I absolutely love the magical look of sparkling lights reflecting off a Christmas tree. However, I refuse to vacuum up glitter until July, which is why I mastered the art of DIY glitter ornaments inside clear baubles. This technique gives you that high-end, glass-like finish without shedding a single speck of sparkle onto your carpet.
As a mom of three, I need projects that are durable and safe for little hands. These homemade Christmas tree decorations are completely shatterproof, making them perfect for households with toddlers or curious cats. Plus, they are one of those easy holiday crafts for groups that you can whip up in batches during a nap time.
If you have ever asked, “How do I stop the mess?” this “Inside-Out” method is your answer. These no shed glitter ornaments lock the sparkle behind the plastic wall forever. You get all the shine and none of the cleanup anxiety!
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Glitter Ornaments in iridescent white and emerald green, styled on a mantle with twinkle lights.]
Key Materials Snapshot
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab to make these look professional.
📝 Key Materials: Clear Shatterproof Ornaments, Minwax Polycrylic (Clear Gloss), Extra Fine Glitter, Small Funnel, Plastic Cups.
Supplies & Equipment
Consumable Materials:
- Clear Ornament Bulbs: You can use glass, but I prefer plastic for safety.
- Adhesive Liquid: We will use Polycrylic for a permanent bond.
- Glitter: You must use Fine or Extra Fine glitter. Chunky glitter creates gaps and falls off the walls.
Tools:
- Small Funnel: Silicone or a simple paper cone.
- Disposable Cups: Solo cups or small Dixie cups work great.
- Paper Towels: For catching drips.
- Egg Carton: Perfect for holding ornaments while they dry.
How to Make “Inside-Out” Glitter Ornaments
Step 1: Prepare Your Station
Remove the silver or gold caps from the top of your ornaments. Set them aside in a small bowl so you don’t lose the wire hooks. Line up your plastic cups or an empty egg carton on your table to create a “draining station.”
Step 2: The Polycrylic Pour
This is the secret sauce for how to make glitter ornaments with polycrylic that last for years. Open your can of Polycrylic and gently stir it; do not shake it, or you will create bubbles. Using your funnel, pour about a tablespoon of liquid into the ornament.
📸 [Image-2: Close-up shot of pouring the clear Polycrylic liquid into the opening of a clear plastic ornament using a small funnel.]
Step 3: Swirl and Coat
Gently rotate the ornament in your hand. Watch the liquid coat the entire inside surface. Ensure you cover every single millimeter of the plastic, or you will have bald spots later.
Step 4: The Critical Drain
This is the most important step that most people skip. Turn the ornament upside down into your plastic cup. Let the excess Polycrylic drain out for at least 60 seconds.
If you don’t drain it, the liquid will pool at the bottom. This causes the glitter to slide down and form a wet, gloopy lump at the base of your ornament.
📸 [Image-3: Several ornaments resting upside down in plastic cups, draining the excess liquid.]
Step 5: The Glitter Shake
Once drained, insert your funnel back into the ornament. Pour in a generous amount of fine glitter. Cover the opening with a paper towel and your thumb.
Shake the ornament vigorously! Rotate it as you shake to ensure the glitter hits every sticky spot. Pour the excess glitter back into your jar for the next project.
📸 [Image-4: Action shot of a hand shaking a silver glitter-filled ornament, showing the sparkle coating the inside walls.]
Step 6: Dry and Cap
Place the ornament upright in the egg carton to dry. I recommend letting them “breathe” with the cap off for 24 hours so the Polycrylic cures completely. Once dry, pop the metal cap back on.
Now you have stunning personalized Christmas baubles ready for vinyl names or just to shine on their own!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the glitter falling off inside my ornament?
This usually happens if you wait too long between draining and adding glitter. If the adhesive starts to dry, the glitter won’t stick. It can also happen if you use chunky glitter, which is too heavy for the adhesive to hold vertically.
Polycrylic vs Mop and Glo for ornaments?
I always recommend Polycrylic. Mop and Glo glitter ornaments are a popular budget hack, but floor cleaners eventually dry out and crack inside the plastic. Polycrylic seals the glitter permanently so your ornaments look new five years from now.
Can you use hairspray for glitter ornaments?
Technically, yes, but I don’t recommend it. Hairspray is not strong enough to hold a thick layer of glitter over time. It tends to spot and look patchy after a few weeks.
Best glitter size for ornaments?
Always choose Fine or Extra Fine glitter. These sizes provide the best coverage and look like expensive mercury glass. Chunky glitter leaves gaps and slides down the walls of the ornament.
Happy Crafting!
I hope you love making these as much as I do. It is truly the best way to get that high-sparkle look without the cleanup. Whether you use Polycrylic or try the budget-friendly Mop and Glo glitter ornaments method, your tree is going to look spectacular this year.
Happy Holidays,
Nancy
