There’s something so magical about handmade ornaments — the sparkle, the creativity, and the love that goes into every little detail. This year, I decided to create a few DIY glitter ornaments that not only shine on my Christmas tree but also hold special meaning.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I made them, what materials I used, and share a few personal touches — like the memory ornament I created for my dog who passed away. Whether you’re looking to make something festive, meaningful, or simply want to add a bit of extra sparkle to your tree, this is the perfect holiday craft!
🧰 What You’ll Need
- Clear plastic or glass ornaments
- Acrylic varnish (or Mod Podge for comparison)
- Fine glitter (any color you love!)
- Vinyl designs (I used a Grinch face!)
- Transfer tape
- Ribbon or string for hanging
- Heat tool or hairdryer
- Butcher paper or parchment paper to catch glitter
🎨 Step 1: Mod Podge vs. Varnish — Which Works Best?
Before starting, I wanted to test which finish gives the best glitter shine — Mod Podge or acrylic varnish.
The Mod Podge ornaments started out a little dull, but after a week, they developed a soft shimmer. The acrylic varnish, however, sparkled instantly — and that immediate shine won me over! So that’s what I used for the rest of the ornaments.
💫 Step 2: Coating the Inside of the Ornament
Pour a small amount of varnish into your ornament and gently swirl it around until the inside is fully coated.
Once it’s covered, place the ornament upside down in a cup to let the extra varnish drain out — you can even reuse it for your next one.
If you spot bubbles, use a heat tool or hairdryer on a low setting to gently warm the ornament. The heat pops bubbles and thins the varnish, helping it spread smoothly.
🌟 Step 3: Time to Add the Glitter
After 5–10 minutes of drying, it’s glitter time! ✨
Lay down a sheet of butcher paper to catch any glitter that spills. Pour your chosen glitter inside the ornament and give it a gentle shake until every inch sparkles.
When you’re done, pour the extra glitter back onto the paper and funnel it into the container — no waste, just endless sparkle!
🎅 Step 4: Decorating with Vinyl
For my designs, I used vinyl cutouts — like this fun Grinch face made with black vinyl. (The file will be available on my website soon!)
The weeding part is simple and so satisfying. Applying vinyl to a round ornament, though, takes a bit of patience. Gently smooth it down and let the vinyl guide you — feel where it naturally wants to sit.
The warmth from your hands helps soften it slightly, making it easier to shape around the curve. Take your time here — this step makes all the difference in getting that clean, professional finish!
💡 Craft Tip: You can reuse your transfer tape multiple times — no need to throw it away after one project!
💙 Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
To give each ornament that perfect finishing detail, I added a ribbon to match the design.
For my blue glitter ornament, I chose a white ribbon — it complements the icy blue perfectly and ties into my tree’s ice blue and silver theme. I tied the bow separately before attaching it to make sure it sat nicely and kept its shape.
And then, there’s the ornament that means the most — a memory ornament for my dog who passed away. 🐾
We all miss our loved ones a little more during the holidays, and crafting something by hand to remember them is such a special way to keep them close.
🎁 Final Thoughts
Handmade ornaments aren’t just decorations — they’re memories, stories, and love that last for years to come. Whether you’re making them for your own home or gifting them to someone special, these glitter ornaments add a personal, magical touch to any Christmas tree.
If you’d like to see the full tutorial in action, including the glitter process, vinyl application, and how I made the memory ornament, check out my YouTube video here:
👉 🎥 Watch the full DIY Glitter Ornament Tutorial on YouTube
I’d love to hear from you — which of these ornaments would you hang on your Christmas tree this year?
Tell me in the comments on YouTube or below — I always love reading your ideas! 💬
And if you enjoyed this project, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss my next festive DIY! 🎄✨