How to Make Galaxy Ornaments at Home

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Making galaxy ornaments at home is a simple way to turn clear baubles into colorful, space-inspired decorations. This is a paint-and-decorate craft—not a crochet project—so you won’t need yarn, a hook, or stitch skills. It’s suitable for beginners, a relaxed afternoon activity, or a creative project to make with older children under adult supervision. Use the finished ornaments on a holiday tree, in a window display, or as handmade gifts.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Galaxy ornaments are easy to personalize, and each one develops its own swirling mix of colors. You don’t need to paint a detailed design or keep precise lines: the paint moves inside the ornament, so even an imperfect swirl can look like a cloud of distant stars.

This project is also approachable for first-time crafters. The main work is adding paint and gently rotating the ornament; there are no complicated tools or special techniques to learn. It’s a nice option when you want a handmade decoration but don’t have the time or materials for a larger project.

The finished baubles can be displayed together as a matching set or made in different color combinations for gifts. They also make good use of spare glitter and sequins from other craft projects. For a tidy work area, set out all supplies before opening the paint and protect your table from drips.

“I made a few in different shades of blue and purple, and every swirl came out a little different. Taking my time with the paint made the biggest difference—my favorite one is the bauble I thought I’d messed up!”

How the Ornament Comes Together

You’ll decorate the inside of a clear glass or plastic ornament, creating a dark base with black paint and layering blue, purple, and white acrylic paint over it. Glitter and star sequins add a little extra sparkle. Once the paint and decorations are in place, replace the ornament top and hang the finished piece.

The technique is simple: pour, rotate, and swirl. There are no crochet stitches, yarn choices, hook sizes, or stitch counts involved. The project is suitable for beginners, though careful handling matters—especially if you choose glass ornaments. The instructions don’t specify a drying time, so allow the paint to dry fully before hanging or storing the bauble. Follow the paint manufacturer’s guidance if it provides a recommended drying time.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Clear glass or plastic ornaments
• Black paint
• Blue, purple, and white acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Glitter
• Star sequins
• A small funnel
• A mixing bowl

Choose ornaments with an opening wide enough for the funnel to fit comfortably. Glass ornaments can give a classic, clear finish, but they may break if dropped; plastic ones are lighter and less fragile. Whichever type you choose, check that it is clean and completely dry before adding paint.

The mixing bowl provides a place to rest or hold the ornament while you work and helps catch drips. A small funnel makes it easier to direct paint through the opening, although you should pour slowly so paint doesn’t spill around the neck. Keep the glitter and sequins close by, but add them only after the colored paint has been swirled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the ornament top. Gently lift off the metal cap and hanger. Set them aside somewhere clean so they’re easy to find when it’s time to finish the ornament.

2. Add a small amount of black paint. Place the funnel in the opening and pour a little black paint inside. Start with less than you think you need; you can add more if the interior is not coating.

3. Coat the inside. Slowly rotate and swirl the ornament so the black paint travels over the interior surface. Avoid shaking it hard, which can cause paint to splash into the neck or make it harder to control the coating. Pour out any excess paint.

4. Add the galaxy colors. Pour in blue, purple, and white acrylic paint. Use small amounts and gently swirl the ornament again to create a marbled galaxy effect. Let the colors overlap naturally rather than trying to blend them into one uniform shade. Keep rotating until the interior has the look you want.

5. Add glitter and star sequins. Sprinkle glitter and star sequins inside the ornament for extra sparkle. Add them gradually so you can judge how much is enough. Too many decorations may obscure the paint pattern.

6. Replace the top. Once you’re happy with the design, carefully put the ornament top back in place. Handle the bauble gently while the paint dries.

7. Let it dry before hanging. The source instructions do not give a specific drying time. To avoid smears or paint shifting, leave the ornament undisturbed until the paint is fully dry. Check the paint label for any drying guidance, and avoid sealing or closing the ornament in a way that traps wet paint.

8. Hang or display your ornament. When it is dry, use the ornament’s hanger to place it on a tree, hook, or decorative branch. For glass baubles, choose a stable location away from edges where the ornament could fall.

Ways to Use Your Finished Ornaments

These galaxy baubles make eye-catching seasonal decorations. Hang several together on a holiday tree, grouping similar colors for a coordinated look or mixing different swirls for a more playful display. They also look attractive in a clear bowl or arranged on a decorative tray, as long as the ornaments are kept somewhere they won’t roll off.

For a window display, hang an ornament where it can catch the light. A cluster of blue, purple, and white baubles can create a small night-sky theme without requiring additional decorations. You could also tie a simple ribbon around the hanger for a more gift-ready finish.

Galaxy ornaments are suitable as handmade gifts for friends, teachers, or anyone who enjoys space-inspired décor. Since each swirl is different, a small set can feel personal even when the ornaments use the same colors. If gifting them, pack glass baubles securely with padding and remind the recipient to handle them carefully.

