25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments ~ #7 - Glitter Filled Ornaments

BONUS!!

Told you I'd get you another one today :)

Now, if you'd have asked me about this ornament a few years ago I'd say you were nuts...Glitter is so not me! But....skip forward a few years and OMG ~ I love Glitter!!!

Sooo, for today's extra ornament I am going to share the glittered filled ornament and I'll be giving away some supplies so you can make your own!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments

#7 - Glitter Filled Ornaments

Supplies:

Metal Leaf Adhesive

Glitter

Glass Ornament

Small Spoon

Instructions:

1. Remove the cap from the ornament and add a few small spoon fulls of adhesive into the ornament.

2. Rotate the ornament until the glue covered the entire inside, even the cap area.

Your ornament will look like it's full of milk when you're ready to go to the next step.

O.k.....I need to stop here and explain something. If you read the directions for this particular adhesive it's going to say let it dry completely when it will turn clear. Approx. 60 minutes. Now, here is where directions become suggestions instead of the rule ;) I don't like to wait soooo, quickly move to the next step...

3. Quickly pour the glitter into the ball, I usually use a tablespoon or so.

4. Immediately, roll & shake that glitter...until the entire inside has been coated.

If you have some areas not covered, add more glitter until it's all coated.

Let it dry completely then replace the cap!

(this is an ornament I created earlier)

And you're done!!

Awesome huh?

Now for the goodies, I'll be sending one lucky winner a bottle of the leafing adhesive as well as an assortment of glitters! I'd love to send you some of the glass ornaments but they are so fragile, I've only successfully sent these ornaments through the mail twice...the other 3 times they have been damaged in one way or another. But as I mentioned a couple days ago, they are easy to find and very inexpensive.

You have until Wednesday, Dec. 9th to post your comment!

Good Luck!!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments - Day #6 Segmented Ornaments with a Twist!

Today's ornament is a twist on yesterdays Segmented Ornament.

A few people had some questions so I thought I'd start with those first.

Q ~ A couple people asked about sewing the circles together before and/or instead of gluing them together.

A ~ I think that would depend on a few factors on how well it would work. The first thing you'd have to keep in mind was the type of papers you were using.

I'd say if you had a good sewing machine and the correct needle system it could handle 8 pieces of pattern paper (the thin single sided stuff). I'm not so sure it would handle several layers of cardstock and/or double sided pattern papers because it gets pretty thick fairly quick. If your needles are too small it would definitely break them.

Another thing to keep in mind is stitch length...you want to make sure you don't perforate the paper to the point they pull off or fall off easily.

We have an industrial sewing machine so I'm sure I could sew it but I don't because I think they fluff better by stacking.

That's totally up to you though :)

Q ~ Can you use other shapes?

A ~ YES!!! By all means you sure can! You could use any shape you want as long as you can match one side with the next it will work great!

Q ~ Why don't you finish decorating the ornaments?

A ~ I want to give you the basic technique and let you finish it up. I have had lots of people tell me that once they see a project finished in a particular fashion that's the only way they can envision it. I try to keep the ornaments fairly generic so you can run with it after you've got the basic ornament completed.

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments

#6 - Segmented Ornaments with a Twist

Supplies
10 Circles

Adhesive

Glue Dots

Ribbon, String, etc. - Hanger

Embellishments

Instructions:

1. Cut and fold 10 circles for today's ornaments.

2. You will need to make the basic Segmented ornament following yesterday's instructions: Die Cut Segmented Ornaments.

3. Now that you've got your ornament ready to go, place one glue dot in the top portion of one of the segments near the edge of the circle as shown.

Secure the two segments together.

4. Move to the next segment and place a glue dot on the bottom portion of the segment again near the edge. Secure these two sections together.

5. Continue adding glue dots and securing the segments between the top and bottom portions of the circles. You will end up with an ornament that looks like this...

Pretty snazzy huh?

I just love making these ornaments!

They are quick, easy and they look great!

You'll notice I added a bit of Stickles to the edges but it's not necessary.

Since this was an easy ornament today I'm hoping to share a bonus ornament with you this evening so be sure and check back then!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments - Day #5 - Die-Cut Segmented Ornament

I wasn't sure what the heck to call today's ornament ~ I tried several different names but ended up with segmented because to me it looks like a paper crafted orange and it's segments.

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments

Day #5 - Die-Cut Segmented Ornament

Supplies:

Cardstock &/or Pattern Paper (enough for 8 circles)

Adhesive

Circle Die or Pattern - These can be any size desired.

(optional) Rubber Stamps

(optional) Ink

String, Ribbon, etc. for hanging

(optional) Embellishments

Instructions:

1. (optional) When I make these ornaments I like to add a bit of interest to cardstock by stamping various images...and I like to get inky ;) LOL!!

2. Cut 8 circles ~ you can do this by die-cutting them if possible or you can use a circle template and hand cut them. Whatever works for you.

