Transform your holiday decor with these delightful DIY mercury glass ornaments—quick, shatterproof, and just as stunning as the real thing, all while keeping your budget happy!

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Creating Your Own Easy, Shatterproof DIY Mercury Glass Ornaments

Hello, friends! I hope this post finds you well and filled with the joy that comes with the anticipation of the Christmas season. I know it might seem a bit early to be diving into Christmas crafts, but if you’re anything like me, you’ve already got a head start on your holiday preparations.

Today, I’m excited to share a simple, budget-friendly project that will add a touch of vintage charm to your Christmas tree: DIY mercury glass ornaments. And the best part? They’re shatterproof, incredibly easy to make, and look just as beautiful as the real thing!

Embracing the Spirit of Simple Living

Christmas is a special time of year when we come together with our loved ones to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It’s also a time when many of us enjoy decorating our homes with festive ornaments and twinkling lights.

I’m a big fan of vintage decor and enjoy repurposing items to give my home that cozy, farmhouse feel. It speaks to me because it’s simple, like our lifestyle, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

So, when I first discovered mercury glass ornaments, I was instantly drawn to their timeless beauty. However, the price tag for genuine mercury glass ornaments was a bit steep for my budget. I couldn’t justify spending so much on something that would only hang around for a couple of months.

Instead of giving up on the idea altogether, I decided to see if I could create my own mercury glass ornaments. To my delight, I found numerous tutorials online that showed how to make these ornaments with a few supplies and a bit of creativity. Each tutorial had its own unique twist, but they all seemed manageable and budget-friendly.

The Joy of a Shatterproof Christmas Craft

One of the challenges I faced was finding the right type of ornament. I have young kids and a playful dog, so glass ornaments were out of the question. I didn’t want to risk having shattered glass all over the floor or a furry friend getting hurt. Thankfully, I discovered that shatterproof plastic ornaments work just as well as glass ones. You wouldn’t believe how convincing they look!

Making these DIY mercury glass ornaments is incredibly easy. Even if you’re not the most crafty person, you can tackle this project with confidence. In fact, my two older kids, ages 8 and 7, had a blast making their own ornaments. The only trick is to make sure you spray the paint inside the ornament—just keep the nozzle pointed in the right direction, and you’re good to go.

The Joy of Creating Beautiful Ornaments on a Budget

The best part about this project is how affordable it is. I was able to make six ornaments for less than $20, and I still have plenty of spray paint left for future projects.

I used a 40% off coupon for the Krylon Looking Glass spray paint, which is essential for achieving that authentic mercury glass look. The paint is a bit pricier than regular spray paint (mine was $11.99 with the coupon), but it’s worth every penny for the stunning results. Plus, I’m sure I’ll find countless other uses for it—or maybe even turn everything I own into mercury glass!

A Note on DIY Mercury Glass Supplies

To achieve that beautiful mercury glass effect, you’ll need Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint or Rustoleum Mirror Effect spray paint. Silver metallic paint won’t give you the same results. I had a bit of trouble finding it at my local stores but eventually found it at Hobby Lobby. It’s also available on Amazon, which is a great option if you prefer online shopping.

One small hurdle I encountered was getting the lid off the spray paint can. If you’re like me, you might need a bit of patience and a screwdriver to pry it off. I ended up just breaking it off after some frustration, but I’m sure you’ll have better luck!

You have to use Krylon Looking Glass Spray Paint or Rustoleum Mirror Effect spray paint for this project. Silver metallic will not work. It does cost more, but you won’t get the same results without it. I had trouble finding it, I found it at Hobby Lobby and couldn’t find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot (which is unusual). It is available on Amazon, as well.

Tips for Success

When it comes to the ornaments themselves, I chose clear shatterproof ones, but you can use glass if you prefer. If you have children or pets and want to avoid breakable ornaments, shatterproof plastic is a great choice. It’s practical and ensures a safer environment for everyone.

