Here is a craft that makes a great personalized gift for the holiday season or a beautiful way to decorate your home in style.

 

Note about ornament choice: I used glass ornaments, because I had a box of plain glass globe ornaments laying around my house. These worked well and looked really nice. However, if you use glass ornaments, keep in mind that they are glass, which is prone to breaking. Use caution. I broke two ornaments while making the ornaments for this tutorial. No injuries, but plenty of frustration. You can also choose plastic ornaments, which will be more durable. The choice is yours.

Supplies:

  • Glass or plastic globe ornament
  • Scissors
  • Photos
  • Thread/string
  • Glue and/or tape
  • Decorative paper
  • Pencil
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Fake snow/bead (optional)- I used the bead filling from a broken sensory toy

 

1. First, figure out how big to make your photos. This will depend on the size of your ornament. To do this, you can trace the outside of the ornament onto a piece of scrap paper and trim it to fit the ornament.

 

2. Once you have figured out the size you’ll need, trace the circle onto a piece of decorative paper and cut it out.

 

3. Print out the picture you want to use so that it fits nicely onto the circle.

 

4. Cut to fit.

 

5. Tape or glue one end of the string onto the decorative paper.

 

6. Glue the picture into place on the decorative paper so that the string is sandwiched between the picture and the paper. You can also put a picture on the other side of the decorative paper to make it double sided if you would like.

 

Now the tricky part: For this next step, there are two options.

Option 1: You can tie the other end of the string directly to the metal top of the ornament. This is the traditional way of securing the string, but it does make putting the photo into the ornament a bit more difficult.
Option 2: You can wait to attach the string to the metal top until after you have put the photo into the ornament. I did two ornaments using Option 1, but then switched to Option 2 and found it much easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Pick which option you think will work best for you. You can try Option 1 and switch to Option 2 if it is too difficult, or you can just start with Option 2. As I said, I found it easier to use Option 2 as it gives you more control when putting the photo into the ornament. If you like Option 1, more power to you.

 

 

8. Carefully, roll the photo so that it is small enough to slide into the opening of the ornament.

 

9. Slip the roll into the ornament, keeping the string hanging out of the opening. Be mindful that the photo does not rub against the opening of the ornament as this may cause ripping or discoloration of the picture.

 

10. Use the eraser end of a pencil to carefully unroll the photo inside the ornament. I want to emphasize that you do this CAREFULLY, making sure not to apply too much pressure on the glass. I had two ornaments completely shatter in my hands while doing the project and it was deeply frustrating.

 

11. Insert beads or filler into the ornament if desired, for snowy effect.

12. Finishing off your ornament will depend on which option you chose earlier.

 

If you chose Option 1, all you have to do now is put the metal top onto the ornament.
If you chose Option 2, you have a few extra steps, but they are not difficult. After adding the beads or filler (if desired), thread the loose end of the string through the hole in the top of the metal pieces. Close the ornament and put the string so that the picture hovers in the center of the ornament. Then hot glue the string onto the metal top, closing the hole at the same time to prevent the beads from falling out. Cut the excess string.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Put hot glue over the hole in the top of the ornament to close it off and keep everything contained.

 

14. And there you have it. Now just try a loop of ribbon onto it and wrap it up to gift it or stick it on your tree.