Crafting Christmas Magic: DIY Mercury-Style Ornaments
The holiday season is upon us, and there's Frazier scent in the air. As I’m sure we all know this is one of my favorite seasons because who doesn’t love fresh baked treats, decking the halls, and when the family gathers together. One of my favorite ways to make Christmas feel exciting is to create something original. My hope in this blog is that you’ll find something special and unique to add to your Christmas Tree. Feel free to make it your own or you could even make it a family festivity and do it together. Whatever you do make the most of it and have fun! I hope these mercury-style ornament, not only add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor but also have a personal and unique touch.
Materials You'll Need:
1. Glass or plastic ornaments
2. Spray paint in gold, bronze, and silver
3. A spray bottle
4. Water
5. Vinegar
6. Rub 'n Buff in gold and silver
7. Velvet ribbon
8. Your creativity and the spirit of the season!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Ornament
To get started on your creative journey select a smaller glass or plastic ornaments. Smaller ornaments are more manageable and add a touch of delicacy to the finished piece.
Step 2: Adding the Mercury Effect
Begin by removing the tops of your ornaments. Spray 1-2 sprats of each color we used this order (gold, bronze, and silver). This layering technique creates a magnificent, multi-dimensional effect reminiscent of vintage mercury glass. To ensure the colors are accurately distributed, gently shake the glass.
Step 3: Creating the Aged Patina
Now, for an intriguing twist: after spraying the colors of your choosing, immediately spray the inside of the ornament with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. The magic here lies in letting each layer dry before adding more of your water and vinegar mixture. You can repeat this process as many times as you like, creating a unique aged patina with depth and character.
Step 4: Drying and Sealing
To ensure the paint and patina adhere properly without any risk of peeling, place the ornaments open-side-down to dry completely. You can choose to use a soft cloth or place it back in the box like shown in the picture to protect your surfaces.
Step 5: Adding a Touch of Elegance
Once your ornaments are perfectly dry, it's time to add that final touch of holiday elegance. Use Rub 'n Buff in your color of choice to highlight the tops of your ornaments. Gently rub the product onto the exposed metal, and then buff it with a soft cloth to achieve a delightful metallic shine.
Step 6: Hanging and Decorating
To complete your DIY mercury-style ornaments, cut a length of velvet ribbon and thread it through the ornament's hanging loop. Tie a knot or a bow, and your beautifully handcrafted ornament is ready to grace your Christmas tree or add a special touch to your holiday decor.
The holiday season is a time when hearts are a little warmer, and the joy of sharing moments with loved ones becomes even more sweet and caring. Crafting your own DIY Christmas ornaments is a wonderful way to have the spirit of Christmas in your home and make it even more magical. These mercury-style ornaments not only add a personal touch but also reflect your unique creativity. So, embrace the festive spirit, gather your materials, and let the joy of the season shine through your personal creations!
XOXO - Amanda
