How to Decorate Ceramic Ornaments

Attention all crafters and holiday enthusiasts! The most beautiful time of the year is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about decorating your home with festive ornaments that add a personal touch. Rather than purchasing generic decorations from a store, why not try creating one-of-a-kind ceramic ornaments? Not only are they fun to make, but they also make great gifts for loved ones.

Ceramic ornaments are a versatile and durable option for holiday decorating. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them the perfect canvas for your creative ideas. Plus, they can be decorated using various techniques such as painting, decoupage, or glittering.

In this blog post, we will guide you through different techniques and tips on how to decorate ceramic ornaments. Get ready to unleash your creativity and add some handmade charm to your holiday decor!

What Will You Need?

First things first, gather all the necessary supplies before you begin decorating your ceramic ornaments. Here are some essentials you will need to get started:

• Ceramic ornaments (can be found in craft stores or online)
• Paints (acrylic, oil-based, or enamel)
• Brushes (various sizes for different painting techniques)
• Decoupage glue
• Decorative paper or napkins
• Glitter (optional)
• Ribbon or string for hanging

Once you have all the supplies, it’s time to get crafting!

10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate Ceramic Ornaments

Step 1. Prepare Your Workspace:

Start by covering your workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it from spills or drips. Make sure you have all your materials within easy reach. If you’re using paints, pour them into a palette or small containers. Remember, it’s easier to keep your workspace tidy than to clean up a big mess later!

Step 2. Base Coating:

Before you start with the intricate details, applying a base coat on your ceramic ornaments is good. This will ensure that your colors pop and give a nice finished look. Choose a color that complements your design and apply it evenly with a medium-sized brush. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Patience here is critical, as rushing may result in smudged designs later.

Step 3. Outlining Your Design:

The next step is to outline your design on the ceramic ornament. This can be done using a pencil or a fine tip marker. Start by sketching your desired pattern or image lightly on the trim. The outline will serve as your guide when painting or applying decoupage. Remember, if you make a mistake at this stage, you can permanently erase it and start again.

Step 4. Painting Your Design:

Now comes the fun and creative part – painting your design onto the ceramic ornament. Using your outlined design as a guide, fill in the shapes and patterns with your chosen colors. Select brushes that match the size and intricacy of your design. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Don’t worry about making mistakes; they can add character to your ornament or be painted over. Once your painting is complete, allow the ornament to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 5. Applying Decoupage:

If you are using decorative paper or napkins for your design, the next step involves applying decoupage. Cut your chosen piece into shapes or patterns that fit your design. Then, using a brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue to the area on the ornament where you want to place the paper. Carefully lay the form onto the glued area and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles using your fingers. Once in place, coat the top of the paper with another layer of decoupage glue to seal it.

Step 6. Adding Glitter (Optional):

For those who want to add a little sparkle to their ornaments, glitter is a perfect choice. While your decoupage glue or paint is still wet, sprinkle your choice of glitter over the decoration. If you’re working with specific areas, it is helpful to use a smaller brush to apply the glitter. This step is entirely optional but can add an extra festive touch to your decorations.

Step 7. Sealing Your Ornament:

After your ornament has been painted and decorated to your satisfaction and everything is completely dry, you should seal it to protect your design. Apply a clear sealant (found at most craft stores) over the entire ornament. Be sure to cover all painted and decoupaged areas thoroughly. This will help preserve your design and give your ornament a glossy finish.

Step 8. Adding the Finishing Touches:

The final step in decorating your ceramic ornament is adding the finishing touches. These could be small details painted on with a fine brush, additional glitter, or even attaching small gems or beads with strong craft glue. These embellishments can tie your design together and give your ornament a unique, polished look. Remember to take your time with these finishing touches, as they can make all the difference.

Step 9. Attaching the Hanging Ribbon or String:

After your ornament is fully dry and you’re satisfied with your decoration, it’s time to prepare it for hanging on your tree or elsewhere in your home. Cut a length of ribbon or string, thread it through the hole at the top of your ornament, and tie a secure knot. This simple step transforms your decorated ceramic piece into a ready-to-hang decoration, adding a homemade touch to your festive decor.

