Glittery Glass Bulbs

And yet another ornament made by putting an image of your choice inside a clear glass ball. This time the image is rubber stamped.

This idea and several examples were sent to me from Mischelle Smith of The Angel Company, a rubber stamp place, and though it was new to me, Mischelle said she and her representatives have been demonstrating this technique for some time at various trade shows and have met with much enthusiasm. She claims them to be VERY VERY easy to do. I found them to be easy, but not quite THAT easy. As with many things, a little practice makes them easier. One good thing is that if your attempt isn't exactly as you would have it you can wash out the ornament and start over. No harm done.

Materials:

clear glass ball ornaments
The Angel Company rubber stamps
black Fabrico ink pad
white tissue paper
colored pencils - not water color pencils
gloss, water-base interior varnish
fine glitter
bent tweezers or chenille stem pipe cleaner

Steps:

1. Stamp image on tissue paper using a black Fabrico ink pad (figure A) then heat-set the stamped design with an iron or heat gun. Image should be small enough that it will fit easily on the inside of an ornament. Size of the image will be determined somewhat by the size of the ornament (figure B).

2. Color in the image with colored pencils (figure C) then cut it out cutting close to the stamped lines where possible (figure D). Don't use metallic colored pencils because the color will bleed once the varnish is added.

3. Remove the top of the ornament and pour in just enough of the varnish to coat the inside of the ball. Roll ball around until the entire inside is coated with the varnish then turn the ball upside down over a glass to empty out all of the extra varnish (figure E).

4. Roll up the cut out image around a pencil with the stamped side on the outside. Try to roll it so the center of the image is visible.

5. Insert image into the ornament and release (figure F). It will uncurl itself. Use the end of the pipe cleaner to move it around and smooth it up against the side of the ornament being careful not to tear it. Be sure that the entire image is making contact with the glass.

6. Pour glitter into the ornament (figure G), plug the hole with your thumb or finger and shake the ornament vigorously. Do not roll it around because it will make lines.When all of the inside is coated with glitter, dump out the excess.

7. Allow ornament to sit overnight to dry (figure H). When thoroughly dry replace the top and hang ornament on your tree!

Note: You might add more than one image to your ornament. The varnish does not dry instantly so you have time. There are several water based varnishes on the market. If you are unable to find the brand that Mischelle recommends you might try another.