Learn how to make beautiful retro sequin ball ornaments in this DIY tutorial
Every year, our family makes ornaments as part of our Advent calendar. Our Advent calendar is filled with holiday centered activities that we do as a family. It’s a fun way to take time out of the busy holiday season and actually celebrate and experience Christmas. My family has grown to love it and each year we each choose our own ornament we’d like to make. This year, I choose retro sequin ball ornaments.
Making this ornament is fairly easy, just time-consuming. Surprisingly, I found it to be a relaxing exercise! I hadn’t made one of these in years, so I was a little rusty. So I’ll share how I made these and what I learned from the mistakes I made!
SUPPLIES
Wire, approx 3-4″
Styrofoam ball 2.8″
Small pliers
Wire cutters
Sequins
Craft pins
Ribbon / String / or Ornament Hook
INSTRUCTIONS
Before you begin, take a wire (in a pinch you can use a large paper clip). Insert the wire in the top of the ball ornament. Push straight through the center. You can do this at any point. However, I’d recommend doing it before you put sequins on. If for some reason you don’t go strait on your first attempt, you may destroy the hard work you’ve done. Therefore, I recommend doing it before you begin decorating. This will create a way to attach an ornament hook or string for hanging.
2. Once through, trim wire on the top and bottom to about a centimeter.
3. Using pliers, curl each wire end into a loop. This stops the wire from sliding on either end and will allow you to hang it.
4. When it comes to sequins, you can choose any that you like. I choose silver and gold since one of my trees is themed that color. You can choose different size sequins as well. I recommend putting them in ziplock bags or containers to control the mess or if you may need to clean off you workspace before you’re finished.
5. You’ll need craft pins. Some come with a decorative head and others have a flat head. I used short pins, but I recommend using larger ones. I found that using short pins are easily pulled out. The longer the pin, the more reinforced it is.
6. You decide on the design and how many colors you use. I did opposing triangle shapes surrounded by gold. If you need to, you can draw an outline on the styrofoam it will eventually be obscured by the sequins.
7. If you’ve never used sequins before, you want the sequins to be placed with the facets facing upwards. This allows for maximum shine. You can choose to layer the sequins as I did. I put the smaller ones on top of the big ones for added interest and texture.
8. Next, add your sequins, making your way around the ball trying to close any gaps you see, to the best of your ability.
9. Once done, add your ribbon or ornament hook. It’s now ready for hanging!
Get into the Holiday spirit, by completing the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List. Here are 100 ideas to get your started on celebrating the holidays.
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(Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
The Christmas season is here and we love celebrating as a family. When my husband and I got married, we decided to start a tradition. We started an activity Advent calendar. Instead of stuffing our advent calendar with sweets or small toys, we fill it with activities. This has really helped us bond as a family. It creates memories for our children and encourages us to spend time together. Starting December 1, we do a Christmas or Holiday themed activity every day as a family.
It’s a wonderful way to get you out of your rut and into the Christmas spirit. We use an actual advent calendar with the activity written on little slips of paper. These are easily moved around if our schedule changes. Every year, I rotate a few of them out. If you don’t have an advent calendar, you can simply write them on your calendar. Alternatively, you can put the slips of paper in a jar or you can use the FREE Christmas Advent Calendar printable I’ve made for you. Just cross them off as you complete them. I’ve listed 100 different activities you can do to complete the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List. Some require planning, while others can be done in a moment’s notice.
Our Advent Calendar
Turn the Mundane Into Family Fun Time
So many of these activities can be done as a family. Quite often the mundane tasks get shouldered on mom to do, like mailing Christmas cards or wrapping gifts. This year, get your kids involved. If you are addressing Christmas cards, have your kids sign the cards and place stamps or have them run batches to the mailbox. Doing these things as a family, not only creates memories, it strengthens the family unit and makes holiday tasks more enjoyable. Delegate and make it a fun family activity.
Thanks for reading friends. Christmas is a special time of year. No matter what is on your plate during the holiday season, make sure to take some time out and slow down to enjoy the holiday season. Have fun!
You can download a Printable copy of this bucket list below.
Holiday stress got you down? Get organized this holiday with this beautiful buffalo plaid Christmas planner. This printable planner has thirty-four pages to help you manage your expenses, keep track of gifts, plan your parties and holiday menus and so much more. Inventory your decorations and create a Black Friday wish list. Use the undated monthly calendars to schedule activities and events. Best of all, use the countdown sheets to have a task list on everything you need to get done, week by week!
Celebrate the holidays with this printable Bingo game pack. This printable pack comes with 12 bingo cards with easy trim guides as well as the calling cards. Buy it once and use it year after. Your download never expires.
