Ingredients
- 4 clear plastic fillable ornaments, 3 inches wide, with removable caps
- 4 fluid ounces of dark navy acrylic craft paint
- 2 fluid ounces of violet acrylic craft paint
- 2 fluid ounces of teal acrylic craft paint
- 1 fluid ounce of white acrylic craft paint
- 1 fluid ounce of silver or iridescent acrylic craft paint
- 4 paintbrushes, including one 1/2 inch flat brush and three small round brushes
- 1 paper plate or palette, at least 8 inches wide
- 1 cup of clean water for rinsing brushes
- 4 disposable cups, 4 to 8 fluid ounces each, for holding ornaments upright
- 4 pieces of ribbon or cotton cord, each 10 inches long
- 1 pair of small scissors
- 1 pencil with a new eraser, for making star dots
- 1 plastic tablecloth, drop cloth, or flattened paper grocery bag
- 1 package of 12 cotton swabs, for softening marks and cleaning edges
- 1 package of 4 disposable gloves, optional for paint-sensitive hands
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 1 inch wide, for holding the table covering in place
Instructions
- Cover your table before you open the paint, because one small drop can travel farther than you expect. Tape the corners of the drop cloth down, set the cups in a row, and keep your water on the far side of the work area.
- Remove the caps and hanging pieces from all 4 plastic ornaments. Wipe the outsides with a dry cloth so dust does not catch in the paint, then place each ornament in a disposable cup with the opening facing upward.
- Put navy, violet, teal, white, and silver paint on the paper plate, leaving a little space between each color.
- Use the 1/2 inch flat brush to cover the outside of each ornament with a thin coat of navy paint. Turn the ornament slowly in your hand and leave the cap opening clear.
- Rest the ornaments in the cups for 2 to 4 hours to let the first coat dry.
- Brush on another thin layer of navy, turning each ornament to check for bare spots. Let this coat dry for 2 to 4 hours before adding brighter colors.
- Use a small round brush to dab violet, teal, and a little silver across the navy surface in uneven clusters.
- Use a clean, almost dry brush to blend the edges where violet meets teal without overblending.
- Dip the new pencil eraser lightly into white paint and press it onto the ornament for round stars. Use a small round brush for a few tiny dots and short four-point starbursts.
- If a section looks too bright, tap a little navy over part of it after the colored paint dries. If a star smears, wipe it away with a damp cotton swab and try again.
- Use a cotton swab to clean any messy edge while the paint still feels slightly workable.
- Leave all 4 ornaments in their cups for 24 hours to dry completely.
- Press each cap back into place, thread one 10 inch piece of ribbon or cotton cord through each cap, tie the ends together, and trim any long tails.
- Rinse brushes in the cup of water before paint dries in the bristles, and clean up the table and palette.
Notes
Keep children at least 3 years old near this project with close adult supervision. Use washable paint for younger children and protect clothing. Store finished ornaments away from direct sunlight.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
