If you bought some Christmas balls and aren’t sure what to do with them, get over 50 DIY glass ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree!
Every year I get a lot of questions about making Christmas ornaments. Which I totally get. Because honestly, the display at the craft store can be a little intimidating. There are a bunch of clear glass balls in a tray and some paints and glitters and Mod Podge.
But what are you supposed to do with it all?
It’s not as straightforward as one might think. There’s quite a lot that you can do, which is what can make it overwhelming! I’m going to show you how to make a bunch of DIY glass ornaments with ALL kinds of different techniques.
And none of them are hard to make.
Preparing the Ornaments
Before getting started, you’re going to want to clean the surface. This step is crucial if you want any painting or Mod Podge to stick. You are removing oils from fingers – oils that repel paint.
Thoroughly wash in warm, soapy water, then rinse in warm water and let dry. You can also use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. If you’re going to paint the inside, you’ll want to swirl some rubbing alcohol around on the inside and let dry.
What glue is best?
To add embellishments on top of paint or Mod Podge on the surface, I use craft glue. If it’s directly to the glass, I use E-6000 for the strongest bond.
What paint is best?
You’ll want to use one of three things: craft paint made for glass or multisurface, spray paint, or chalk paint.
Regular craft paint can be used on the inside of an ornament, but you won’t want to paint it on the outside. It’s too easy to scrape off. More about painting on glass here.
I’d also love for you to check out my guide to Mod Podge on glass to get my best tips.
How do you fill ornaments with glitter?
There are a few ways to do it. If you have Mod Podge, you can mix it with glitter. Pour it into the ornament, let it drain out, and the Mod Podge dries glittery on the inside.
You can also use floor wax (I know, crazy!). You pour it into the glass ornament, swirl it, then pour out the excess. Then add the glitter, swirl it, and pour out the excess again. Let dry and you have a glitter glass ornament!
Are you ready to learn how to decorate some glass ball ornaments? Take a peek at the list below and let me know your favorites in the comments!
DIY Glass Ornaments
Looking for some cute glass ball ornaments crafts? This is your list, with over 50 ideas using a variety of craft supplies!
Fingerprint Snowman
This is one of my favorite glass ball ornaments of all time! Paint a ball blue, then add a kid's handprint in white for snowmen. Then add the rest of the details. Isn't it so cute?
Ten Minute Snow Globe
The ornament would look beautiful on any tree, and it would also make a thoughtful hostess gift this holiday season.
DIY Winter Florals
Make a DIY winter floral ornament for your Christmas tree using vinyl and your Silhouette.
Peppermint Cocoa
A tasty treat for those neighborhood gifts or use them to decorate your own Christmas tree!
Glittered Reindeer
I love the idea of using brown glitter to coat the inside of an ornament and turn it into a cute little reindeer! I love the fun little bow on top too.
Colorful Sprinkles
Sprinkles are naturally colored - making them a great addtion to the middle of the glass balls.
Alcohol Ink Blown Glass
Learn how to make these beautiful alcohol ink ornaments that resemble blown glass, but are so easy. They also cost very little so you can cover an entire Christmas tree on a budget!
Fingerprint Reindeer
Adorn your tree with this cute fingerprint reindeer, perfect for Christmastime crafting with the kids.
Glittery Galaxy Inspired
These ornaments feature swirls of glitter to resemble the night sky. These galaxy-inspired glass baubles will become a keepsake you treasure for years to come!
Frosty the Snowman
From his corncob pipe and button nose to that magical hat placed on his head, this Frosty the Snowman has it all.
Floating Photo
A floating photo ornament has an image — like a family photo — that seems to hover inside a clear ornament like magic. They’re really simple to make if you know the trick: a piece of clear plastic to suspend the photo in the middle of your ornament!
Glitter Unicorn Horn
I feel like unicorns have had a moment these past couple years, and I'm glad they're part of Christmas too! These ornaments are glittery and fabulous, and I love that the horns are made out of clay.
Black, White, and Gold
When given a bag of mystery supplies including faux snow and glass ball ornaments, Amy made these upscale looking ornies with gold and black. I'm impressed!
Poured Paint
Bring some color to your tree with cool paint shades - and the dipped portion is a nice added touch.
Grinch Inspired
Green feathers with a little red heart? That says "the Grinch" to me!
Mandala Painted
Decorate basic ornaments with a unique mandala pattern for added charm to your Christmas tree!
Painted Copper Leaf
I'm a big fan of aqua and turquoise shades of paint mixed with copper leaf. It's so striking and beautiful! These were made with two supplies, and are much easier than you might think.
Temporary Tattoos
Turns out that temporary tattoos aren't just for wearing on your body - you can also use them for Christmas! They apply straight to the glass, or you can paint the ornaments first.
Disney Princess-Inspired
Do your kids love Disney princesses? Turn glass balls into your favorite characters . . . then see if your kids can recognize them on the tree.
