Turn Christmas Ornaments Into Beautiful Home Accessories

Christmas ornaments are so beautiful, it is a shame we can’t display them all year long. On a recent trip to Crown Imports, all the beautiful ornaments they had to select from overwhelmed me. That is when I came up with this great idea to turn Christmas ornaments into year-round accessories and curtain finials for the home. If you would like to go check out the selection at Crown Imports here is the information.

Crown Imports
5813 North 7th Street
Phone-602-264-6119

Supplies

• Polymer clay (Fimo, Sculpey… I prefer the soft varieties for this project)
• Gold, copper or silver leaf
• Christmas ornaments
• Bases (plates, candle stick holders, wine glasses, votive holders, use your imagination!)
• E-6000 glue or hot glue (found at craft stores)
• Ribbon, tassels or crystals if desired

Additional supplies for Curtain rods

• Conduit (found at Home Depot or Lowe's. Conduit can be found in the electrical or plumbing departments)
• Spray paint

First you need to select some Christmas ornaments. Look for colors and styles that match your décor. Next find a base for the ornament s to sit in. Glass candleholders work great. Other options include vases, pedestals, votive holders, glassware- use your imagination!

Next you need to assemble your creation. Condition polymer clay by kneading the clay until it is easy to work with. Roll clay into a ball the size of a golf ball. Next roll the clay on a sheet of gold leaf until covered. With your hands, vigorously roll clay around until leafing adheres, and a crackle look is achieved. Place ball of clay between two ornaments and press. Make sure the balls are straight. Carefully remove clay and place on a baking sheet. Follow directions on package for baking times and tempeture. Repeat this process if using more than two ornaments. After clay is baked and cooled, glue ornaments together and let dry. Only add one ornament at a time so your project does not fall apart. Try to use The E-6000 over the hot glue, it is much stronger.

If you wish to make curtain rods, measure and decide on length of rod and cut conduit. Next spray paint rod a coordinating color to match finials. Select ornaments to use. Apply using the same method as the home décor items, using the polymer clay. Only glue on one end, so you can add your curtains to the rod.

I hope you enjoy this project. If you have any decorating problems and need some help, give me a call or e-mail me. Please visit my web site to view some photos of some past projects that I have done. I look forward to talking with you, and helping you turn your house into a home of your dreams!

Are you interested in jewelry design? Come join the fun and learn something new at the Joann’s at Arrowhead. 623-334-9114 - call for times and days. Hope to see you there!!