DIY Tinsel & Glitter Bubble Ornaments: An Anthropologie-Inspired Christmas Craft

Hello, fellow crafters and budget-savvy decorators! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful and incredibly simple DIY Christmas ornament project with you. This isn’t just any ornament; it’s a catalog knock-off, inspired by a much pricier piece from Anthropologie, but created with a touch of thrift store magic. If you love high-end aesthetics without the high-end price tag, this project is perfect for adding a sparkling, handmade touch to your holiday decor.

The star of this project, a fantastic thrift store garland, was actually featured in a previous transformation. If you remember the Christmas deer makeover, you’ll recognize this budget-friendly find:

I embarked on a quest for tinsel garland, specifically seeking that classic holiday sparkle. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this gem at a local thrift store for an unbelievable .49 cents! Finding quality craft supplies at such a low price is always a huge win, and it truly underscores the potential hidden in second-hand shops for creative projects.

The Inspiration: High-End Style on a Budget

For those who followed my “31 Days of Thrift Store Transformations” series, it will come as no surprise that I often draw inspiration from high-end catalogs, particularly Anthropologie. Their unique and charming holiday collections frequently spark ideas for budget-friendly DIY replicas. One such project was the DIY wool pom-pom wreath and garland, which now proudly adorns our mantelpiece. This ornament, however, became my next obsession:

While ten dollars for a single ornament isn’t an outrageous price at Anthropologie (unlike some of their other items, like that very expensive wool wreath!), it still felt like an unnecessary expenditure for something so simple. This particular ornament was a clear glass bulb filled with a bit of tinsel and adorned with glitter – components readily available for mere pennies. If you’re a regular reader of AOC, you likely possess a “DIY brain” that operates much like mine: if I’m going to spend ten dollars (plus shipping!) on a decorative item, it needs to be something truly unique or incredibly complex to create myself. The sheer simplicity of this piece made it an immediate candidate for a homemade version.

The only other factor that might persuade me to part with $10 for a single ornament is if it required a significant time investment. But this project? It took approximately 10 minutes from start to finish. That makes it an absolute slam-dunk in my book! Not only is it budget-friendly and quick, but these elegant tinsel bubble ornaments also make fantastic gifts. I often enjoy incorporating handmade ornaments into my holiday package wrapping, adding an extra personal touch, or bringing them as a thoughtful hostess gift during festive gatherings. Their neutral design ensures they complement virtually any decorating scheme, making them a versatile and universally appreciated present.

Gathering Your Supplies for this Easy DIY Ornament

One of the best aspects of this DIY project is how accessible the materials are. You might even have some of them lying around your craft stash already! This list is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can quickly get started on creating your own beautiful ornaments.

• Clear Glass or Plastic Ball Ornaments: I opted for traditional glass ornaments, which offer a lovely sparkle and a classic feel. However, clear plastic ornaments are an excellent, durable alternative, especially if you have pets or small children. For extra style points and a closer resemblance to the inspiration photo, look for ornaments with a subtle pointed end. These are readily available at most craft stores or even discount retailers during the holiday season.
• Tinsel Garland: This is where the magic begins! While I found mine at a thrift store for a steal, you can easily purchase tinsel garland in various colors and widths from craft stores, dollar stores, or online retailers. Consider different metallic shades like silver, gold, or even iridescent tinsel to customize your look.
• Silver Glitter: A fine glitter works best for achieving those delicate, shimmering lines. While silver offers a classic, elegant touch, don’t hesitate to experiment with gold, iridescent, or even colored glitter to match your holiday theme.
• Tacky Glue: This is my go-to adhesive for glitter projects. Tacky glue is thick enough to hold glitter effectively, dries clear, and provides a strong bond. It’s also relatively easy to work with and clean up. Ensure you have a fresh bottle for optimal results.
• Small, Narrow Paint Brush: Precision is key for applying the glue lines, and a small, narrow paintbrush (like an artist’s detail brush) gives you excellent control. This helps prevent globs and ensures smooth, even lines, which is crucial for a polished finish.
• Painter’s Tape: This simple tool is your secret weapon for achieving perfectly straight glitter lines. Opt for a low-tack painter’s tape to avoid damaging your ornament or leaving residue when removed.
• Jute Twine (or alternative): For hanging your finished ornament, jute twine provides a rustic, charming look. However, feel free to use thin ribbon, fishing line for a floating effect, metallic thread, or whatever best suits your personal style and tree decor.

