Ever since Frosty the Snowman melted away on a warm sunny day in a classic holiday cartoon, people of all ages have loved snowmen. They are endearing characters that can be used to decorate the home during the winter months, and your holiday tree is a great place to start. They are top-sellers at craft shows too. Instead of buying ready-made decorations, do something unique. Try these easy ways to make Christmas ornaments with light bulbs, and make use of something of value that would otherwise end up in the garbage can.
Necessary Supplies
To make snowmen ornaments with light bulbs you will need clear-drying craft glue, a paintbrush to apply it, white chunky glitter, a small orange triangular piece of construction paper for the nose, and back nail enamel to create the eyes and mouth. Nail polish will adhere better than acrylic craft paint. You will also need black felt to make a hat, sharp scissors, about ten inches of narrow red ribbon and a burned out light bulb. The hat will hide the threaded metal sleeve. No one will realize that your adorable snowmen ornaments were made with old bulbs.
Start By Coating the Glass
Begin by tying a temporary hanger around the neck of the bulb. A piece of scrap ribbon or string will work to hold it during the drying process. Coat the entire glass surface with clear-drying craft glue. Before the glue dries, roll it in white chunky glitter. Sprinkle it on where necessary. The entire glass area must be covered with glitter to hide the bulb beneath. Hang it from a hook to dry completely before continuing.
How to Make the Top Hat
All snowmen need a big black top hat. While the glue is drying, make a felt hat for your snowman ornament. It does not have to be perfect, but it should completely cover the threaded metal end. Start by making circle with a hole in the center. It should look like a doughnut, and it must be large enough to fit over the neck of the light bulb. Cut another piece of black felt that will fit perfectly around the threaded metal sleeve. If necessary, use another light bulb as a guide. Apply craft glue to bottom edge of the hat, and attach it to the brim. Glue a looped piece of ribbon to the back for hanging. Finish by applying glue to the top edge of the hat, and cover the open top with a perfect felt circle. Trim the hat with a narrow red ribbon.
Add the Facial Features and Buttons
The last steps are the most enjoyable because they visually bring the snowman to life. Before adding the eyes and mouth, attach the carrot nose. Curl a small triangular piece of orange construction paper into a cone. Use thick craft glue to attach it to the ornament. Use black fingernail polish to carefully create the eyes and mouth. If the applicator is too wide, use a fine-tip craft brush instead. Five or six dots will suffice for the mouth. Before the eyes dry, highlight each one with a single piece of white glitter. Hang the finished snowman ornament using a regular metal hanger, or attach a piece of gold or silver cord.
Source: Advanced Crafting Experience
