How to Put Glitter on Ornaments

Glittered ornaments add a touch of sparkle and magic to holiday decor, transforming any Christmas tree into a dazzling centerpiece. Their shimmering beauty catches the light and captivates the eye, making them a favorite among holiday enthusiasts. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, DIY glitter ornaments offer numerous benefits. Creating them can be a fun and rewarding activity that allows for personal expression and creativity.

Moreover, crafting your own ornaments can be a cost-effective way to customize your holiday decorations to perfectly match your festive theme or color scheme. This article aims to provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to put glitter on ornaments, ensuring that even beginners can achieve professional-looking results. Whether you’re decorating for a festive gathering or adding a personal touch to your home, learning how to put glitter on ornaments will bring joy and sparkle to your holiday season.

Gathering Necessary Materials

Before you begin, gathering all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience is essential. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Clear or Colored Ornaments (glass or plastic): Choose the type of ornament that best fits your aesthetic preferences. Clear ornaments allow the glitter to shine through, while colored ornaments can add an additional layer of depth.
• Glitter (fine or chunky, in various colors): The type and color of glitter you choose will determine the final look of your ornaments. Fine glitter provides a smooth and even sheen, while chunky glitter can add texture and visual interest. Decide on colors that match your overall holiday decor theme.
• Adhesive (clear-drying glue, Mod Podge, or floor polish): The adhesive will be used to attach the glitter to the inside of the ornaments. Make sure it dries clear to ensure the glitter remains the focal point.
• Small Funnel or Paper Cone: These tools help pour glitter and adhesive into the ornament without making a mess.
• Paintbrushes or Sponge Brushes: If you’re using Mod Podge, these are used to apply the adhesive evenly inside the ornaments.
• Disposable Gloves (optional): Wearing gloves can keep your hands clean while you work, especially when handling adhesive and glitter.
• Protective Covering for Work Surface (newspaper or plastic sheet): This is crucial to catch excess glitter and adhesive, making cleanup easier.

Choosing the Right Type of Glitter and Ornaments

When selecting glitter, consider the size and color that best complements your holiday theme. Fine glitter offers a subtle shimmer, whereas chunky glitter can create a bolder statement. The key is to match the glitter color to your existing decor to ensure a cohesive look.

You can choose between glass and plastic for ornaments. Glass ornaments have a delicate, classic appeal but can be fragile. On the other hand, plastic ornaments are more durable and child-friendly, making them a practical choice for homes with young children or pets. Consider your household’s needs and aesthetic preferences when making your selection.

Preparing the Ornaments

Cleaning the Ornaments

Before applying any glitter, it’s important to ensure that the ornaments are clean and free from any dust or residue. This step is crucial because any dirt or debris can interfere with the adhesive and prevent the glitter from sticking properly. Start by examining each ornament for visible dirt or smudges. If the ornaments are visibly dirty, washing them with soap and water is best.

Gently scrub the ornaments using a mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap residues, as leftover soap can also affect the adhesive’s ability to bond. After washing, let the ornaments dry completely. Any moisture left inside the ornaments can dilute the adhesive and ruin your glitter application. Place the ornaments on a clean towel and allow them to air dry, or use a hairdryer in a cool setting to speed up the process.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Having a well-organized workspace is essential for a smooth crafting experience. Choose a clean, flat, and stable surface to work on. This could be a dining table, a desk, or any other surface that provides ample space for your materials and ornaments. Cover the workspace with newspaper or a plastic sheet to catch any excess glitter and adhesive.

This protective covering will also make cleanup easier and prevent your surface from getting damaged. Ensure all your tools and materials are within easy reach to streamline the crafting process. Having a tidy and organized workspace will make the activity more enjoyable and help achieve a professional finish on your glitter ornaments.

Applying Adhesive Inside the Ornament

Use Clear Glue or Floor Polish

Pouring the Adhesive

• Removing the Ornament Cap: Begin by carefully removing the ornament cap. This will create an opening large enough to pour in the adhesive. Handle the ornaments gently, especially if they are made of glass, to avoid any breakage.
• Using a Small Funnel or Paper Cone to Pour the Adhesive into the Ornament: Position a small funnel or a paper cone in the ornament’s opening. This will help direct the adhesive into the ornament without creating a mess. Slowly pour the clear-drying glue or floor polish through the funnel, ensuring that you add enough adhesive to coat the entire inner surface.

Coating the Inside

• Swirling the Adhesive Around to Cover the Entire Interior Surface: Once the adhesive is inside, gently swirl the ornament to spread the adhesive evenly around the inner surface. Rotate the ornament in all directions to ensure complete coverage. The goal is to coat the entire interior surface with a thin layer of adhesive.
• Pouring Out Any Excess Adhesive: After the interior is fully coated, pour out any excess adhesive back into its container. This helps prevent the adhesive from pooling at the bottom of the ornament, which could lead to an uneven glitter application. Let the ornament sit briefly to allow any remaining excess adhesive to drain out completely.

