Whether Christmas decorations or gift tags: these colorful Christmas baubles create a cheerful atmosphere and put a smile on the face of the whole family. We'll show you three easy-to-follow instructions using alcohol ink. The waterproof, alcohol-based ink can be easily applied to glass. It dries quickly and does not change color. This way you are sure that the lovingly crafted decorations for the Christmas tree will not fade for at least several years. Let our ideas inspire you and give your Christmas decorations a fresh touch. Find out the quickest and cleanest way to paint the Christmas balls!
Make happy Christmas decorations
Add a splash of color to the Christmas tree - these colorful Christmas baublesa modern touch to the Christmas tree. They are therefore ideal for minimalist or eclectic interiors where the traditional red and green color scheme will simply seem too boring. We'll show you how to make the semi-transparent balls in a plain color.
The necessary materials
The necessary materials at a glance:
Transparent glass Christmas balls
Alcohol Ink – Alcohol-based waterproof ink, various colors
Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
spray bottle
Rubber gloves
Baking paper or packaging film to protect the work surface from stains
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Fill the spray bottle with the cleaning spirits/rubbing alcohol. The substance is contained in almost every cleaning water and has excellent fat-dissolving properties. Among other things, it can be used to successfully remove various grease stains from wooden floors, sweat stains from clothing and wax from parquet, clean brushes and jewelry and even wash leather shoes. So you can also use the cleaning agent in the household. Our tip: When purchasing, get detailed advice on storage, properties and correct use. Take into account all safety measures (if specified by the manufacturer). You can purchase rubbing alcohol from a pharmacy. It is called isopropanol. You also need to seek advice on this. It's best to explain right at the beginning why you need it.
Step 2: Remove the metal hangers and spray the Christmas balls with the mineral spirits. Gently rub the gasoline onto the surface. Ventilate the room well.
Step 3: Apply paint to the Christmas balls. Be careful not to leave any empty spaces. Cover the surface completely.
Step 4: Drain the Christmas balls on the baking paper or cling film and let them dry. It is best to let the Christmas tree decorations dry for at least one night.
Step 5: As soon as the Christmas balls are completely dry, attach the pendants again.
Of course, you can also pour the color into the balls, but the end result will look matt and not slightly shimmering. By the way, you cannot wash the Christmas balls.
Achieve a watercolor effect
If you have already mastered the design in plain color, then you can also try the next craft idea. We'll show you how you can make Christmas balls in two or more colors.
You need the following materials
Transparent glass Christmas balls
Alcohol Ink – Alcohol-based waterproof ink, various colors
Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
spray bottle
Rubber gloves
Baking paper or packaging film to protect the work surface from stains
Brush or stamp
At the beginning, follow steps 1 to 3. Spray the Christmas balls with rubbing alcohol and rub it onto the surface. Then first apply a base color and then add several drops of a contrasting color. If necessary, lightly smear the paint with the brush. Optionally, you can apply the contrasting color to stamps and use it to create beautiful motifs. Drip several drops of different colors onto a piece of felt, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol and use them to stamp the Christmas tree balls. Let the children help with the painting. In any case, don't forget that the paint dries very quickly and you therefore have to quickly smear the second color.
Apply paint inside and out
When painting your Christmas baubles, you can apply the paint inside or outside. But you can also combine the two painting techniques. Then the creative designs shown above emerge. First, the Christmas tree baubles are painted on the inside in a solid color and then painted on the outside with a contrasting color. We'll show you how it's done.
You will need the same materials as the other instructions above:
Transparent glass Christmas balls
Alcohol Ink – Alcohol-based waterproof ink, various colors
Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
spray bottle
Rubber gloves
Baking paper or packaging film to protect the work surface from stains
Brush or stamp
You will also need wooden shish kebab skewers
And this is how the balls are painted: First put a few drops on the outer side, then put the balls on the shish kebab skewers and let them dry. Similar to the previous instructions, you canPaint balls with a brushor stamped with different patterns. It is best to use felt material or a make-up sponge for the stamp. Let your creativity run wild and try out different variations. Let the children join in and of course choose the designs. You can then give the Christmas balls to your grandparents or use themDecorate Christmas presents.
You need to let the Christmas balls dry for at least one night. Only then can you continue painting. Don't forget to ventilate the room in the morning. By the way, you shouldn't wash these balls because the colors will smear or be washed off completely.
The next day, color the inside of the completely dry Christmas balls. Simply pour several drops of paint and shake the Christmas ball slightly. Allow to dry and attach the metal pendant.
By the way, you can't just paint Christmas balls. Other Christmas decorations can also be decorated using the watercolor technique. If the shape is more complicated or has corners and edges (like the poinsettia, for example), you can stamp the glass surface or paint it with a brush. For even more WOW effect, add a layer of glitter on top. Let your imagination run wild - you can even write on the Christmas balls with the alcohol ink. We hope the whole family has fun crafting!
