Curled Paper Ornament {Tutorial}

So I saved this pretty awesome DIY ornament on Pinterest months ago. I know there are MANY variations on this idea out there but Christy's takes the cake in my book. Finally it's Christmas time and I have JUST the couple to make one of these for; the same friends who I created a handmade canvas for as their wedding gift, which by the way is hanging beautifully in their bedroom. Christy called this her 'Wedding Invitation Ornament' and though I used a wedding invitation for the ornament I made, I'm going for the 'Curled Paper Ornament' title because the possibilities are endless on this one. Between my second mom and I, we thought of over a handful of ornaments that could be made using this same technique; a baby's first birthday, a mini time capsule of events and outings, a milestone birthday, a vacation to remember...The idea is simple. Use paper that represents an event (doesn't necessarily HAVE to be an invitation--think scrapbook paper, clipart images, words, phrases, postcards, menu's, etc.) cut it into strips, curl the strips, then fill up an ornament and embellish!

I think I went just a little overboard and took a photo of almost every step which probably wasn't necessary. And since I've already summarized the concept above, this will be a picture tutorial.

Enjoy!!

It's fun because when you shake and twist the ornament you get different views of the bride and groom names, the venue and date, etc.

 

Add stickers, ribbon, charms...anything you'd like to embellish the theme you are going for!

Peacock Ornament {Tutorial}

I recently participated in a handmade ornament tutorial showcase with Sew Woodsy. In case you missed any of the 12 fabulous handmade ornaments brought to you by various bloggers for the '12 Days of Handmade Ornaments' stop on by here to see them all! There are some really neat ideas created by the lavely ladies who participated!

For my ornament, I wanted to do something different and fun, bright and colorful and something you don't see every day but almost anyone would love...meet the Peacock Ornament! She really sparkles and looks gorgeous hanging on a tree! This is a super simple ornament that almost anyone can make.

SUPPLIES

(not all supplies are pictured)

Plastic fillable ornament

Recollections extra fine 'Marine' blue glitter

Scissors

Mop & Glo Floor Shine Cleaner

Peacock feathers 
Scrap piece of blue felt (please disregard to the green piece I have pictured)

Blue fluffy feather

1 orange bicone jewelry bead

Grey flat back crystals

Hot Glue

All of the above items can be purchased at Michaels craft store with the exception of the Mop & Glo. The peacock feathers were in the floral section with 5 feathers on a long stem. Any blue feather can be used for the peacock's head; I cut a small fluffy blue feather from a larger feather 'stick' found in the floral section. You can see the feather 'stick' in the supplies photo on the top right corner.

Now that you have all your supplies, let's get started!

 

Step 1. Squirt some Mop & Glo into your ornament. Gently swirl the product around in the ball to get an even coat all around the inside. Try not to create too many bubbles. Be sure to coat the neck of the ornament as much as you can as well. After the entire ornament is coated pour any remaining product back into your Mop & Glo bottle.

Step 2. Fill glitter into your ball. I used a piece of paper as a make-shift funnel. Tilt and swirl your ornament to get a nice, even coverage. You may have to pour glitter numerous times to fill the entire ornament. This step doesn't require near as much glitter as it seems!

Step 3. Once your ornament is evenly covered pour another small amount of glitter into the ball, cover the opening and shake the glitter to coat the neck of the ornament as best as you can. Pour any excess glitter back into your container.

Step 4. One glitter ornament complete!

Step 5. Arrange your feathers on a flat surface just as you would like them to show on your ornament--this is typically an arched shape. Cut a small piece of felt that will serve as a backing for your feathers. Make sure this piece of felt is cut smaller than your ornament but just large enough to serve as a good base for all of your feathers. (Use step 7 photo for reference as well)
Step 6. Use hot glue and attach your feathers one by one to your felt with the front of the feathers facing you. I started with my center feather and worked my way outward making sure my spacing was even.
Step 7. Apply hot glue on the entire front side of the feathers and felt and adhere it to the center of your ornament. This is what the back of the ornament will look like.
Step 8. Place your ornament hanger back on your ball. Admire your {over half-way finished} feathered friend!

Step 9. Using a small dot of hot glue, attach your blue feather to the top of your hanger.

Step 10. Attach your grey crystals as eyes and orange bead for the beak on your ornament hanger with hot glue.

Step 11. Trim the head feather and embellish the rest of the body if you'd like. I created a simple pattern with the remainder of my grey crystals. This step is definitely optional but I loved how it turned out! Strand fishing line or an ornament hook on the hanger and you're all done!

Hang and enjoy your new feathered friend! On a lit Christmas tree she really shines!! 

Sew Woodsy's 12 Days of Handmade Ornaments

Need some ideas for handmade ornaments this year?

Go check out Sew Woodsy as they celebrate

'12 Days of Handmade Ornaments' with 12 fabulous bloggers posting handmade ornament tutorials for 12 days.

Today, my 'Peacock Ornament' is being showcased. Hop on over to check out the tutorial along with all the other fabulous ornaments! Don't forget--there are still 5 handmade ornaments left!