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DIY Ornament Balls – Paint Swirl 2 Ways: A Dollar Tree Craft

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to decorate your home than with personalised ornament balls? Not only do they add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor, but they also make for excellent gifts or keepsakes. Today, we’re going to explore two simple methods to create stunning paint swirl ornament balls using materials you can easily find at your local Dollar Tree.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the methods, let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Clear plastic or glass ornament balls
2. Acrylic paints (your choice of colours)
3. Water
4. A disposable cup or container
5. Paintbrush (optional)
6. Disposable gloves (optional)
7. A drop cloth or newspaper (to protect your workspace)

Method 1: Traditional Swirl Technique

This method creates a beautiful marbled effect that is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
   Lay down a drop cloth or some newspaper to protect your surface from any paint spills.

2. Choose Your Colours
   Select two or three acrylic paint colours that complement each other. Metallics or pastel shades can add a special touch.

3. Mix Your Paint
   In a disposable cup, add about a tablespoon of each colour of acrylic paint. If you prefer a more fluid consistency, mix a few drops of water into the paint. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.

4. Swirl the Paint
   Carefully pour a small amount of each paint into the ornament. You can pour in different colours at random to create a whimsical effect. Swirl the ornament gently to mix the colours without blending them entirely.

5. Drain Excess Paint
   Hold the ornament upside down over the cup to allow any excess paint to drip out. This will help you achieve a cleaner look.

6. Drying
   Place the ornament upright in an egg carton or on a drying rack. Leave it to dry for at least 24 hours to allow the paint to set completely.

Method 2: Pouring Technique

This second method gives an even more dynamic and colourful effect to your ornament balls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace
   Just like in the first method, ensure your workspace is protected to catch any paint drips.

2. Select Your Colours
   Choose four or five acrylic paint colours. It’s best to use contrasting colours to create a bold look.

3. Mix Your Paint
   In a disposable cup, pour a small amount of each paint. You can experiment by adding a few drops of water to some of the colours to create different viscosities.

4. Layer the Paint
   Instead of swirling the paint directly into the ornament, layer the different colours in the cup, one on top of the other. Then, gently pour the layered paint into the ornament.

5. Twist and Turn
   Rotate the ornament to allow the paint to coat the interior, creating an interesting swirling effect. Make sure to cover all sides.

6. Drain and Dry
   Just like before, let any excess paint drain out. Place the ornament in an upright position to dry for 24 hours.

Final Touches

Once the ornaments are completely dry, you can add a final touch by using a paintbrush to outline any sections or adding glitter for that extra sparkle. You can also fill the ornaments with faux snow, sequins, or other decorative elements to enhance their beauty.

Conclusion

Creating DIY paint swirl ornament balls is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. With just a few supplies from the Dollar Tree, you can craft beautiful, customised ornaments that showcase your flair and style. Whether you choose the traditional swirl or the pouring technique, these ornaments will undoubtedly become treasured pieces in your holiday décor collection. Happy crafting!

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