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    Home » DIY Projects

    Alcohol Ink Ornaments That Look Like Colorful Blown Glass

    December 12, 2018 by Patti Estep 27 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Alcohol ink ornaments collage

    Learn how to make these beautiful alcohol ink ornaments that resemble blown glass but are so easy and cost very little to make.

    Alcohol ink ornaments - green, blue and gold

    I just couldn't resist playing with alcohol inks to make a few ornaments this season. 

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    If you haven't tried them yet you are in for a treat. Though they are messy the results are always so pretty and it is so effortless to make something beautiful.

    I first started working with alcohol inks last year when I made pretty flower jewelry dishes with the inks. That got me hooked. I went on to make some pretty trivets with my girlfriends and then decorated slider tins to house solid perfume earlier this season. 

    So while I was unpacking my Christmas decorations I noticed a dozen clear Christmas bulbs that were not being used for anything and thought, what a perfect use for alcohol inks.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Alcohol ink ornament supplies

    Supplies

    Clear plastic ornaments

    Alcohol Inks

    Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%

    Canned Air (optional)

    Caution: This project is messy. Make sure that you cover your work table and the floor. Also, consider wearing gloves and old clothes. The rubbing alcohol does a good job of fixing mistakes and cleaning your skin as well as creating interesting patterns with the alcohol inks. However, it may permanently stain different fabrics too.

    Red and yellow alcohol ink ornament

    How to Make Alcohol Ink Ornaments

    At first, I used the inks on the inside of the balls. Just pour a little bit of the ink inside and swirl it around. Add other colors and see how they mix with each other.

    Interior alcohol ink ornaments

    They turned out great, especially those with the gold ink because it's a little opaque and seemed to stay in place better. However, as you can see, (look at the red one on the left) the ink tended to gather at the bottom after a while leaving open spots. 

    Purple and gold ornament

    I still think this is beautiful and I liked the fact that the ink was on the inside so you don't have to worry about the mess as much, and you don't have to seal it. 

    Try using some metallics with the colors if you choose this route.

    Alcohol ink ornament using canned air

    I also tried using canned air after each drop of color. This worked really well to dry and spread the color without pooling at the bottom.

    Red and gold alcohol ink ornament.

    Here's another one with red and gold inks on the inside using just the pour and turn method.

    Messy green ornament

    This one ended up with a drip on the inside that I did not like. 

    I used a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to remove it.

    Since I still wasn't pleased with this one, I tried using the alcohol inks on the outside to see how they looked.

    Alcohol ink ornament on outside

    I knew this would be much messier so I made a little stand with foam and a wooden skewer to place the ball on. (Make sure you cover the table under the foam too. Let the ink drip down around the ball. They dried quickly on the outside and stayed in place.)

    Green, blue and gold outside ornament on tree

    Sealing Alcohol Ink Ornaments

    The clear bulbs with ink on the inside do not need to be sealed. For those with ink on the outside, I would recommend waiting a full 24 hours. Then carefully spray this ornament with a clear acrylic coating.

    Use the same foam stand and make sure that you don't spray too close or you might mess up your beautiful ornament. Wait for another hour and add a second coat.

    Alcohol ink ornaments on table

    Options for Alcohol Ink Ornaments

    • Use them on white ornaments
    • Coat the inside of the clear plastic with white paint
    • Canned air or a straw can create special effects and promote drying
    • Use a felt pad to stamp on a design
    • Cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol help to remove ink and add texture
    • Use a paintbrush for extra control

    This is a great craft to make with friends and small groups. You can share the inks and buy some ornaments in bulk. Play some festive music and enjoy an evening or afternoon creating with this easy and beautiful medium.

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    Interior alcohol ink ornaments
    Print
    4.50 from 2 votes

    Alcohol Ink Ornaments That Look Like Colorful Blown Glass

    Alcohol ink ornaments resemble blown glass, but are so easy and cost very little to make. If you haven't tried making these yet, you are in for a treat! You will want to make one for everyone on your list this holiday season!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Active Time15 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Christmas Crafts
    Yield: 1 Ornament
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    • Swan Isopropyl Alcohol, 99%, Pint, 16 OZ
    • Office Depot Cleaning Duster, 10 Oz, OD10152
    • Jacquard Products Acid-Free Pinata Color Exciter Pack Ink, 0.5 oz, Assorted, 9
    • Mbuynow 20 Pack 80mm Clear Ornaments Balls, DIY Plastic Fillable Christmas Decorations Tree Balls Baubles Craft Transparent Ball Gifts for Wedding Party Decor

    Materials

    • Clear plastic ornaments
    • Alcohol Inks
    • Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
    • Canned Air optional
    • Foam
    • Skewar

    Instructions

    • Alcohol Ink On The Inside Of The Ornament
    • Cover your work area.
    • Pour a little bit of the ink inside the ornament and swirl it around.
    • Use a little canned air to help mix it up.
    • Add other colors to create the look you want.
    • Let dry overnight.
    • Alcohol Ink On The Outside Of The Ornament
    • Cover your work area.
    • Pour a little alcohol ink on the outside of the ornament.
    • Let the ink drip down around the ball.
    • Add more than one color.
    • Place a skewer in a piece of foam and place the ornament on for drying.
    • Use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to remove any unwanted spots and general clean up.
    • Seal with a clear sealer.

