DIY Painted Santa Bauble Christmas Ornament

For this cute little Santa you can use a plastic ornament or a glass ornament ball.

Get more details about this project

What you need

2.5 inch (6cm) White or cream Christmas Ball
Paints for face
Blue,pink,black,white & grey
Ribbon for hanging and bow
1.2 inch (2.5cm) pompom
8x 1/2 inch(20 x 1.4cm) white felt or batting
4 inch (10cm) high x 7.5 inch (19cm) wide triangle.
Craft glue

Instructions

The handmade ornaments are always the ones I look forward to unpacking. A slightly crooked smile or an enthusiastic pair of rosy cheeks gives them a personality that you simply don’t get from a matching box of decorations.

This painted Santa bauble has that lovely old-fashioned Christmas charm. His expressive eyes and sweeping white moustache make him a cheerful addition to the tree, while a little fabric hat finishes him off beautifully.

Don’t let the detailed face put you off having a go. Practise your expression on paper first, or choose simple dot eyes if you prefer. Every Santa can look a little different—that’s part of the pleasure of making them.

For another nostalgic project, try our country wooden Santa or make a vintage Santa gift box to display nearby.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bauble

Choose a white or cream ornament. Clean and dry it, then rest it in a padded cup while working. Use paint suitable for its surface.

2. Paint the Face

Add a skin-tone face area, leaving space for the beard. Dry before painting eyes, pink cheeks and a nose. Finish with white eyebrows, moustache and beard; add fine grey accents if desired.

3. Protect the Painting

Allow the paint to cure. If sealing, choose a compatible clear finish and follow its directions. Apply before adding fabric.

4. Make the Hat

Cut a red felt triangle to fit the bauble. Glue its side edges into a cone. Add a white felt or batting brim and a pompom.

5. Attach and Hang

Position the hat without hiding the eyes. Leave the ornament’s hanger accessible through a small opening. Glue the hat in place, add an optional ribbon bow and thread ribbon through the original hanger.

Let the glue dry fully before hanging.