Learn how to make these beautiful alcohol ink ornaments that resemble blown glass but are so easy and cost very little to make.
I just couldn't resist playing with alcohol inks to make a few ornaments this season.
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. They remind me a little of watercolor paints with their bright translucent quality.
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 ornaments that were not being used for anything and thought, what a perfect use for alcohol inks.
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Supplies
- Clear plastic ornaments (or glass)
- Alcohol Inks
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
- Canned Air (optional)
(optional)Caution: This project is messy. Make sure that you cover your work table and the floor. Also, consider wearing plastic 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.
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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.
Here they are on a Christmas tree. 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.
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.
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.
Here's another one with red and gold inks on the inside using just the pour and turn method.
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.
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.)
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.
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 of creating with this easy and beautiful medium.
Alcohol Ink Ornaments That Look Like Colorful Blown Glass
Equipment
Materials
- Clear plastic ornaments or glass ornaments
- Bottles of Alcohol Ink
- Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 91%
- Canned Air optional
- Foam
- Skewar
Instructions
Alcohol Ink on the Inside
- Cover your work surface.
- Remove the ornament cap and hanger
- Pour a small amount of the ink inside the ornament and swirl it around and cover the entire inside of the ornament.
- Use a little canned air to help mix it up.
- Add other colors to create the look you want.
- Let dry overnight.
- Once dry replace the ornament cap and hanger and place it on the tree.
Alcohol Ink on the Outside
- 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.
Mandy
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!
Patti Estep
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).
Meegan
Absolutely stunning, Patti. I love your color combinations. The tutorial is so thorough and intentional.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Merry Christmas.
Michelle
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.
Patti Estep
Thanks Michelle, I had no idea that they have been around for a while. I just found them and now I'm addicted.
Paula
Will the ink work on glass ornaments instead of plastic?
Patti Estep
Paula, I have not tried it on glass but I think it would work.
Maria
What a great ornament project. Will pin. I love colorful ornaments like this
Maria
Patti Estep
Thanks Maria, I really like their gem-like color too.
Janet
Patti, I just adore these and will have to make some next year!
Patti Estep
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. 🙂
Julie
Gorgeous! They look like colored mercury glass! You are so creative, Patti! Pinning.
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie, but the inks do all the work. Try them sometime, and you'll see what I mean.
Barbara
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 🙂
Patti Estep
Oh thank you Barbara. Happy Christmas to you too!
Deborah Regen
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.
Patti Estep
Deborah, you are so right. It can be messy but the results are pretty great.
Christine
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!
Patti Estep
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!
lynn
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
Patti Estep
Oh Lynn, you are too funny. They were really fun, fast and easy. I hope you get a chance to try them.
Claudia
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!
Patti Estep
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.
Carole West
I did it -just ordered me a set of those inks - free shipping even without a prime account.
Patti Estep
Yay! That's great that Amazon is giving free shipping right now. Perfect for gift giving!
Carole West
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!
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole, they are so fun and totally addicting. You will love them.