Paint Swirled Ornaments: Some helpful hints

by SD
(Florida)

I have made 100's of these, the instructions that are given are not exactly how you can get the best look. I only use a 4" ornament. I do not wash them. Currently I am doing 132. I have bought LOTs of paints. To drip the paint in like suggested will not give you the best look. You need to pick 2 or more colors that you want to use, open the cap and be ready to work quick and dont be afraid to use your paint. Start with one color, squirt a line down the side, and keep turning the ornament and do the same thing with that color and continue with the other colors you chose for that ornament. Making sure you let each color hit the previous color so it can pull the colors. At the bottom you will see the paint pooling, start rolling or and up or down motion with the ornament so the paint covers all the ornament. The colors will pull from each other and have a lovely effect. Turn upside down in a trimmed down styrofoam cup, you may need to use the paint that runs out later. Now, about every 1/2 hour or so turn the ornament (either upside down or rightside up). Your ornament will change its look quite a bit. It will take you some time to learn what the paints will do but in time you will love what your seeing. If..... you hold your ornament to the light and look into it and see the paint dried thin, take some of the paint that drained in the cup and pour it back in and let it roll. Drain again and roll again. You should have your ornament right side up after 24 hours because it will take days to completely dry. You should never SHAKE the ornaments with the paint in them, all this does is mixes the color and you get an ornament with one color and thats no fun. Silver, gold, black paints run thin, you may need touch ups (pouring the cup paint back in) with those colors. Don't be afraid to waste a little paint, its just paint and the ornament will last generations. They are that lovely. My first set is over 10 years old, every year when I put them up, I ohhhh and awwwww over them, saying oh this one is my favorite with each one. They will pass thru my family. I am now making them for my gift for gift exchange at my office, they are a big hit.

Good luck and have fun.