a simple DIY :: nail polish painted ornaments

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.

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