Personalized Ornament (from an Old Bulb)

Recycle those old incandescent Christmas bulbs by making Personalized Ornaments to give as gifts!

Your family and friends will appreciate that you made ornaments instead of just buying gifts.

They are quick and easy to make and very affordable. This is also a craft that kids of all ages can do.

So get your list of names and lets get started!

Step 1: Materials

Incandescent Bulb (In any size or color that you want).
Sticker Letters*or, markers (that will adhere to glass).
Embellishments to decorate bulb (snowflakes, gems, stickers etc.)

Decorative Cord/String or Ribbon (In coordinating colors. Metallic cord is preferred, but not required).
Stringor fishing line (For hanging ornament).
Scissors
Glue (Only required for NON-adhesive embellishments. Must adhere to glass and dry clear).

Paintbrush, optional (to apply glue if used)

Masking Tape, optional (if you want a temporary reference line when spelling out name).

You have a lot of flexibility in decorating your ornaments and in the colors you select in bulbs.
Have fun with it!

Tip: Instead of sticker type letters, you could use markers. Just ensure they will work with glass.

Note*: Sticker letters (and other embellishments) are available at many retailers, craft stores and dollar discount stores. Don't buy letters that are too big. Make sure the name(s) will fit.

Step 2: Personalize Your Ornament

You will need to make sure your bulbs are clean and free of any oils to ensure the decorations stick.

Then simply decide who the lucky recipient will be and add the letters needed to spell out the name. 

If you are using markers (that work on glass) instead of letters, you may want to make a reference line so your letters remain straight. You can do this by taking a piece of masking tape and laying it above* where you want to write. When you are done writing, simply remove the tape. (Follow any directions on markers indicating drying time).

So easy!

Masking Tape Note*: If you're using markers and any of the following letters;  g, j, p, q, y - it is recommended you place the reference line of tape above the area you're writing in instead of below. The noted lower case letters fall below the normal writing line.

Step 3: Embellish Your Ornament

Now for the fun part!

If your embellishments are all sticker type, you will find this step very easy. Simply decide where your decorations will go and stick away!

If you need to use glue for your embellishments, you may or may not need a paint brush or even a toothpick to help apply your glue to your decorations. Follow all directions on the package and allow time for drying.

Once you are satisfied with your decorations, take a length of string (or fishing line) and tie onto threaded area of bulb. Make sure the string is long enough for hanging on a Christmas tree and tied tightly enough to stay put.

The last step is to take your decorative cord, string or ribbon and tie a bow at the threaded area of your bulb (I used two colors together).

Voila! Now you have a beautiful personalized ornament to give as a gift. Since it was so easy to make, why not make yourself one?

Enjoy!

- canucksgirl