Crafting Christmas Cheer: Painting Tree Ornaments

Painting Christmas trees and ornaments is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. It's easier than you think to paint a Christmas tree or ornament, and you don't need to be an artist to do it. With some simple techniques and a bit of imagination, you can create beautiful and unique holiday decorations. Whether you're painting a tree on a wall, canvas, or ornament, the key is to choose the right brushes, paints, and techniques to achieve the desired look. So grab your paintbrushes and get ready to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations!

Choosing the right ornament

Clear baubles are a great option if you want to showcase your painting skills from all angles. They are available in various shapes, such as spheres and discs, and can be filled with paint and rolled around until fully coated. This method is simple and effective, allowing you to create a nicely coloured, glossy ornament.

Papier-mâché ornaments are another popular choice, offering a blank canvas for your creativity. They come in different shapes, providing an opportunity to experiment with various designs. Paint adheres well to papier-mâché, and you may only need one coat for lighter colours.

For a more unique option, consider paper ornaments. These can be painted with a large brush, and the paper absorbs paint beautifully. If you're aiming for a lighter colour palette, you may only need one coat of paint.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at painting on glass ornaments. These can be personalised with kids' artwork, making them an excellent choice for a family craft project.

Remember, the ornament you choose will depend on your preferred level of difficulty, the availability of materials, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Selecting the right paint

Type of Ornament

The type of ornament you are working with will determine the suitable paint type. Glass ornaments, for instance, can be painted with watercolours or acrylics. Watercolour Ground can be used as a base for glass ornaments if you prefer to paint with watercolours instead of acrylics. Acrylic craft paint is also a popular choice for painting the inside of ornaments, as it is inexpensive and available in a wide range of colours.

Desired Effect

The effect you want to achieve will also influence your paint selection. For a soft, vintage look, dry-brushing with white paint can be effective. If you want a glossy finish, thinner dollar store acrylics work well, and for a glittery effect, you can use glitter spray paint or add glitter to your ornament using Mod Podge.

Paint Quality

Consider the quality of the paint you need for your project. While cheaper dollar store acrylics can be great for a glossy finish, they may not be suitable for more detailed work. Artist-quality paints, such as those from Daniel Smith, can offer a higher-quality finish and are designed for artists with specific requirements.

Paint Consistency

The consistency of the paint is another factor to consider. Thinner paints, such as the cheaper dollar store acrylics, can be advantageous when painting intricate details or when you want the paint to move and spread easily. Thicker paints, on the other hand, may be better suited for creating texture or when you want more control over the paint's movement.

Paint Adhesion

Ensure that your paint will adhere well to the surface of your ornament. For glass ornaments, cleaning the surface with a dry paper towel or soft cloth before painting can help ensure that the paint adheres properly.

Paint Compatibility

If you plan to use multiple types of paint or add other elements, ensure that they are compatible. For instance, if you want to add vinyl to your painted ornament, allow sufficient drying time to avoid paint dripping.

In summary, consider the type of ornament, the desired effect, paint quality, consistency, adhesion, and compatibility when selecting the right paint for your Christmas tree ornament project.

Painting the base colour

If you are using clear glass ornaments, simply pour some paint inside and roll it around until the inside surface is coated. Set the ornament upside down to let the excess paint drain out. You can also use a brush to paint the outside of the ornament. Paint about two-thirds of the ornament at a time so that you can hold on to the rest of it while you work.

If you are using paper ornaments, you can use a large brush to cover the ornament with paint. Light colours may only need one coat.

Before painting a Christmas tree on your ornament, make sure that the base colour is dry. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.

If you are painting a Christmas tree scene on a flat surface, such as a canvas or a piece of paper, start by preparing your background. Paint it white, or use white paper or canvas, and then draw a bare Christmas tree shape in pencil on your surface.

Adding decorations

Glitter and Rhinestones

Add some sparkle to your ornament by using glitter or rhinestones. If you want to use glitter, apply a coat of Mod Podge to one side of the ornament at a time and then add the glitter to that side before moving on to the next. For rhinestones, use Fast Grab Tacky Glue to place dots of glue in the desired locations, then use a jewel picker to place the rhinestones on the glue.

Floral Designs

Floral designs are a beautiful way to decorate your ornament. You can use a tiny brush to paint delicate leaves or roses, starting with a pale pink and slowly mixing in more magenta for a rose design. You can also paint holly or cedar leaves to add a festive touch.

Snow and Garlands

If you want to create a snowy Christmas tree ornament, simply paint the snow using a fan brush and white paint. Once the snow is dry, you can add decorations such as ornaments, lights, or a garland.

Baubles and Drawing Pins

For larger Christmas tree paintings, you can use drawing pins and small baubles to decorate the tree. Hang mini baubles from the tree using push pins, or stack presents around the base of the tree to create a festive scene.

Additional Tips

When adding decorations to your ornament, remember that it's okay to make mistakes. Focus on your brushstrokes and have fun with the process. You can also experiment with different paint colours and techniques to create unique designs. Remember to let the paint dry completely before handling the ornament or hanging it on your tree.

Drying and finishing

Drying Techniques:

• Depending on the type of ornament you are painting, you may need to let it dry for different durations. For glass ornaments, it is advisable to let them dry for at least a day due to their small openings.
• If you are painting plastic ornaments, allow the paint to dry for a few minutes between coats. You can use a cardboard board with punched holes and chopsticks or skewers to hold and rotate the ornaments as they dry.
• For ornaments with intricate details or multiple colours, it is recommended to paint in sections and let each section dry before moving on to the next. This helps avoid smudging and ensures a crisp finish.
• When painting with acrylics, be mindful that they may take longer to dry, especially when used inside glass ornaments. You might need to let the excess paint drip out and ensure adequate ventilation for faster drying.
• If you are using a mixture of paint and Mod Podge, be cautious of the drying time. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
• For garden ornaments, ensure your ornament is completely dry before painting. If using concrete ornaments, be aware that they can absorb water, so avoid cleaning them in freezing conditions and allow ample drying time, even in warmer seasons.

Finishing Techniques:

• To add sparkle to your painted ornament, apply a coat of Mod Podge and then add glitter. You can also use a glitter spray paint over another colour for a bold look.
• Seal your glitter ornaments with a clear sealer to prevent glitter from falling off.
• For a glossy finish, apply a clear coat or sealant over the paint. This will also protect the paint and make your ornament shine.
• If you want a velvety finish, try this unique technique: after painting the ornament, sprinkle flour over the wet paint and shake off the excess. Once dry, rub your hand over the ornament to remove any remaining flour.
• If your ornament has a metal or plastic surface, use a primer designed for that material to create a smooth base before painting. This will ensure better paint adhesion and a longer-lasting finish.
• For outdoor ornaments, choose a sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. You may also want to apply a UV-resistant spray to prevent fading.
• If you plan to hang your ornament, insert the cap and tie a ribbon through it once the paint and any additional coatings are completely dry.

Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for any products you use, as some sealants may require specific drying times or multiple coats. Enjoy bringing your artistic creations to life!

Frequently asked questions