Recycle those Ornaments

Last December, one of our friends who was moving gave us a bunch of Christmas decorations that she didn't want any more. There were a lot of these Christmas bulbs and many of them were kind of scratched up. I found this great idea online somewhere (wish I could remember where so I could give credit where it's due), and decided it would be the perfect way to make those ornaments something I wanted to keep. 

So if you want to try it, here's what to do:

First, use Mod Podge and small strips of newspaper to paper mache the ornaments. The smaller the strips of paper, the less bumpy they will be. Hang them over the sink or extra newspaper to dry.

Second, paint. It may take several layers to cover the newspaper completely. You can either take off the little caps to do the paper mache and painting, or you could try putting the paper and paint right over them.

Instead of painting all of mine, I simplified the process and used some craft paper instead of newspaper. No painting required. 

It's so nice to feel like I have something new when it's actually used and I didn't even have to spend any money (except for the craft supplies, which I usually have on hand anyway).

The kids also got to have fun with it. I just gave them some of the ornaments and some paint and they were happy. Of course, we had several shattered bulb incidents throughout the process, but at least it helped keep them busy while I tried to finish these. And that's another benefit to these babies... they are a lot less breakable now.