DIY oversized ornaments
🎄 Giant Ornament DIY: The Under $2.00 Method
This guide shows you how to create a stunning, large-scale Giant Ornament using mostly recycled materials, keeping the total cost under $1.00 per piece. We'll use paper mache for a stable shell and substitute expensive craft foam with free, recycled cardboard.
This guide shows you how to create a stunning, large-scale Giant Ornament using mostly recycled materials, keeping the total cost under $1.00 per piece. We'll use paper mache for a stable shell and substitute expensive craft foam with free, recycled cardboard.
🛠️ Project Overview
Time to Complete 30 minutes Active Time
Drying time is 48+ hours.
Est. Budget $0.45 - $0.90 Cost per ornament, based on bulk supply purchases.
Project Difficulty Easy
📝 Step-by-Step Crafting Directions
Phase 1: Create the Ornament Shell (Paper Mache)
Step 1: Inflate and Stabilize the Balloon
Inflate: Inflate the balloon (P-01) to the size you want your ornament to be and tie the knot securely.
Stabilize: Place the balloon, knot-down, into a small bowl or bucket. This keeps it stable while you work.
Step 2: Prepare the Paste and Apply Initial Layers
Make Paste: In a separate container, mix White Glue (P-02) with Water (P-03), using a ratio of approximately 2 parts glue to 1 part water. Mix well until smooth.
Apply Layers: Tear the Newspaper/Toilet Paper (P-04) into strips about 1 inch wide. Dip a strip into the glue mixture, run it between your fingers to remove excess, and apply it smoothly to the balloon.
Build Strength: Apply at least 3 to 4 overlapping layers over the entire balloon, leaving a clear, small, un-covered area at the top where the plastic container (P-06) will eventually attach.
Step 3: Dry and Release the Shell
Dry: Allow the shell to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. The shell must be completely hard and rigid before moving on.
Release: Once totally hard, carefully pop the balloon and pull the deflated pieces out of the opening. You now have a hard, hollow ornament shell.
Phase 2: Prepare Details and Base
Step 4: Prepare the Cardboard Pieces
Cut Snowflakes: Trace or freehand several snowflake patterns onto the Cardboard (P-05) and cut them out.
Cut Hanger: Cut a small, narrow strip of cardboard for the hanger loop.
Prepare Base: Clean and dry your plastic container (P-06). Use the thick glue mixture to secure the cardboard hanger loop to the inside of the container's rim.
Step 5: Glitter the Container Base
Glitter Base: Apply a thick, even coat of the glue mixture to the entire outside surface of the plastic container.
Cover: Cover the wet glue densely with White Glitter (P-07). Tap off the excess. Set this base aside to dry completely.
Phase 3: Final Decoration and Assembly
Step 6: Decorate the Shell
Glue Snowflakes: Use the thick glue mixture to firmly attach the cardboard snowflakes to the paper mache shell.
Smooth/Seal: Apply a thin coat of the glue mixture over the top of the snowflakes and any other cardboard pieces to seal the texture and prepare the surface for the final glitter coat.
Add Spheres (Optional): Glue small wadded paper balls (Filler P-08) around the snowflakes now if you are using them as a styrofoam substitute.
Step 7: Final Glitter Coat
Glitter Coat: While the glue on the shell is still wet, completely cover the entire ornament in a dense layer of White Glitter (P-07). Use a generous amount to ensure full coverage. Tap off the excess.
Dry: Let the entire shell dry completely before proceeding to assembly.
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