articles

Easy Custom Ornaments

Create keepsakes AND clean out your craft drawers!

By Dana Hardek & Susan Dowey December 12, 2012

You can purchase glass or plastic clear ornaments in a variety of shapes from your local craft store.  The ornament tops are easily removed and you can insert paint, confetti, fiberfill, glitter, ribbon, beads or anything that fits through the hole at the top of the ornament. 

NOTE:  Be careful when using glass ornaments. Do not squeeze the ornament tightly and be careful when inserting anything into the ornament.  Use plastic ornaments for children.  

Here's what you do:

1. Find lightweight odds and ends in your craft supplies.

2. Stuff or funnel them into the bulbs.

3. Tie a bow on the bulbs and hang them from your tree!

You can decorate with all kinds of little things:

- tinsel
- crinkled paper strips
- foil confetti
- glitter
- eyelash yarn
- foil garland
- foam stick-ons
- feathers
- pipe cleaners
- ribbon
- stickers
- acrylic paint

Here's a picture of some of the materials I used this year:


And from these items I created:



I really love these "beachy" bulbs:



Just pour in sand, some white glitter, and a few small shells. Just be sure to glue the top back on so the sand doesn't pour out if the ornament is laid on its side.