Step 10. Displaying Your Handmade Ornaments:

Finally, after all your hard work and creative effort, it’s time to display your handmade ceramic ornaments. Whether you hang them on your Christmas tree, dangle them from a mantle, or use them as part of a table centerpiece, these ornaments will add a special, personalized touch to your holiday decor.

As you behold your finished creations, remember the fun and fulfillment that came with each brushstroke, each glitter sprinkle, and each moment of crafting. Now, sit back and enjoy the delightful charm of your handmade ceramic ornaments this festive season!

By following these 10 easy steps, you can create beautiful and unique ceramic ornaments that will add a personal touch to your holiday decorations.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1. Experiment with Textures:

Don’t restrict yourself to plain paint. Experiment with adding textures to your ornaments through techniques such as sponging, stippling, or even using a toothbrush to create splatter effects. You can also explore textured mediums like sand or flocking powder to add depth and interest to your designs.

Tip 2. Use Stencils:

If you need more confidence in freehand painting, stencils can be a helpful tool for creating intricate patterns or designs on your ceramic ornaments. They are readily available at craft stores or can even be made at home using cardstock paper and a craft knife.

Tip 3. Layer Colors for Depth:

Layering different shades of the same color can create an illusion of depth and dimension on your ceramic ornaments. Start with a darker shade as the base, and gradually add lighter hues on top. You can use a dry brush technique to highlight raised areas or sponge dabbing for a softer blend. This adds richness to your design and makes your ornament more visually interesting.

Tip 4. Personalize with Names or Messages:

To make your ornaments even more unique, personalize them by adding names or short messages using a fine tip paint pen. This is a great way to create unique gifts for loved ones and add a personal touch to your holiday decor.

Tip 5. Practice on Other Surfaces First:

If you’re new to decorating ceramic ornaments, practicing your painting and decoupage techniques on other surfaces is a good idea. This could be on paper or even plain white ceramic tiles. It will help you get comfortable with the medium and allow you to perfect your skills before working on your actual ornaments. 

With these tips and tricks, you can take your ceramic ornament decorating to the next level and create stunning pieces to add to your holiday collection.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Avoid 1. Rushing the process:

Patience is key when it comes to decorating ceramic ornaments. It’s essential to allow adequate drying time between each layer of paint, decoupage, or sealant. Rushing this process could lead to smudges or uneven finishes that detract from your final design.

Avoid 2. Neglecting to seal your work:

Always ensure to seal your ornament once you’ve completed your decorations. Skipping this step might lead to your designs wearing off or deteriorating over time, especially if your ornaments are handled frequently or stored improperly.

Avoid 3. Overloading on embellishments:

While glitter, gems, and other embellishments can be a fun way to add sparkle to your ornaments, too much can be overpowering. Remember that sometimes, less is more – aim to balance simplicity and charisma in your designs.

Avoid 4. Using low-quality supplies:

Investing in quality paints, sealants, and brushes can significantly affect the final look of your ceramic ornaments. Low-quality supplies can lead to poor application, uneven color, and designs that only last for a while.

Avoid 5. Skip the pre-treatment step:

Before painting or decoupaging your ceramic ornaments, it’s crucial to clean and lightly sand the surface for better adhesion. Skipping this step could result in your designs easily peeling off over time.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your ceramic ornaments turn out beautifully and last for many holiday seasons to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to decorate ceramic ornaments is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. From traditional designs to modern and unique styles, you can use countless techniques and ideas to make your ornaments stand out. We’ve covered everything from painting and glazing to using glitter and decoupage in this post, so go ahead and experiment with different materials and methods.

Remember to involve your family and friends for even more festive fun. Who knows, you may even start a new tradition! Remember to share your creations with us on social media using #CeramicOrnamentDecorating. Happy decorating!