Got a small budget? Want to do something creative for family and friends’ gifts but just can’t think of nything “new?” Here’s an idea – swirly ornaments! This is a gift that can go from simple to fancy and NO artistic ability is required! I was amazed at the idea of decorating the INSIDE of an ornament and at how beautiful they were! My nurse and I had a blast last December making these while I was getting an IV!

You will need:
– One to ??? clear glass ornaments (available inexpensively at hobby stores) Hang onto the box they come in or have an egg carton handy.
– Three (or more) colors of the SAME TYPE of liquid paint. For example you can use three different acrylic colors (cheapest), or my favorite, three colors of Gallery Glass stained glass paint (more expensive). But do not MIX the different types of paint.
– One (or more) paint markers that will write on glass – my favorites are the metallic ones for holidays.
Choose the paint colors you will use for the first ornament. Put the spout of the first bottle of paint into the top of the ornament after removing the hanger cap. Squeeze in roughly half a teaspoon of paint.
Do the same with the second color, aiming at a blank spot on the inside bottom. Turn ornament slightly and do the same with the third color.
Now for the fun part – SWIRL! Just gently move the ornament around and swirl the paint around the inside. There are no rules, this is supposed to be fun and creative and the way YOU think it’s pretty!
When you are happy with your swirling, it’s time to let it dry. Sit it in the egg carton or ornament box. If you are in a hurry you can aim a hair dryer inside the ornament on very low heat.
When the ornament is dry, recap it with the hanger and write the person’s name or your greeting, whatever, on the outside of the ornament with the paint marker. (Good idea to practice on paper first to get the feel of the marker).
Voila! You have created your own masterpiece!
Want to fancy it up more? Here are a couple of ideas but the sky is really the limit:
– Tie a pretty ribbon bow around the top of the ornament just under the hanger cap and secure with a dab of glue or hot glue. Add a matching ribbon piece as a hanging loop.
– Glue sequins, silk flowers, beads, etc. to the outside of the ornament.
Article submitted by: Sheila Talley, ButYouDontLookSick.com, © 2006