Magic Bubble Ornament

This version of the popular photo ornament requires printing the photo onto paper, cutting out the photo, clipping around the corners of the cutout and gluing it inside a clear glass ball. The ornament is finished by pouring glitter or stuffing shredded Mylar into the ornament to add sparkle and hide the excess glue. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure D Figure F

Materials:
3-3/4-inch clear glass ball ornament
Magic Bubble Brush
Magic Bubble adhesive
ultra-fine crystal multi-glitter or shredded Mylar angel hair to fill the ornament
scissors
small funnel to pour in glitter
1/4-nch Red Liner double-sided adhesive tape - optional
clear glass beads (no holes) 1.5 mm - optional

Steps:

1. Use a small photocopy of a photograph that has been copied on very inexpensive paper. Sizes can range from one inch and up. Whatever works best for you.
2. Cut around the finished image leaving about a 1/4-inch border. Clip into the edges of the paper every 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch (figure A), even into the image if necessary, to allow the paper to fit smoothly on the rounded ball. These clips will not show when finished.
3. Using a straight pin, prick the image several times in places that will not be seen such as corner of an eye (figure B). This will help the paper fit to the roundness of the ball.
4. Remove the flange (cap) from the ball carefully by squeezing it at the sides where the wires extend down. If the wire is just pulled out quickly, the ball may crack. Pour some adhesive into the ball without getting it on the neck (figure C). Tilt the ball until most of the glass where the image will be placed is covered.
5. Roll up the paper image so it will fit through the opening of the ornament ( figure D) and insert into the cap hole.
6. Use the Bubble Brush to move and push the paper against the glass until it is smoothly adhered. Slightly bend the "brush" end of the brush to allow easy movement inside the ball.
7. Pour more glue into the ball if necessary, and tilt the ball to cover the inside completely. Pour out any excess.
8. Pour glitter into the ornament (figure E) and roll the ball so the whole inside is covered (figure F). Pour out any extra glitter and adhesive to avoid clumps.
9. Allow the ball to thoroughly dry, put the flange (cap) back on, pinching the wires in to avoid damaging the glass opening.
10. If glitter is missing in spots, apply a little adhesive to the brush, reach into the hole and touch the bare spots inside the ornament. Sprinkle in glitter while glue is wet, then move the ball around to cover the dab of adhesive with glitter.
11. If desired, embellish the sides of the cap by covering with 1/4-inch double-sided adhesive tape and clear glass beads.

Tip: If you make a mistake, pour bleach inside the ornament to loosen and remove everything. Rinse out the ornament, then let the inside dry and start over.

Note: This application has been patented by the inventor, guest Anita White. Crafters may make as many Magic Bubbles as desired for sell or barter but large commercial production is prohibited.