As the New Year approaches, I know I’m going to find myself wanting to get rid of all this “stuff” cluttering up my house. Something about resolutions and organizing and purging…blah, blah, blah. But, before I start tossing things into trash and donate piles, I have a fun craft that involves my random bottles of nail polish and is just in time for Christmas!
nail polish painted ornaments
supply list ::
bottle of nail polish
clear glass ornament
ribbon (optional)
etching cream (optional)
rub-on etching stencils (optional)
paint brush or sponge (optional)
let’s get to work ::
step 1 ~ Select your ornament and color of nail polish.
step 2 ~ Remove the top of your glass ornament and pour some nail polish into the ornament.
step 3 ~ Swirl the nail polish around in the ornament until it is complete coated. Be careful when tipping the ornament to coat the opening (I blocked the opening with a tissue to prevent it from spilling on me).
step 4 ~ pour remaining nail polish back into the bottle and place the ornament upside down in a paper or plastic cup to let the remaining nail polish drain out. Let it dry! If you want the color to be darker, just repeat steps 2 – 4.
Now, you can stop here, let it dry, pop the top back on and hang that lovely colored ball on your tree! Or, you can get super crafty and personalize the ornament with some etching (see below).
etching your ornament ::
step 1 ~ Select the stencils you want to use. Your local craft store has a variety of stencils you can use, from design to letters. I personally like these rub-on stencils from Armour. They are super easy to use and remove easily once you are finished. And the letter size is perfect for ornaments!
step 2 ~ Cut out and arrange your stencils. Place your stencils on your ornament (either with tape or by rubbing them on).
step 3 ~ Paint or dab on your etching cream with a paintbrush or sponge. Be sure to follow the directions carefully! Again, I’m using Armour’s Etching Cream. Once you’ve waited the specified amount of time, rinse and let your ornament dry.
step 4 ~ Add a ribbon and hang that lovely ornament on your tree. Or wrap it up for someone special.
Please note, this post does include affiliate links.
Amanda Barber
December 23, 2013 at 4:46 amBeautiful! I love this idea!
What color is the nail polish you used on this ornament? I love the color! Thanks!
stacey
December 27, 2013 at 12:11 pmAmanda,
I’m out of town right now but will check for you as soon as I get home. It’s OPI but I’m not sure the exact name off hand.
karen medlin
December 19, 2013 at 9:55 pmVery cute idea, the Amour Products Rub ‘n’ Etch Glass Etching Stencils, really added a lot to the look. I have not worked with this type of product before, wondering if I could do this on a few clear flower vases and wine glasses I have sitting around. Now you got me thinking of a few more ideas. Thank you for sharing.
stacey
December 20, 2013 at 9:13 amKaren, absolutely! They work really well on clear glass. I have done clear glass ornaments for my mother-in-law for each of her grandkids. Since I still have quite a bit of etching cream left, I’m thinking I’ll add some fun lettering or decorative stuff to my wine glasses 🙂 Have fun!