Cleaning and Storage

These are painted ornaments, not washable crochet items. Do not put them in a washing machine or soak them in water. If the outside becomes dusty, wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing hard, using abrasive cleaners, or applying liquid cleaners that could damage the finish or the ornament itself.

Store the ornaments only after the paint is completely dry. Wrap each one separately in tissue paper or another soft protective material, then place them in a sturdy box where they won’t knock against each other. Glass ornaments need extra protection from impact, while plastic ornaments are less likely to break but can still scratch or become misshapen under pressure.

Keep the box in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. If the paint appears wet, tacky, or not fully set, give the ornament more time before wrapping it. Storing a bauble too soon can leave marks on the finish or cause decorations to shift.

Tips for a Neater Galaxy Effect

• Work with small amounts of paint. It’s easier to add a little more than to remove too much. Excess paint can collect at the bottom, so pour out what you don’t need.
• Rotate slowly. Gentle movement gives you more control over where the paint travels. Turn the ornament in different directions to coat the inside without aggressively shaking it.
• Keep the colors distinct. Blue, purple, and white look most galaxy-like when they form visible swirls and patches. If you keep turning the ornament after the colors have blended, the pattern may become more uniform.
• Add sparkle gradually. A pinch of glitter and a few star sequins can add detail without hiding the colored paint. You can always add a little more before finishing.
• Protect your workspace. Set the ornament in the mixing bowl while you work and keep the surface beneath it covered. Acrylic paint can be difficult to remove once it dries.
• Handle glass carefully. Work over a stable surface, and don’t squeeze a glass ornament while rotating it. If the bauble feels unstable or has a crack, don’t use it.
• Use adult supervision with children. Small sequins can be a choking hazard, and glass baubles can break. For a child-friendly activity, consider using plastic ornaments and keep small supplies out of reach when not in use.
• Let the finish dry undisturbed. Moving or hanging the ornament before the paint is dry can affect the design. Follow the paint label and allow ample time before storage or display.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Baubles

You can change the color palette while keeping the same basic swirling method. For a cooler night-sky look, emphasize blue and white; for a warmer cosmic effect, use more purple. The instructions call for black, blue, purple, and white paint, so changing the balance of those colors is the simplest way to make each ornament feel different without changing the process.

Try making a coordinated set with one color leading in each bauble. For example, make one mostly blue, another mostly purple, and a third with stronger white swirls. Use the same glitter and star sequins in each to tie the set together, or vary the sparkle for a collection with more individual character.

You can also adjust how much glitter and how many sequins you use. A light sprinkle keeps the paint design easy to see, while more sparkle creates a busier finish. Because the paint is inside the ornament, the outside remains smooth; adding more interior decorations changes the visual effect, not the ornament’s size or structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a crochet pattern?

No. Despite the crochet-focused article format, galaxy ornaments are made by decorating the inside of clear baubles with paint, glitter, and star sequins. You won’t need yarn, a crochet hook, or knowledge of stitches.

Are galaxy ornaments beginner-friendly?

Yes. The steps involve removing the ornament top, adding paint, swirling the colors, adding decorations, and replacing the top. The most useful beginner skill is patience: work with small amounts of paint and rotate the bauble gently so the colors don’t blend more than you want.

Can I use glass or plastic ornaments?

Either material is listed for this project. Glass provides a traditional ornament look but can break if dropped. Plastic is lighter and less fragile, making it a practical choice if you’re worried about breakage or working with children under adult supervision.

What paints should I use?

The materials call for black paint and blue, purple, and white acrylic paints. The black paint creates the dark base, while the other colors form the galaxy effect. Follow the paint label for handling and drying guidance.

How much paint should I add?

The instructions say to use a small amount of black paint, coat the inside by swirling, and pour out the excess. They don’t give a precise volume because ornament openings and sizes can vary. Start with a little, rotate the ornament to see how far it spreads, and add more only if needed.

How do I keep the colors from blending together?

Use small amounts of blue, purple, and white paint, then swirl gently. Stop rotating once the colors form a pattern you like. More movement can cause the colors to mix into a more uniform shade.

How long does it take to make one?

The instructions don’t specify a completion time or drying time. The decorating steps are straightforward, but you’ll need to allow the paint to dry completely before hanging or wrapping the ornament. Check the paint label for drying guidance.

Can I add more glitter or sequins?

Yes. Add glitter and star sequins gradually so you can control the amount. Too much sparkle can cover the painted swirls, so pause between additions and check the design before adding more.

How should I clean the finished ornament?

Avoid washing or soaking it. Dust the outside gently with a soft, dry cloth, and don’t scrub the surface or use abrasive products that could damage the ornament or its finish.

Can I sell ornaments made with this method?

The instructions do not state any usage or selling permissions. If you plan to sell finished ornaments made from a designer’s pattern or instructions, check the original designer’s terms before listing or selling them.

Print