Ornaments are a special topic for me. For years I have sought out unique, and often quirky, ornaments that over time have accumulated into quite a large collection. I have more ornaments than I have room for and so most years only a handful make it onto the tree. Admittedly, the most delicate and lovely of them rarely see the light of day out of fear they may become a casualty of my cat Clio. But for all the ones rich in beauty and artistry, the ones I hold most dear are often simple in material and design but full of fond memories. From felt story time characters made by my grandmother to souvenirs picked up on various trips, ornaments remind me of moments shared with those I care for most.
So for day 7 of 25 days of crafts, we will set out to make new memories with an icicle ornament. Glass is usually a medium I avoid when crafting but since part of this challenge is to try new things I wouldn’t normally endeavor to do on my own, I gave it a shot (with a lot of encouragement and help from Krafty Kath.)
If you’ve never painted on glass before, don’t stress out or expect perfection. Just enjoy the moment, keep it simple and be patient. It may take you a couple tries (or a half dozen if you’re like me) but in the end you’ll have a new memory and a new ornament worthy of hanging on the tree.
DIY icicle ornaments
Materials
- Glass balls
- Silver glass paint
- Iridescent or glitter glass paint
- Toilet paper tube
- Narrow brushes
- Ribbon
Step 1
Before painting, clean your ball with glass cleaner. It also helps to remove the cap and hook, which you can do by gently squeezing the hook on either side and slowly pulling up and out.
Apply a small amount of silver glass paint to your brush. Starting from the top, pull your brush down along the curve of the ball about a 1/3 of the way. Start with more pressure and release to a light tip for the bottom of the icicle.
Step 2
Continue applying icicles in various lengths and widths around the crown of the ball.
Step 3
To round the tips of the icicles, paint from the tip of the icicle up toward the base. This will help minimize any hard edges.
Step 4
Apply a light layer of the iridescent or glitter paint over each icicle.
Step 5
After allowing the paint to dry, reattach the hook and cap. String a piece of ribbon through the hook and tie a bow.
Woot! You just made an icicle ornament and a new memory!
Visit Krafty Kath for more 25 Days of Crafts!