The Crafting Process: Simple Steps to Sparkling Ornaments

You’ll be amazed at how quickly these beautiful ornaments come together. The process is remarkably straightforward, even for beginner crafters. Just follow these easy steps:

• Prepare Your Tinsel Insert: Start by carefully removing the metal top from your clear ornament. Next, cut a piece of tinsel garland. The trick here is to ensure the tinsel piece is just long enough to reach the inner edges of the ornament without bending or bunching when inserted. If your garland is wide, as mine was, you might need to trim it lengthwise with scissors to achieve this perfect fit. You want the tinsel to float freely inside the bulb, creating a delightful “bubble” effect. Once trimmed to size, gently insert the tinsel into the ornament, allowing it to settle, then securely replace the metal top. This part is surprisingly simple, setting the stage for the glitter magic.
• Mastering the Glitter Lines with Precision: This is perhaps the only slightly “tricky” part of recreating this knock-off design, as achieving perfectly straight and even glitter lines can be a challenge if you rely solely on freehand. While we embrace imperfection in handmade crafts, a little guidance ensures a neat and polished result. This is where painter’s tape comes to the rescue!
  1. Tape as Your Guide: To create two outer, parallel glitter lines, cut a length of painter’s tape in half lengthwise, making it narrower. This narrower strip will conform better to the curve of the ornament. Carefully place this tape strip around the middle of your ornament, ensuring it’s positioned exactly where you want your outer glitter lines to appear. Press the tape down firmly and rub along its edges to ensure a flat, crisp seal. This prevents glue from seeping underneath, giving you clean lines. Using your small paintbrush, apply a thin, even line of tacky glue directly along one edge of the tape. *Important Tip:* Resist the urge to squeeze glue directly from the bottle. This often leads to thick globs and glue lines that tend to spread and run as they dry. The paintbrush method gives you much greater control for a fine, consistent application.
  2. Glitter Application: Immediately after applying the glue line, sprinkle your silver glitter generously all around the wet glue. Gently tap off the excess glitter. Because tacky glue, especially in thin applications, dries relatively quickly, it’s best to glitter each line individually rather than applying both glue lines first and then adding glitter. This ensures maximum adhesion and sparkle.
  3. Repeat and Refine: Repeat the glue and glitter application process for the second line, along the other edge of the painter’s tape. Once both outer lines are glittered, carefully and promptly remove the painter’s tape *before* the glue completely dries. Removing it while the glue is still slightly tacky prevents any potential tearing of the glitter line or sticky residue. Voila! You now have two beautifully straight and even glitter lines. For the middle line of glitter, simply use your small paintbrush to apply a line of glue freehand between the two existing lines. With your two outer guides in place, it becomes remarkably easy to center this third line, ensuring a harmonious and elegant finish.
• Allow to Dry Completely: Find a suitable spot for your ornament to dry without disturbing the newly applied glitter. A small cup, a candlestick holder, or even an egg carton can serve as a perfect stand, keeping the ornament stable and elevated. Allow ample drying time, typically several hours or overnight, to ensure the glue and glitter are fully set before handling or hanging.
• Add Your Hanger: Once completely dry, attach your preferred hanger. Whether you choose rustic jute twine, a delicate ribbon, or clear fishing line, this final touch allows you to proudly display your beautiful, handmade creation on your tree or as part of your festive decor.

Customization and the Joy of Handmade Holiday Decor

See? It’s pretty easy and quick, isn’t it? The simplicity of this project belies its elegant result. The beauty of this DIY lies in its adaptability. This same concept can be applied with any color of tinsel and glitter you can find, allowing for endless customization to match your personal style or existing holiday theme. Imagine vibrant red tinsel with gold glitter, or perhaps iridescent tinsel with a mix of blue and silver glitter for a frosty, winter wonderland effect.

This ability to put your own spin on an idea and truly make it your own is precisely what I cherish most about handmade crafts. Each ornament you create will carry a unique charm and tell a story, unlike mass-produced decorations. It’s a wonderful way to infuse your home with warmth, personality, and a sense of accomplishment during the festive season. These DIY tinsel bubble ornaments are not just decorations; they are expressions of creativity and thoughtful additions to your holiday traditions.

Have you embarked on any ornament-making adventures this year? Did you discover any amazing thrift store finds that sparked your creativity? Share your crafting stories and inspirations in the comments below!

I’m delighted to be sharing this festive DIY project at these wonderful parties across the web:
Metamorphosis Monday, Tips & Tutes, Christmas Craft Linky Party, Weekend Wrap Up Party , Saturday Nite Special, Christmas Wonderful