I recently visited the craftiest place on earth: Target! In the Christmas section I found a bunch of clear glass ornaments. I decided to take them home and see what I could do with them. A smart person would probably have invested in some glass paint, but I'm simply not that smart. So, I tried out the stuff I had on hand. Here's a photo of my experimental workshop in progress:
I used tiny cups to hold the balls and keep them from rolling around while I painted them.
The red and green ball was the first ball I tried out.
I painted the bottom with fluid acrylic first and discovered that I probably needed a base coat. So half way through, I base coated the bulb with gesso by using a cosmetic wedge sponge to dab the paint on.
I did the opposite for the next ornament. I base coated half of it using the same cosmetic wedge dabbing technique…
…and then I dripped white acrylic ink on the inside to sort of thinly tint the top half of the ornament.
The third and final ornament was created because I fell in love with the idea of dripping ink inside the ornament. It didn't stay put in the drips the way I expected and hoped, but I still thought the translucent effect was pretty cool.
I dripped several kinds of acrylic ink (including a metallic) inside the bulb and then I decorated the outside with puffy paint.
And here are all the ornaments together:
That little tree looks like it just needs a few more bulbs to make it complete!
Have you decorated clear glass Christmas balls? What did you use to decorate them?
Thanks for stopping by!
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
I had so much fun making ornaments this year. I didn’t use glass balls, but used old light bulbs because I wanted to do some upcycling. Some I painted a base layer of enamel on first to be sure it would stick, some I decoupaged bits of packaging paper or torn paper bags first and then painted over, and others I covered with pieces of muslin I had painted and cut. They were very popular at my craft shows. My main medium is jewelry made with lampwork beads, but the ornaments were a nice change of pace and fit with my colorful style.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
several things I have heard is pour Mop N Glow inside, drain out excess and then you can swirl glitter in there. Melt crayons inside them. I have gesso and paint and then put a snowman on one side with gel medium
Also you can do a collage of pictures printed on typing paper, torn and then gelled to the ball and sealed.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
Yes, and glitter and glue comes to mind. You can swirl Elmer’s glue on the inside and then sprinkle glitter inside. once the glue dries it is clear and only the glitter shows through. Kids and adults love this activity.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
A few years back I made glass ornaments from products made by the people who make H2O’s. You would squirt a glue into the ornament, then add the powders and swirl it around. They made very pretty ornaments.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
Alcohol inks look good swirled inside glass balls.
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
You never cease to amaze me 😉 I love how you see things as opportunities to experiment and decorate. Beautiful!!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
I have made personalized ones for family using glitter paint. They turned out wonderful and everyone loved them, especially the kids!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
Many years ago I made some by swirling some kind of glue in side the bulb, and then swirling and shaking mica powder inside. I finished them by attaching really nice specialty yarns to the top. They were gorgeous!
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I have decorated clear glass ornaments in lots of ways: painting them with acrylics, using alcohol inks, stuffing them with tinsel, lining the inside with acrylic medium and glitter (this takes days–yes, DAYS!–to dry), collaging them with tissue or washi (using gel medium). Maybe more I can’t remember. It is so much fun! And there are such interesting shapes available now.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I sprayed the ornaments inside with Krylon Mirror finish paint. They have the look of mercury glass. Also painted some very old bottles inside.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
I used alcohol inks then compressed air. Especially good with some metallic inks.
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Using alcohol inks with a swirl of the one of the metallics included is my favorite with glass balls – all translucent and stained glassy looking. Can’t wait to try playing with some of my new Brusho powders and seeing what they do inside one. Am betting those will be fun, too!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
Hi Julie! I have not decorated any clear ornaments myself, but last night a friend gifted me with one she made the previous night using Beacon “Glitter It” adhesive (it’s very thin adhesive & goes inside the clear ornament easily, then swirled around); she then poured glitter in & tipped it this way & that so the glitter stuck to the glue inside. It’s sooo pretty! She then used a black Sharpie to write on the outside of the ornament. Turned out great! And I love the ones you created-very unique! I’m inspired to try my hand @ decorating some clear ornaments now!
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
My fave is the red one with the white puffy dots. Would love to try some alcohol inks on these. Tim Holtz has a great technique where he uses his alcohol inks, a blending tool and white plastic Easter eggs to make these really cool faux marbled eggs. Wonder if that technique would work on these glass bulbs?
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
great ideas! Love the puffy dots one.
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas
I use a rinse of alcohol on the inside and outside before I decorate. The alcohol removes any impurities so that the paint, glue, etc will stick better. If using a floor product make sure it is a Finish. Not a cleaner Pour a little in , drain out and add the glitter. Perfect every time!
Just spent all Sunday morning making ornaments with my granddaughters. Have fun and Merry Christmas