These instructions are from SusieK, my stepsister. The instructions are adapted from an article in Handcraft Illustrated, probably from a 1995 issue.
These elegant Christmas ornaments are easy to make from plain ball ornaments.
Materials needed:
- Plain round Christmas ornaments; circumference 7 inches
-
Nylon Tulle circles; 8 ¾ inch diameter
(Tulle is a fine light-weight net fabric) - Glitter fabric paint
- Gold decorative ribbon, 1 ½ inches wide.
- 5/8 inch gold star labels (adhesive stickers)
- Small rubber bands, wire or string
- Gold cording
- Waxed paper
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Lay a nylon tulle circle on a piece of waxed paper. Apply the glitter fabric paint around the edge of the tulle circle and allow to dry thoroughly. The paint will look milky and cloudy when wet, but will dry to a clear gold glitter.
- Apply gold stars randomly or in any desired pattern to the Christmas ornament.
- When the glitter fabric paint is dry, carefully remove the tulle circle from the waxed paper.
- Center the ornament in the tulle circle and wrap the tulle around the ornament. Fasten with a small rubber band, flexible wire or string.
- Tie the gold decorative ribbon around the neck of the ornament to cover the rubber band which fastens the tulle around the ornament.
- Cut a short length of gold cording and attach to the hanging ring of the ornament.
Alternative Design Ideas:
- Use different colored ornaments.
- Some tulle circles are sold predecorated with embroidered designs; these are more expensive, but can be used for a different look.
- Use different colors of glitter paint, and/or different colors of ribbon.
- Instead of gold stars, use any other sticker design to personalize the ornament, especially if it is going to be a gift.
Gift Giving Ideas:
A set of twelve ornaments makes a good housewarming or wedding gift, if you want to make something personal that isn't too expensive.
If you use kids' character stickers, these ornaments make good gifts for kids. Kids can also make these easily with supervision, to give parents as a gift. This is a good idea for Sunday school classes or scouting groups.
A group of these ornaments placed in a basket or large bowl make a pretty decoration for the table or fireplace mantle during the holidays.