*A bit on the paper choice. I like to use a variety of patterns and colors but the combination is totally up to you...all cardstock, two patterns, three, etc. The patterns and colors allow you to create countless combinations!

*Also, I like to mix plain and scallop circles ~ by doing so you just add one more layer of dimension to your finished ornament!

3. Fold all 8 circles in half. I like to fold them pattern out to begin with, then flip and fold with the pattern inside. This helps later on when you go to "fluff" your ornament.

4. Choose one circle as your starting place. Open up the circle so it lays flat on your work surface.

5. Attach the hanger (ribbon, fiber, thread, etc) using double stick tape so that it is as close to the center fold as possible. (the closer to the center fold, the straighter your ornament will hang.)

6. Fold this segment back in half and make sure your hanger is positioned correctly. You will notice I left a tail hanging down. This is great for adding beads, charms or other "goodies" to dangle from your finished ornament.

7. Apply adhesive to the half circle.

8. Add the next folded circle on top of the first. Alternate between adding adhesive and the next circle until all 8 circles are adhered together as shown.

9. Flip your stack of circles over and apply adhesive to the other half of the circle you originally started with...

10. Open up your ornament and bring the first and last ornaments together and secure as shown.

And you're done!!

You could further decorate these ornaments by adding any number of embellishments....Stickles Glitter Glue, Glass Glitter, Micro Beads, etc.

NOW, for a quicker ornament you can simply use all pattern paper and skip the inky steps.

You will notice for this ornament I used all scallop circles and added Stickles Glitter Glue for a bit of sparkle!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments ~ Day #4 - Traditional Grunge Board Ornament

YEAH!

Day 4

in my

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments!!

I wasn't sure what to call this ornament so I called it a "Traditional" Ornament since it's a basic round ornament made using Grunge Board.

No matter what you call it, it's another fun, quick and easy ornament to add to your collection!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments

Day #4 - Traditional Grunge Board Ornament

Supplies:

Grunge Board (the original, not the Grunge Board Paper)

Pattern Paper of your choice (I used snowflakes)

Grunge Board Reindeer

Die Cut or hand cut Star

Heidi Swapp Letters

Stickles Glitter Glue

Distress Crackle Paint

Adirondack Acrylic Dabbers

Eyelet

Ribbon

Adhesive

Double Stick Foam Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut a circle from the Grunge Board and cover it with pattern paper.

2. Punch a hole in the ornament for the eyelet. Insert and set the eyelet.

3. Create a reverse scallop pattern around the entire edge of the circle as shown... Basically you just draw a scallop along the edge of the circle then go back and fill in everything from the scallop towards the outside edge. Set aside to dry.

4. Paint the Grunge Board Reindeer with Antique Bronze (looks like copper to me - yeah!!) Distress Crackle Paint. Depending on temp/humidity/etc. it will take your paint a while to dry.

5. Paint the letters and holly with the Black Acrylic Dabber. Paint the star using the Pearl Acrylic Dabber. Don't forget to paint the edges as well.

6. After the acrylic paint has dried, cover each piece with the desired color of Stickles Glitter Glue. Set aside to dry....if you're like me, you will need to make sure it's not anywhere that you might touch it accidentally ;) LOL!! I have had to add more Stickles to so many projects because I end up touching it before it dries completely...not to mention decorating myself ;)

7. After everything is dry, adhere the letters directly to the ornament. Use double stick foam tape to attach the star and reindeer. This gives your ornament a great depth... If I add multiple items I usually add a second layer (like I did with the star) to create even more depth and interest.

8. Glue the holly onto the reindeer and add a ribbon for hanging!

Now, just think of all the die-cut or hand drawn shapes you could use to take this basic idea and incorporate into a "ball" ornament.

Things like snowmen, snowflakes, candy canes, holly, evergreens, Cross of David and so much more!!

The possibilities are just endless :)

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments - Day #3 - Frosted Memory Glass Ornaments

Today's ornaments use a product that stumps many people ~ Frosted Memory Glass. Everyone loves the ideas but when it comes to actually using it ~ well, it's a mystery. Soooo today we're going to try a few techniques (3 to be exact!) and we'll see what you think of the Frosted Glass afterwards!

25 Days of Hand-Made Ornaments

Day #3 - Frosted Memory Glass

Supplies:

Frosted Memory Glass

Memory Frames

Resist Ink (or watermark ink)

Pigment Ink

Clear Embossing Powder

Archival Ink

Alcohol Ink

Cardstock & Paper

Idea #1 ~ Resist Inking

O.k....this technique is really easy, we're simply going to stamp on the FROSTED side of the glass. It is very important that you determine which side is actually the frosted side because if you stamp on the smooth side it's not going to work. Simply rub your finger over the glass...there is a subtle texture on the frosted side. This is the side you want to stamp on.

Simply ink your stamp with the resist ink and stamp!

Remember, since you're using 2 pieces of glass you can stamp on both for a whole new look on the back side.

Simply place a dark piece of cardstock between the two pieces of glass. This will allow the images to stand out.

