Rustic Recycled Ornaments: Festive DIY with a Second Life

Rustic Recycled Ornaments – Because There's Nothing That Can't Be Repurposed!

I did it again. I took my old DIY hanging vases, which were something entirely different before, and turned them into something completely new. This time, they’re Christmas ornaments – rustic, with a glittery touch and branches straight from nature. Perfect for hanging above a fireplace, window, or mirror, or even as a table decoration. After all, who says ornaments are only for Christmas trees?

Rustic Hanging Ornaments: From DIY Vases to Festive Decorations

These rustic ornaments are actually a new version of my DIY hanging vases that I made earlier. If you’re curious about how they were originally created, you can check out the entire process in this post. It’s a great example of how one project can get a second life and transform into something completely different!

Step 1: A New Base – Dark and Elegant

To start, I gave the ornaments a fresh, dark color. Why? Because it’s the perfect background for gold glitter. The dark base gives them an elegant yet rustic character – a mix of glamour with a countryside vibe. The holes in the ornaments were already there, so no drilling was necessary.

Step 2: Paper Tape – Go for Irregular Lines

Once the ornaments dried, it was time for paper tape. I don’t use it straight off the roll – I tear each piece in half, which creates those cool, irregular lines. I stick the tape onto the ornaments in random patterns, forming designs that, once glittered, look hand-painted (and, well, they kind of are).

Step 3: PVA Glue and the Magic of Glitter

On the exposed areas of the ornaments, I apply a layer of PVA glue. Then, before the glue dries, I generously sprinkle gold glitter over it. I do this over a sheet of paper – this way, I can collect all the leftover glitter and pour it back into the container. Full-on eco-friendly vibes, even with glitter!

Step 4: Removing the Tape – Instant Results

Here’s an important detail: I don’t wait for the glue to dry. I gently remove the tape immediately after applying the glitter. This way, the glitter patterns are visible right away, and the glue is still slightly "active," adding a natural touch to the overall look. This is the moment you see the design come to life.

Step 5: Greenery, Holly, and Other Details

In the pre-existing holes in the ornaments, I place sprigs of greenery, like pine or holly (yes, those red berries have a name, and they’re perfect for Christmas décor). These additions give the ornaments even more rustic charm, making the whole project feel more natural and three-dimensional.

Rustic, Eco-Friendly, and Versatile

These ornaments are the epitome of rustic style with a touch of festive glamour. You can hang them above a fireplace, window, or mirror, or simply place them on a table among candles and other decorations. They’re versatile, beautiful, and – best of all – you won’t find anything like them in stores. Plus, they’re eco-friendly – recycling at its finest!

If you’re in the mood to repurpose old projects into something new, give this a try. You might discover that glitter and PVA glue are better friends than you thought. And if not, at least you’ll have something to sprinkle all over your tree!

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