Tissue Paper
These tissue paper ornaments pack a visual punch for Christmas decor, and are easy enough that kids and adults alike can make them.
Botanical Terrarium
For these, you're going to fill a glass ornament and tie a bow. The results are quite beautiful.
Lace Snowflakes
If you can find small doilies or lace circles, you can use Mod Podge Stiffy to make this project. The results are beautiful, glittery "snowflakes" display in glass on your tree.
Ice Cream Cones
These ice cream Christmas ornaments take a few minutes to make, but the results are well worth it! Pick your favorite flavor and create the cutest bauble to hang on your tree.
Christmas Cacti
Cintia is genius - she made the spikes for these cactus ornaments out of hot glue! I need to make a few of these for my friends that live in Arizona.
Fabric Scraps
Have some old ornaments that are no longer your style? Follow this tutorial for an easy ornament to make using old ones and some on trend fabric.
Glass Tinsel
There's not really a tutorial for this ornament because it's simple - you simply cut a piece of tinsel garland stick it into a glass ball ornament. It's that easy, and the results are actually quite stunning.
Crushed Candy Canes
These candy cane filled Christmas ornaments make the sweetest - and simplest - tree trimmings.
Faux Mercury
Create high-end looking Christmas ornaments using dollar store items and a fun paint technique! These were inspired by expensive Pottery Barn finds, but you can easily DIY them.
Cutie Cupcakes
These cupcake ornaments are regular ornaments painted to look just like delicious treats! Have you ever seen anything so sweet?
Pom Pom Baubles
This is a fun one to try with the kids, because they will love picking their own colors for this Christmas project.
Melted Snowman
What does a snowman look like when he's melted? Recreate it with this darling ornament - kids will love shaking it up and finding the pieces of Frosty inside!
Spray Painted Balls
Sometimes the easiest way to decorate glass is simply with spray paint! One of my favorite ways to do this is with complimentary colors that all look good together, like these.
Sea Glass
Learn how to make the easiest sea glass ornaments ever! This beach glass technique can be applied to a lot of surfaces for the perfect nautical themed Christmas.
Mini Gumball Machine
It turns out that seed beads make some pretty cute gumballs! Use mini clear glass ornaments to make the sweetest gumball machines I've ever seen.
DIY Star Confetti
Confetti is fun for everyone! If your tree needs a little something colorful, Grab Mod Podge, metallic confetti, and a glass ball ornament. You'll have cute tree decor in minutes.
Cool Crayon Drips
I absolutely love how watercolor-y and colorful these ornaments turned out, and they are SO easy to make. They really only take three things to create.
Fun & Fruity
If you're the kind of person who likes a themed tree, may I suggest fruit this year? These would look beautiful on a white tree.
Ornament Souvenir
Did you have a wonderful beach trip this past summer that you'd like to remember? Grab some shells and put them in a glass ornament!
Mod Podge & Paper Scraps
Learn how to Mod Podge glass ornaments with paper scraps – no crafting skills required! Such an easy holiday project that everyone in the family will love.
Kids' Character
Craft projects at Christmas are always fun for the kids and they will love these character ornaments! They can make any character they would like, like Elmo or Minions, and hang it on the tree to enjoy for years to come.
Patchwork Fabric
Looking for some good fabric crafts to do with your scraps after sewing? Don't throw them away! Grab a bottle of Mod Podge and apply them to some ornaments.
Rustic Twine
Learn how to make a glitter Christmas ornament with a rustic feel using Mod Podge and twine! This is easy enough even for a beginner.
Faux Jadeite
Have you ever heard of Jadeite glassware? The milky green color is something a lot of us fall in love with, and it looks great on a tree.
Neon Marble
Why not be a little diffeernt this year and use neon paints to decorate some glass balls. Wouldn't these look beautiful on a white tree?
Glitter Monogram
Do you love the look of sparkle on your tree? These pretty Mod Podge glitter ornaments are EASY to make - and like a million bucks.
Did you enjoy playing with Christmas balls? If so you might like these other posts!
Christmas Card Decor • Christmas Door Decor • DIY Photo Ornaments • Dollar Tree Christmas Crafts • Free Christmas Printables • Mason Jar Christmas Crafts • Paper Christmas Ornaments
Yvonne
Tuesday 28th of November 2023
Include mine! It's a yearly tradition! https://singathomemom.com/diy-heirloom-christmas-ornaments
Mare
Wednesday 15th of December 2021
What great eye candy. I cannot wait to make some of these with my great granddaughter (because of her youth, I will be using plastic).
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
NJ King
Wednesday 15th of December 2021
So many great ornament ideas!
Amy
Wednesday 15th of December 2021
Thank you so much!
terry freeman
Wednesday 15th of December 2021
Something for everyone! some fancy, some cute. so many choices!