Make DIY Painted Glass Ornaments with Paint Pens

We all love a little sparkle during the holidays, and silver and gold are the perfect way to add an elegant touch to your decor. These DIY Painted Glass Ornaments are not only glam but also easy to make with paint pens and metallic ribbon. Whether nestled in a decorative bowl lined with craft snow or adorning your Christmas tree, these ornaments are a festive must-have this holiday season. Plus, we’ve included a fun and simple ribbon-filled ornament idea for even more inspiration!

Get ready, crafters—you won’t want to stop at just one design. These ornaments also make thoughtful, handmade gifts for the holidays!

easy diy paint pen christmas ornaments

Supplies You’ll Need

To make your own paint pen DIY Christmas ornaments, gather the following materials:

  • Clear glass or plastic ornaments (Find them at Hobby Lobby or your favorite craft store)
  • Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Pens in silver and gold (Oil-based pens work best for glass for a permanent finish)
  • Metallic curly ribbon

    Tip for Beginners

    Before starting, designate one ornament as your practice piece. You can use a scrubby sponge to remove paint mistakes, so don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re new to paint pens, test your design on cardboard first to get a feel for the flow and pressure needed.

clear christmas ornaments on a table with sharpie and gold and silver ribbon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Your DIY Painted Glass Ornament

  1. Set up a workspace: Use a masking tape roll to balance your ornament while painting. This will keep it steady and allow you to work on one side at a time.
  2. Design your ornament: Choose a freeform pattern or draw inspiration from other projects (like one of our favorites from Ben Franklin Crafts). Play around with swirls, polka dots, or even stars—anything that complements your holiday theme.

sharpie with clear ornament

  1. Paint one side: Allow it to dry completely before flipping it over to paint the other side.
  2. Add ribbon: Once your design is dry, tie a piece of metallic ribbon at the ornament’s top for an extra polished finish.

DIY christmas ornament

Pro Tip

Using paint pens on glass ornaments doesn’t have to be intimidating! Practice makes perfect, and the oil-based pens dry beautifully to create a permanent, glossy effect.

person using Paint Pen on christmas bulb

Create a Ribbon-Filled Ornament

If painting isn’t your thing, try making a ribbon-filled ornament instead—it’s super easy and just as eye-catching!

  1. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”2″>Gently stuff the ribbon into a clear glass or plastic ornament. A small tool (like tweezers) can help you push the ribbon in easily without cutting your hands on the ornament’s opening.
  2. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″ value=”4″>Tie a small ribbon at the ornament’s top for a festive touch.

Easy DIY Paint Pen Christmas Ornaments

Here’s the Finished Result!

Both these DIY ornament ideas were fun and incredibly satisfying to make. The shimmering designs and the glow of Christmas lights instantly elevate your holiday decor.

Easy DIY Paint Pen Christmas Ornaments

Easy DIY Paint Pen Christmas Ornaments

Easy DIY Paint Pen Christmas Ornaments

Why You’ll Love DIY Painted Glass Ornaments

Creating these ornaments brings so many benefits, especially for DIY Christmas ornaments fans and craft enthusiasts:

  • Personalization: Make them in your favorite colors or designs to match your holiday theme.
  • Family-Friendly Activity: These are perfect for a creative afternoon with the kids.
  • Thoughtful Gifts: Handmade ornaments make heartfelt presents for family and friends.

More Inspiration for Your DIY Projects

Love these ideas? Explore additional holiday inspiration with our posts on clear ornament craft ideas and

DIY Christmas Ornament Ideas. You’ll find countless ways to customize clear plastic or glass ornaments and all your paint pen crafts with a personal touch.

The possibilities are endless, whether you’re painting on glass, filling ornaments with unique materials, or putting other creative spins on clear DIY ornaments!

Get Started with Your DIY Holiday Decor

Gather your supplies and start creating one-of-a-kind ornaments that will make your Christmas shine. Don’t forget to share your designs with us in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see what you create!


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Remi Bagwell

2 Comments

  1. TERESA
    October 31, 2016 / 9:18 pm

    will these pens work okay on plastic ornaments too?

    • Kathy Woodard
      November 10, 2016 / 3:41 pm

      Yes!

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