Idea #2 - Pigment Ink & Clear Embossing Powder

The next idea to use Frosted Memory Glass is to combine it with Pigment Ink, Clear Embossing Powders and Vintage Dictionary Pages!

Simply stamp the desired images using a pigment ink, sprinkle with clear embossing powder and heat. I have embossed on both sides of the glass and it works well both ways.

It's hard to photograph because I used Brilliance ink ~ it shows up so well in person but the camera just doesn't see what the eye does. Anyway, I think you can see the idea. In one light the frosted glass and embossed images are more prevalent. Shift positions and the definitions show up better. On the "Snow" side I stamped on the frosted side of the glass. On the "Snowfall" side I stamped on the clear side of the glass.

Idea #3 - Alcohol Inks & Archival Ink

The third idea for using Frosted Memory Glass is to pair it with Alcohol Inks and Archival Stamped Images!

Very simply, stamp on one side and use Alcohol Inks on the other. Here you can see the difference between apply the alcohol inks on the frosted (l) vs. smooth (r) sides of the glass.

When you put this ornament together you don't need to slide anything between the two pieces of glass. The AI's are enough of a buffer so you don't see one side through the other.

So there you go...3 fun ways to use Frosted Memory Glass!

Gosh, I'm sure many of you have been over at Tim's site checking out the 12 tags of Christmas. Can you believe the numbers for the drawings over there?!?!? Since it's going to be pretty tough to win I'm thinkin' I'll get some goodies around to help your odds a bit. I need to see what I've got in my stash and I'll be posting something on it soon! :)

Hope you stop in tomorrow to see ornament idea #4!!

See you then friends!!

25 Days of Hand Made Ornaments ~ #2 Paper Filled Glass Balls

Here we are at day 2...I've got another fun ornament for you but I had several e-mails mostly about one aspect of day 1's ornaments....Time!

How long the snowflakes REALLY take to make? Honestly, it didn't really take all that long at all because I was using glue dots and those are immediate stick ~ no wait time for adhesives to dry. The most time consuming part of the project was the inking and stamping. I'd say it took me about 1/2 hr. from start to finish ~ maybe less because I was taking pics at the same time.

Remember, if you're worried about time you can always print the pattern on double sided pattern paper. No fuss, no muss... You'll skip steps 2 and 3 taking you directly to the cutting stage.

Today's ornament is VERY quick and easy. Actually, the majority* of it could be done while watching TV or if you have to wait around for any reason it's a great time filler.

25 Days of Hand-Made Ornaments

#2 - Paper Filled Glass Balls

In my opinion, clear glass ornaments are one of the greatest buys at any craft or discount store! They are so versatile and you'll see I am going to use them several times through out the 25 days. I found 12 for 3.99 at Hobby Lobby...you can of course wait till there is a sale or use your 40% off coupon for an even better deal ;) Makes for some very inexpensive beautiful ornaments.

Today though we're going to start off with a really easy technique to fill these ornaments.

Supplies:

Some sort of paper ~ this could be pattern paper, cardstock, vintage maps, sheet music, clothing pattern tissue, tissue paper, etc.

Pencil, pick, etc. Something skinny and round to roll your paper on.

Glass Ball

(optional) Glass Glitter or other Glitter

(optional) Ribbon

(optional) Embellishments

Instructions:

1. Tear the paper into small strips.

2. Roll these strips of paper on your pencil or in my case I used a pick. I used the smaller pick because it allowed me to roll the paper strips tighter for smaller rolls. (the smaller the roll, the more pieces you will need to fill your ornament.)

*Now, this is the step that can be done virtually anywhere. If I need to make several of these ornaments I tear all my paper ahead of time, place them all in a baggie and tuck it in my purse. That way anytime I'm waiting anywhere or sitting in front of the TV I can roll all the strips I need.

3. Remove the lid and drop these paper rolls into the ornament.

4. Continue to add rolls of paper until the ornament is filled and replace the cap.

5. Now of course you could use the ornament as it is but of course I can't leave well enough alone ;) LOL!! Soooo, let's add a few goodies! First, I love adding glitter to any project ~ it doesn't have to be gaudy...just a few sprinkles for a bit of color, some greenery and a ribbon should do the trick!

And here you go....

A way cool ornament with a vintage feel that didn't take long at all to create!

Pretty awesome huh?

Need something faster????

Well, I'm going to give you a

Day #2 Bonus Idea....

I'm going to mix up my holidays here but it's really cool....

Recognize this?!?!?

YES ~ it's Easter basket grass filler - LOL!!

I bought this on clearance last year and it was like $ .39 a bag! Gotta love a bargain ;)

So here's what I did...take a wad of the grass and gently tuck it down into the ball. I used my pick to help push it in but you could use whatever you have on hand.

Since this already has metallic strips of "grass" I didn't add any extra glitter. Just replace the cap, add a bit of bling in the form of wired tinsel and a ribbon....

So there you have it...you get a two-fer on day 2!

Easy enough huh?

Be sure to stop in tomorrow for the next hand made ornament idea :)