Fabric Christmas Ball Ornaments
Fabric Christmas Ball Ornaments. Oct. 2024.
There are two types of Christmas decorators. There are the traditionalists who, year after year, put up the same ornaments with nostalgic joy as they unpack the sentimental treasures from storage that have accumulated over the years, ranging from a baby’s first ornament to a personalized family Christmas ball. And then there is the decorator Christmas decorator who adores creating new looks every year and likely has a bulging storage room full of decor. The full force of her artistry comes out at the holidays. Her mind is a whirlwind of ideas, often planning out subsequent Christmases. Crafting is often a part of this, of course, and as a full-fledged member of the latter category, my enthusiasm yearly takes me into at least one ornament crafting day.
Today’s post indulges my love of fabric- something other fabric lovers will understand. The draw of a good piece of fabric, both old and new, is something I never tire of. Whether an aged chintz, worn linen, a rich velvet, or an elegant brocade, the lure is there. My eyes wander over the fabric, taking in its colors and history while I gently finger it to feel its texture and weight. One of the first questions that comes to mind is What can I make with it? Ask any seamstress, and they will tell you about their fabric closet that is bursting with choice cuts they have picked up over the years. And here is an opportunity to use some of those beautiful fabrics to create these elegant satin balls.
The traditional Christmas ball ornament emerged in the late 1800s and has been a staple of Christmas decor ever since. Usually, there are Christmas balls of some sort on our tree. However, this year, things will take a bit more homespun turn with fabric balls. I love the folds the fabric creates at the top. And yet, they are elegant, with satin topped by a gold, old-world cap. Many of the craft ornaments come with silver tops. I spray-painted them gold. I also made a point of looking for ornate tops to add to the look. These can be purchased separately as well.
Fabric Christmas Ball Ornaments
A Fabric Christmas Ball Ornament
Ingredients
- Fabric (satin or thin cotton works best)
- Plastic craft ornaments (the kind with the tops that come off)
- Small clear hair rubber bands
Instructions
- Take the top off one of your ornaments and set it aside.
- Cover the ornament with fabric, pulling it tight at the top as shown in the photo.
- Arrange the fabric folds as you like before the next step. Smooth out anything you don’t like.
- Holding the fabric at the top as shown, cut it short, but leave a couple of inches.
- Now take a rubber band and put it around the top.
- Now trim off the fabric until it is level with the top of the ornament, but still above the rubber band.
- Now get the ornament top and spread it wide.
- Put it back on the ornament, then press the sides back down tightly over the fabric as shown in the photo.
- All done!
Notes
- Use thin fabric. The more bulk you have, the harder it is to put the top back on.
- Keep in mind that the larger the ornament, the more fabric bulk at the top.
- Thin velvet fabric works better on the 3-inch ornaments.
- Small, clear hair rubber bands have less bulk and are less visible.
- Most ornament tops come in silver. I spray-painted mine gold.
- Patience.
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