ornaments
Heat Transfer Ornaments - Learn about the technique
here.
Last Updated on March 6, 2010
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