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DIY eye ornaments add a playful, unexpected touch to a Christmas tree. With round ornaments, acrylic paint and a little glitter, you can create both wide-open and winking designs. The steps are simple enough for a relaxed craft session, and making several ornaments lets you repeat the look across the tree or use the designs as a matching pair.
Supplies for DIY Eye Ornaments
Gather the materials before you begin so the paint and glitter steps are easy to complete in sequence:
- Round ornaments
- Acrylic paint
- Paint pen
- Loose glitter
- Decoupage glue and sealer
- Small brushes
Work on a protected surface and make sure each ornament is clean and dry before painting. Small brushes help keep the eye shapes neat, while a paint pen is useful for sketching the design before filling it in.
How to Make an Open-Eye Ornament
Start by sketching an oval, football-like shape on the ornament with a white paint pen. Adjust the outline until you are happy with its size and position. Fill the shape with white acrylic paint using a small brush. Add a second coat if needed, then allow the paint to dry before continuing.
Mix a small amount of decoupage glue and sealer with plenty of loose glitter. Use a brush to apply the mixture in a smaller circle inside the white shape. Let it dry completely, then paint a black dot in the center for the iris. Add short lashes if you like, and finish with a tiny white dot to suggest a glint of light.
For a tidy result, let each painted layer dry before adding the next. This helps prevent colors from smudging and keeps the glitter in its intended area.
How to Make a Winking-Eye Ornament
Sketch a half-oval shape on another round ornament, then draw a few short, straight lines beside it to represent eyelashes. Trace the sketch with black paint and a small brush, or use a paint pen for the details. Allow the design to dry before handling or hanging the ornament.
Display and Store Your Finished Ornaments
Hang the open-eye and winking ornaments next to each other for a paired expression, or spread them throughout the tree for small moments of surprise. They can also be grouped with simpler decorations to balance their bold, humorous look. When the holiday season is over, store the ornaments carefully so the painted details are less likely to rub against other decorations.
These DIY eye ornaments are a quick way to bring a little whimsy to seasonal decorating. Choose a consistent color palette for a coordinated set, or vary the designs to give each ornament its own character.
Craft design by Laura.