Using Mod Podge

Applying Mod Podge with a Brush

• Using a Paintbrush or Sponge Brush to Apply a Thin Layer of Mod Podge Inside the Ornament: Start by removing the ornament cap and setting it aside. Dip a paintbrush or sponge brush into the Mod Podge and apply a thin layer inside the ornament. Rotate the ornament as you brush the adhesive to reach all areas.

• Ensuring Even Coverage: Work methodically to distribute the Mod Podge evenly. Take your time to brush on a consistent layer, as any uncovered areas will not hold the glitter.

Allowing the Mod Podge to Become Tacky

• Waiting a Few Minutes for the Mod Podge to Become Tacky but Not Dry: After applying the Mod Podge, set the ornament aside and wait a few minutes. During this time, the Mod Podge will become tacky—sticky enough to hold the glitter but not fully dry. This tacky stage is crucial for achieving a smooth and even glitter application.

How to Put Glitter on Ornaments: Adding the Glitter

After preparing the ornaments with adhesive, the next step is to add the glitter to achieve that dazzling sparkle. Follow these steps to ensure a flawless glitter application:

Choosing the Glitter

• Selecting the Right Glitter: Choose the glitter color and type (fine or chunky) that best matches your festive theme. Fine glitter creates a smooth, shimmering effect, while chunky glitter can add a unique texture and visual appeal.

Pouring the Glitter Into the Ornament

• Using a Funnel or Paper Cone: Just like with the adhesive, use a small funnel or paper cone to pour the glitter into the ornament. This method helps control the amount of glitter and minimizes mess.
• Amount of Glitter: Add enough glitter to coat the entire interior surface. Typically, about a tablespoon of glitter works well, but you can adjust the quantity based on the ornament size and the desired coverage.

Coating the Inside

• Swirling and Shaking: Cover the opening with your thumb or the ornament cap once the glitter is inside and gently shake and swirl the ornament. Turn it in all directions to ensure the glitter sticks to the adhesive-coated surface evenly.
• Reapplying Glitter: If you notice any spots without sufficient glitter, add a little more and repeat the swirling and shaking process until you achieve full coverage.

Removing Excess Glitter

• Pouring Out the Excess: Once the interior is fully coated, pour out any excess glitter into a container or back into its original jar. This helps avoid glitter waste and keeps your work area clean.
• Tapping the Ornament: Gently tap the ornament against your palm or on the edge of your workspace to remove any loose glitter.

Letting the Ornament Dry

• Drying Time: Place the glittered ornaments in a safe, upright position to allow the adhesive to dry completely. Drying time can vary depending on the adhesive used, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Reattaching the Ornament Cap

• Final Touch: Reattach the ornament cap once the adhesive is completely dry and the glitter is securely in place. Your gorgeous, personalized glitter ornament is now ready to hang on the tree or gift to a loved one.

By following these steps, you’ll create glitter ornaments that shine brilliantly and perfectly match your holiday decor. Happy crafting!

Decorating the Exterior

Adding exterior decorations to your ornaments can provide an extra touch of personalization and sparkle.

Applying Glue and Sprinkling Glitter on the Outside

• Additional Sparkle: For an added layer of shine, you can apply clear-drying glue to specific areas on the outside of the ornament. Dab the glue onto the desired spots using a paintbrush, then sprinkle glitter over the glue while it’s still wet. Shake off any excess glitter to reveal the shimmering design beneath. This extra step will give the ornament an eye-catching sparkle, perfect for catching the light on your holiday tree.

Using Paint Pens or Stickers

• Personalization: Another way to customize your ornaments is to use paint pens or stickers. You can write names or dates or create unique designs that highlight the festive season. Simply use paint pens to carefully draw or write on the ornament’s surface. For stickers, choose festive designs or personalized labels that can adhere securely to the glass or plastic. This decoration method adds a personal touch to your ornaments, making them special keepsakes or memorable gifts.

Sealing Exterior Decorations

• Protecting Decorations: To ensure that your exterior decorations last, apply a clear sealant over the designs once they are dry. Utilize a spray sealant for an even coat, which will help protect the glitter, paint, or stickers from wear and tear. Allow the sealant to dry completely before handling or hanging the ornaments. This final step ensures that your beautiful, customized ornaments remain stunning throughout the holiday season and for years to come.

Conclusion

Creating custom glitter ornaments is a delightful and rewarding holiday craft. By following the steps outlined—from applying adhesive evenly, using glitter effectively, and sealing the decorations—you can achieve stunning results that enhance your festive decor.

Experimenting with different colors, types of glitter, and various techniques allows you to customize each ornament uniquely, making each piece a personalized masterpiece.

Patience and attention to detail are key to achieving a polished finish. The joy and satisfaction of seeing your beautiful creations on display or giving them as thoughtful gifts are unmatched. Now that you know how to put glitter on ornaments, it’s time to let your creativity shine and enjoy the festive season with your dazzling decorations. Happy crafting!