Hey y’all! Every year I make an ornament for our tree that sums up our past year, so I thought I’d share this super easy DIY Painted Christmas Ornament tradition with you! (The gnomes don’t really have anything to do with our past year, I just thought they were cute. 😉)
P.S.- I got all the materials from my local Dollar Tree!
So, there’s a lot you can do with a clear Christmas bulb! I have filled one with sand and small shells the year we took our twins to the beach. I have also created a waterless snow globe when I discovered how much my kiddos love snow globes.
When you use your life as inspiration, the possibilities are endless! (As long as it’s not too heavy and pulls your Christmas tree over! 😆)
What you need:
Materials
- Clear Christmas Bulb.
- Ribbon.
- Paint. (I prefer this acrylic craft paint, but most any kind of paint will work.)
- Hot Glue Stick.
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun.
- Scissors.
- Foam Paint Brush.
- Floral Wire.
- Craft Stick. (Optional.)
- Floral Foam. (Optional.)
How to make an easy diy painted christmas ornament:
** TIP: Turn on Hot Glue Gun now so it will be ready to use in Step 4!
Preparing the bulb
Step 1:
First you will need to paint the bulb. (I did 2 coats of paint on mine.)
Be sure to paint around the top of the bulb as well. (See picture 3 above.)
*Here’s a helpful tip- use a craft stick, or a small dowel rod, to hold the bulb while painting it. This keeps fingers out of the way, as well as, a stand when you place it in floral foam while the bulb is drying!
Creating the bow for an easy diy painted christmas bulb
Step 2:
Secondly, while you are waiting on the bulb to dry you can make the bow. It looks complicated but it’s really not!
Simply start by measuring a tail at 5 inches. Then pinch the sides of the material together.
Next measure 3 inches from your fingers, then fold in half to create a loop. Repeat for a second loop.
Once you have 2 loops take the tail and flip it in between the loops (front to back).
Step 3:
Thirdly, you will need to make 2 more loops. But measure these ones at 3.5 inches so they stick out a little further than the front loops.
Once you have those two loops complete measure and cut the second tail at 5 inches. Then you will flip it between the 2 sets of loops, but from back to front this time.
Then secure all 4 loops and tails with floral wire. Cut the excess off with sharp scissors.
STYLING THE BOW
Step 4:
Now we are going to cover up the floral wire by cutting a strip of ribbon 2-3 inches long. (You won’t need all 3 inches, I just like having a little extra wiggle room.)
Then place the ribbon face down and fold the sides in halfway.
Next, with the front of the bow facing you, wrap the folded strip around the center and secure at the back with a dab of Hot Glue. Then snip off excess ribbon.
Step 5:
In our fifth step we are going to dovetail our ribbon ends! This just gives it a little something fancy.
Simply overlap the 2 tails and fold in half backwards. Then, with a sharp pair of scissors, cut upward, away from the fold, at a diagonal.
Step 6:
Lastly, simply fluff the bow for a fuller look. Then add a dab of glue to the top of the bulb and press the bow into the hot glue!
Proudly display YOUR EASY DIY PAINTED CHRISTMAS BULB!
Then display your Easy DIY Painted Christmas Bulb on your tree to admire!
Feel free to leave a comment and a picture of your own bulb below if you enjoyed this tutorial!
Also, if you or your kids love snow globes check out my tutorial for a shatterproof, kid safe version!