     

     

     

     

     

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mandy

      October 12, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      Do you have a preferred brand for alcohol inks? I know the link goes to a Jacquard set but it looks like you have a couple different brands in the photo. Trying to decide what to get and am curious about your experiences with different inks. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 13, 2020 at 6:20 am

        Mandy, I picked up a three pack from Ranger in addition to the Jacquard set because I wanted a few more colors. They worked equally as well. The three new colors were Poppyfield (red), Honeycomb (warm yellow), and Botanical (light leaf green).

        Reply
    2. Meegan

      December 18, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Absolutely stunning, Patti. I love your color combinations. The tutorial is so thorough and intentional.
      Thank you so much for sharing.
      Merry Christmas.

      Reply
    3. Michelle

      December 18, 2018 at 6:34 am

      These are gorgeous! I really need to get some more alcohol inks. I used to use them a lot but it has been years. You are so creative.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 18, 2018 at 6:44 am

        Thanks Michelle, I had no idea that they have been around for a while. I just found them and now I'm addicted.

        Reply
      • Paula

        December 03, 2022 at 12:19 pm

        Will the ink work on glass ornaments instead of plastic?

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          December 03, 2022 at 12:42 pm

          Paula, I have not tried it on glass but I think it would work.

    4. Maria

      December 17, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      What a great ornament project. Will pin. I love colorful ornaments like this
      Maria

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 18, 2018 at 6:45 am

        Thanks Maria, I really like their gem-like color too.

        Reply
    5. Janet

      December 17, 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Patti, I just adore these and will have to make some next year!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2018 at 3:10 pm

        Thanks, Janet. I can't wait to see what you create. I think I may have a Girl's Night Out Party and have everyone make some these. I don't need to be tempted by cookie. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Julie

      December 17, 2018 at 11:59 am

      Gorgeous! They look like colored mercury glass! You are so creative, Patti! Pinning.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2018 at 2:11 pm

        Thanks Julie, but the inks do all the work. Try them sometime, and you'll see what I mean.

        Reply
    7. Barbara

      December 17, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Oooh, Patti! I LOVE these ornaments!!! Pinned several to different boards and also pinned your ebook for you to my Tomes {Books} to Read board. <3

      Happy crafting and Happy Christmastime,
      Hugs and blessings,
      Barb 🙂

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2018 at 11:10 am

        Oh thank you Barbara. Happy Christmas to you too!

        Reply
    8. Deborah Regen

      December 17, 2018 at 9:32 am

      I like how the green ornament turned out in the end, kind of stripe-ey. Looks like a fun albeit messy project for those willing to try something new. Pinned.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2018 at 10:07 am

        Deborah, you are so right. It can be messy but the results are pretty great.

        Reply
    9. Christine

      December 14, 2018 at 10:18 am

      Oh my goodness, Patti! LOVE LOVE LOVE these ornaments! Years ago a co-worker gifted me every year with beautiful blown glass ornaments for Christmas! I have five of them and they are some of the most cherished decorations I have! I had never heard of alcohol ink until I saw your post on Instagram! I'm not sure I'll have time to make up any this year, but I'm definitely pinning so I can next year! Thank you so much for a wonderful tutorial and for teaching me something new as always!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 14, 2018 at 11:52 am

        Thanks Christine. I so love this art medium. The translucent color is so beautiful. I'm sure you'll see more of them from me yet. Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    10. lynn

      December 12, 2018 at 9:06 am

      OK Patti...I am making a trip to Pgh just to craft with you. I absolutely love these ornaments!!! Especially the one with the gold! Oh, so many plans for next year already.

      Have a great day my friend.

      Hugs, Lynn

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 12, 2018 at 9:39 am

        Oh Lynn, you are too funny. They were really fun, fast and easy. I hope you get a chance to try them.

        Reply
    11. Claudia

      December 12, 2018 at 8:24 am

      Hi Patti, I did your last alcohol ink project on white tiles and some white small dishes I bought from Target. These dishes make great ring and jewelry organizers. All turned out well. I think these glass ornaments would look so vivid hanging from ribbons in a window. Happy Holidays!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 12, 2018 at 8:29 am

        Claudia, I'm so glad to hear someone else loves the alcohol ink projects as much as I do. And I love your window idea! I use to hang a set of purchased ornaments with ribbons from the cafe rod above my sink in the kitchen. I might have to go out and get some more clear ornaments now. Thanks for the great idea.

        Reply
    12. Carole West

      December 12, 2018 at 7:50 am

      I did it -just ordered me a set of those inks - free shipping even without a prime account.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 12, 2018 at 8:21 am

        Yay! That's great that Amazon is giving free shipping right now. Perfect for gift giving!

        Reply
    13. Carole West

      December 12, 2018 at 7:45 am

      I still haven't tried using this ink but it's time because this project is just awesome. I'm in the middle of reorganizing my workshop space and once I get that done think I'm going to get a few colors and play around with them.

      These ornaments are cool and have a neat vintage vibe - love this!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 12, 2018 at 8:19 am

        Thanks Carole, they are so fun and totally addicting. You will love them.

        Reply

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