I also experimented with different paint finishes. One of my ornaments was done with just copper paint, and it turned out gorgeous with a rustic look.

Feel free to get creative with your designs! You can use varying amounts of copper or vinegar spray, or experiment with different painting techniques. Each ornament will turn out unique, which adds to the charm.

Final Thoughts

I must say, these DIY mercury glass ornaments look even more amazing in person than in photographs. It’s challenging to capture the mirrored effect in pictures, but trust me, they’re stunning. I’m planning to make more of these ornaments to hang on our tree this year because they’re easy to make, cost-effective, and simply beautiful.

I hope this project inspires you to get crafty and add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Remember, the true spirit of Christmas is about celebrating with loved ones and cherishing the simple joys of the season. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, love, and the peace that comes from knowing our Savior.

Easy DIY Mercury Glass Ornaments

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1/ornament

These easy DIY mercury glass ornaments come together in under 5 minutes, are shatterproof, and give you the elegant look of the real thing without breaking the bank!

Materials

Instructions

Prepare Your Ornaments: Start by gently removing the tops from each ornament. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect right now—we’re going to give them a beautiful transformation!
Revamp the Tops: Take the ornament tops outside, and carefully disassemble them by pulling out the spring hanger. Lay them on a piece of newspaper, and spritz them lightly with vinegar. Next, spray them evenly with the copper spray paint, making sure each one gets a nice, even coat. Let them dry while you move on to creating the ornaments.
Begin the Ornament Magic: Take one ornament and spray 2-3 squirts of the looking glass spray paint inside. Immediately follow with 2 squirts of vinegar. Give it a gentle swirl, then use a hairdryer to blow air inside the ornament while you continue swirling the mixture. You’ll notice the paint starting to look like a mirror—don’t worry if it seems a little uneven at first, that’s perfectly okay!
Add More Layers: Spray another 2-3 squirts of the looking glass spray paint inside, followed by 2 more squirts of vinegar. Cover the opening with a paper towel, and gently shake the ornament while using the hairdryer on the outside to speed up the drying process. Once it’s nicely shaken and swirled, blow more air into the ornament to help it dry.
Finish with Copper Touch: Now, spray 2 squirts of copper paint and 1 squirt of the looking glass paint inside the ornament, followed by 2 more squirts of vinegar. Cover the opening again and shake, using the hairdryer just as before. Continue to swirl the paint and blow air inside until you’re happy with the coverage.
Check the Coating: If you feel the ornament needs a little more coverage, simply repeat the process until you achieve the look you love. It usually takes just two rounds of spraying, but you’ll know when it’s perfect.
Final Touches: If the tops aren’t fully dry yet, use the hairdryer to finish them off. Once they’re ready, pop them back onto the ornaments, and enjoy your beautiful creations!

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Sheila

Monday 27th of November 2023

Thanks for sharing! This is a wonderful idea, something the doggo’s and cats can’t break this year!

Danielle McCoy

Yes! They're awesome. They look good, but I don't have to risk them shattering all over the floor from a dog tail or a wild 6 year old LOL.

Tami

Saturday 15th of January 2022

Hi, thank you for sharing! Very few tutorials are out there with plastic. I was wondering if you had any tips as I want to do this technique on clear plastic plate chargers. Thanks again!

Patti Stine

Monday 27th of December 2021

Growing up, we had the real mercury glass ornaments that were shaped like airplanes, chandeliers and other things from the early 1900s. I know they came from either my mother's mother or her father but don't know which one. Unfortunately, I don't know where they came from because as a kid even though I loved these ornaments I never thought to ask about them. I look forward to getting the kits so I can find for myself. Thank you

Bettsi

Wednesday 9th of December 2020

These are beautiful! I love that you were able to use plastic ornaments. Thanks!

Thursday 10th of December 2020

Glad you liked them!

Dashing through the…decorating – South Llanwellyn 1890

Tuesday 8th of December 2020

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