There is nothing quite like a Christmas tree that glows from the inside out. That is the magic of creating DIY clear christmas ornaments filled with sparkling snow, feathers, or memories. This project creates a high-end look for pennies, and the light reflects beautifully through the clear spheres.
As a busy mom of three, I love a craft that doesn’t destroy my dining room table. These Clear bauble ideas are perfect Easy holiday crafts for kids because the mess stays inside the ball. You get all the style without the sticky glitter all over your floor.
In this guide, I will show you exactly How to decorate clear plastic ornaments using my favorite “fill-from-within” techniques. If you have been asking, “How do you put a picture inside a round ornament?“, I have the secret trick ready for you. Let’s make something beautiful!
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of a collection of finished clear ornaments hanging on a flocked tree. Some are filled with white faux snow, others with floating photos, and one with gold glitter.]
📝 Key Mechanics
Before we start styling, here is the hardware you need to make sure everything stays put.
- Minwax Polycrylic, Small Funnel, Long Tweezers or Chopstick, Transparency Film (Acetate), Transfer Tape.
Supplies & Tools List
Base Decor Items:
- Clear Ornaments (Plastic is best for safety)
- Fillers: Faux snow, extra fine glitter, white feathers
- Velvet ribbon (1/4 inch width) for hanging
- Printed photos on Transparency Film
Tools & Hardware:
- Small paper funnel (or kitchen funnel)
- Chopstick or long tweezers
- Cricut machine (optional) or letter stickers
- Printer (for photos)
Method 1: The Floating Photo (Memory Keeper)
This is my favorite way to make a Keepsake ornament tutorial come to life. You will need special transparency film (acetate) that you can print on at home.
First, print your family photo on the transparency sheet. Cut the photo into a circle that is slightly wider than your ornament diameter.
Here is the trick to fit it in. Roll your acetate photo tightly around a pencil to slide it into the narrow neck of the ornament. Once it is inside, let go, and it will “pop” open to fill the space. Use a chopstick to center it perfectly.
This creates the stunning effect of DIY photo ornaments inside glass ball shapes without any creasing.
Method 2: The Snow Globe (Texture)
This is one of the best Faux snow filled ornament ideas because it adds soft texture to your tree. You want the snow to look fluffy, not like plastic pellets.
Use a small funnel to pour the faux snow into the ornament until it is about 1/3 full. If the snow gets stuck in the neck, use your chopstick to push it through.
Add a few miniature bottle brush trees using long tweezers if you want a scene. Shake it gently to level the snow. This is a great Handmade Christmas tree filler technique that kids can help with.
Method 3: The Glitter Bomb (Sparkle)
We are going to make glitter ornaments that do not shed. The secret is coating the inside of the ornament, not the outside.
Pour a small amount of Polycrylic into the ornament and swirl it around slowly. Ensure every inch of the interior is coated. Turn it upside down over a paper cup and let it drain for 5 minutes.
📸 [Image-2: A close-up shot of the clear liquid draining out of the ornament into a paper cup.]
Once drained, pour in your extra fine glitter. Shake and swirl it until the glitter covers all the wet walls. Dump the excess glitter out. This creates a solid glitter look that is totally mess-free on the outside!
Method 4: The Soft Touch (Elegance)
If you want DIY feather ornaments, this method adds a soft, angelic touch to the tree. White feathers look stunning against the tree lights.
Take a white craft feather and push it quill-first into the ornament neck. The feather will naturally curl as it goes in.
Use your chopstick to gently push the feather against the glass so it unfurls. You can add three or four feathers to make it look full and luxurious.
Method 5: The Personalized Name (Custom)
Personalized ornaments make the best gifts. These are great Personalized cricut ornaments for beginners if you have a machine.
Cut a name out of vinyl using your Cricut machine or buy vinyl sticker letters. Clean the outside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints.
Apply the vinyl name to the center of the curve using transfer tape. Rub it firmly to ensure it sticks. These are fun Cricut vinyl projects for Christmas that look professional.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put a picture inside a round ornament?
The secret is printing on transparency film (acetate). You roll the film tight like a scroll to insert it, and it unrolls itself once inside the ball.
What liquid do you use for glitter ornaments?
I always use Minwax Polycrylic. Hairspray and floor wax eventually dry out and cause the glitter to flake off, leaving bald spots.
Plastic vs glass ornaments for DIY?
I prefer seamless plastic ornaments. They look just as clear as glass but are shatterproof, which is safer if you have toddlers or pets.
How to get fake snow into ornaments without mess?
Use a dry paper funnel or a kitchen funnel. Pour the snow slowly to prevent static cling from making it fly everywhere.
How to personalize ornaments without a Cricut?
You can use rub-on transfer letters from the craft store. You can also use a white or gold oil-based paint pen to write names by hand.
Final Thoughts
These ornaments are true Budget friendly tree decor that look like they came from a high-end boutique. Whether you choose the snow, the feathers, or the glitter, the result is magical.
I hope this helps you master DIY clear christmas ornaments filled with love this season. Grab your supplies and have fun creating memories!
Warmly,
Nancy
