There are tons of ideas out there on how to make your own Christmas ornament.  The great thing about crafting ornaments is that you get to use whatever colors you want to fit your taste.  If you’ve wanted to try your hand at decorating, I think these ornaments are an easy project for beginners.  This project is perfect for making gifts for family and friends in your school colors, favorite sports team colors, or whatever color you choose.

Supplies for Making Your Own Paint and Beads Christmas Ornaments:

• plain glass ornaments
• rubbing alcohol
• empty egg carton
• gems
• ribbon scraps
• small beads or glitter
• craft glue (choose one that dries clear)
• acrylic craft paint
• paint brush
• disposable bowls
• damp washcloth for little spills and to keep your fingers from spreading paint

Instructions to Make Your Own Christmas Ornament:

Find some tiny little plastic diamond cut gems that are sold in the floral or candlemaking section of craft type stores.  They’re intended for filling vases or candle holders.  In addition to the clear ones, I’ve seen some ruby colored stones that would be gorgeous for Christmas decorating.

1. Fill one of the ornaments with one carat “diamonds.”
2. Now put a little craft glue in the very top of the ornament to hold in the stones.
3. Immediately replace the top onto the ornament before the glue dries.
4. Tie a ribbon to the top and you’ve got your first super-easy ornament that took no craftiness whatsoever.

Another ornament can be filled with a mixture of beads.  Mine were found in the jewelry making section of my craft store.  They are called seed beads and I have no idea how anyone could have to the patience to string these things.  They’re tiny.  Follow the glue directions above, replace the top and tie the ribbon on your newest homemade Christmas ornament.

Another idea is to paint the interior of the ornament one solid color.  Painting the outside might seem the easiest thing to do, but if you paint the inside your paint will not get scratched and you don’t have to use a finishing treatment to protect your artwork.

1. Simply squirt a little paint into the ornament.
2. Cover the top hole with your finger and swish the paint around to cover the inside completely.
3. Turn upside down in the egg carton to drain the paint and allow to dry completely.
4. When the paint is dry, use your paintbrush to paint on some craft glue toward the top of the ornament.  Be careful not to glue the area too close to the top.  You have to make sure that the top can fit back on when you’re finished.
5. After the glue has been applied, allow it to dry slightly until it is tacky.
6. Over a disposable bowl, sprinkle tiny beads (or glitter, if you prefer) over the glue until all the glue is entirely covered.
7. Gently press the beads into the glue and shake any loose beads into the bowl.
8. Replace the top of the ornament and add ribbon for another finished ornament.  Allow this to dry standing up so the glue doesn’t accidentally stick to your work surface.

You might also try adding multiple colors of paint inside the bulb for a swirled effect.  This is a nice look and an easy method of blending colors you love into one ornament.

If you see a distinct pattern created by the paint, you might glue some lines of beading on the outside of the ornament to accentuate the contrasts.  This helps also to cover any areas where the paint gave some unappealing textures or just didn’t do what you wanted it to.

One of my favorite techniques is to use a brush to paint the very top of the inside of the ornament.  I try to make it look like the paint is dripping down from the top.  Then I place a few drops of paint in the bottom of the ornament.  I let this dry upright to keep the paint on the bottom exactly where I want it.  Once the paint is dry, I fill the ornament with tiny metallic rochaille beads.  Of course, finish with a layer of glue to hold the beads in, add the top and tie the ribbon.

Ready to get creative?  Find out how to use cinnamon, buttons, or dental floss in your next homemade ornament project.

Will you make your own Christmas ornament this year for your family tree or as gifts for friends?  Tell us your favorite technique by leaving a comment below.