Christmas Ornaments
‘Tis the season! It’s that time of year again. Break out with the craft paint, tacky glue, and scissors. People are putting up their Christmas trees and decking the halls. It’s the perfect time to craft and make some holiday memories with the family.
These ornaments are great keepsakes and are great gifts too. My family loved the hand snowmen ornament when we first made it a few years ago. Looking at it now, I don’t remember his hands being that size.
Hand Snowmen Ornaments
You’ll need:
- Glass ornaments (or shatterproof ornaments)
- Craft paint (assorted colors, but white is required)
- Small paint brush
- Child’s hand (or your own hand, I’m not judging)
Instructions
- Pour some white paint on a paint palette or paper plate. Spread the paint out so it covers an area larger than your child’s hand.
- Have your child press his/her hand on the paint and then press it onto the ornament. You may need to assist your child with this, especially if they are younger.
- Place the ornament upside down (with the paint side up) on a mason jar or aluminum soda can and let the paint dry.
- Once dry, use the paint brush to paint on the snowmen’s faces, hats scarves or however else you want to dress them.
- Write the child’s name and year on the ornament. Let dry completely before hanging on the tree or gifting it.
Note:
- Don’t use the water-based paint because they will peel off the ornament once they dry. The acrylic craft paints work better.
Thumbprint Reindeers Ornaments
You’ll need:
- Glass ornaments (or shatterproof ornaments)
- Brown and white craft paint
- Black or brown permanent marker
- Tacky glue, hot glue, or superglue
- Red craft gems
- Small paint brush
Instructions:
- Squeeze brown paint onto paint palette or paper plate.
- Have child press his/her thumb on paint and then pressing it onto the ornament. Repeat until you get a few thumbprints on the ornaments.
- Let the paint dry.
- Take a small paint brush and white paint to paint on the eyeballs on the upper part of each thumbprint.
- Take the marker and draw antlers and pupils on each reindeer.
- Finally use a drop of glue on the lower part of the thumbprint and press on the red gems to make the nose.
- Let it dry completely. Write the child’s name and year on the ornament.
Beachy Ornaments
You’ll need:
- Glass ornaments (or shatterproof ornaments)
- Small seashells
- Twine
Instructions:
- Fill the glass ornament with shells.
- Use the twine to tie a bow on top of the ornament.
Note:
- Due to hurricanes, storms and humans, there may be beaches which are still in restoration. Please be mindful of the signs and don’t take shells from beaches which are in restoration.
- You can add sand into the ornament before adding the shells, but make sure to glue the tops on to secure the ornament. You may want to consider the shatterproof ornaments, otherwise you may have a not so fun clean up after a mishap.
Music Sheet Ornaments
You’ll need:
- Glass ornaments (or shatterproof ornaments)
- Craft paper (beige or off-white for aged look)
- Printer
- Scissors
- Ribbons
Instructions:
- Print the music sheet of your favorite song or a public domain song onto the craft paper.
- Cut the music sheet into strips.
- Roll each strip of paper and put it into the ornament. Repeat until you filled the ornament with desired amount of paper.
- Cut a piece of ribbon and tie on top of the ornament.
Time Capsule (Child’s Height Ribbon) Ornaments
You’ll need:
- Glass ornaments (or shatterproof ornaments)
- Ribbons (different ribbons will create different effects)
- Scissors
- Beads (optional)
Instructions:
- Measure out the ribbon to be the same height as your child (or whatever length you want if you don’t have a child. Measure that breadbox from 2020!)
- Cut the ribbon. String the beads onto the ribbon (if using).
- Feed the ribbon into the ornament.
- Tie the top of the ornament with additional ribbon.
- Write the name of child and year.
