DIY Glittery Foam Ornaments: Easy Christmas Craft Tutorial

Updated at: 03/02/2025

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by crafting your own unique decorations? This year, ditch the store-bought ornaments and embrace the sparkle with our easy DIY glittery foam ornaments! These charming decorations are perfect for adding a touch of personalized magic to your Christmas tree, or even for gifting to loved ones. Creating these festive pieces is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal supplies and even less crafting expertise, making them ideal for families with children or anyone looking for a fun and rewarding afternoon project.

Forget expensive and complicated decorations; this tutorial will guide you through the process of transforming plain foam shapes into dazzling, glittery ornaments that will impress everyone. With just a few easy-to-follow steps and readily available materials, you'll be crafting stunning, personalized ornaments in no time at all. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin creating your own shimmering Christmas masterpieces!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Two sheets of glittery foam (gold and silver)
  • Cookie cutter (2.25 inches in diameter)
  • Hot glue gun
  • Gold beads (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Clothes pins (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required, especially when working with young children and sharp tools like scissors or craft knives.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when using glitter, as inhaling it can be harmful. Consider working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask.
  • Dispose of craft materials responsibly. Glitter can be difficult to clean up and may not be environmentally friendly. Check local guidelines for proper disposal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Foam Circles

    • Cut out eight circles of each color (gold and silver) using your cookie cutter.
    • Cut each circle in half.
    Cut each circle in half.Cut each circle in half.
    Prepare the Foam Circles

  2. Create Double-Layered Half-Circles

    • Fold each half-circle in half with the glitter on the inside. Apply a line of hot glue to the flat edge and press to adhere.
    • Repeat step 3 for all 16 half-circles.
    Repeat step 3 for all 16 half-circles.Repeat step 3 for all 16 half-circles.
    Create Double-Layered Half-Circles

  3. Assemble Double-Layered Pieces

    • Glue pairs of folded half-circles together (gold to gold, silver to silver) along the folded edges, creating 8 double-layered pieces.
    Glue pairs of folded half-circles together (gold to gold, silver to silver) along the folded edges, creating 8 double-layered pieces.
    Assemble Double-Layered Pieces

  4. Create the Ornament Stacks

    • Take four gold and four silver double-layered pieces and glue them together in a stack, alternating colors. Keep the glue close to the edges to allow for fanning out later.
    • Repeat step 6 with the remaining four gold and four silver pieces to create a second stack.
    Repeat step 6 with the remaining four gold and four silver pieces to create a second stack.Repeat step 6 with the remaining four gold and four silver pieces to create a second stack.
    Create the Ornament Stacks

  5. Form the Sphere

    • Gently fan out the pieces in each stack. Glue the stacks together, creating a sphere. Add more glue as needed to secure the pieces.
    Gently fan out the pieces in each stack. Glue the stacks together, creating a sphere. Add more glue as needed to secure the pieces.
    Form the Sphere

  6. Close the Top and Bottom Openings

    • Cut two pieces of foam (1 inch wide x 5.5 inches long) for the top and bottom. Roll them up, add glue to secure and glue them into the openings at the top and bottom of the sphere.
    Cut two pieces of foam (1 inch wide x 5.5 inches long) for the top and bottom. Roll them up, add glue to secure and glue them into the openings at the top and bottom of the sphere.
    Close the Top and Bottom Openings

  7. Decorate (Optional)

    • Add beads or other embellishments to decorate.
    Optional: Add beads or other embellishments to decorate.
    Decorate (Optional)

Read more: Super Crown Cosplay Tutorial: Fabric Covering for a Professional Finish

Tips

  • Use a low-temperature glue gun if you're worried about melting the foam.
  • Don't worry if the circles aren't perfectly cut in half or if the layers don't perfectly align; the imperfections won't be visible in the finished ornament.
  • Work with four pieces at a time when stacking to make the process easier.
  • Use clothes pins to hold pieces together while the glue sets.
  • Apply glue to the bare foam, not the glitter side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Glitter Coverage

Reason: Applying too little glue or not pressing the glitter firmly enough onto the wet adhesive.
Solution: Reapply glue to bare spots and generously press glitter onto the wet glue before it dries.

2. Glitter Shedding

Reason: Using insufficient adhesive or a type of glue that doesn't fully adhere to the foam and glitter.
Solution: Use a strong adhesive like school glue or Mod Podge, ensuring complete coverage and allowing it to dry thoroughly before handling.

FAQs

What kind of foam is best for these ornaments?
Craft foam sheets work perfectly! They're readily available, come in various colors, and are easy to cut. Avoid using thicker foams as they can be harder to work with.
What type of glitter should I use?
Fine glitter adheres best to the foam. Ultra-fine or craft glitter will give you a smooth, even coating. Avoid chunky glitter, as it may not stick well.
How do I prevent the glitter from shedding?
Use a good quality adhesive like school glue or Mod Podge. Apply a thin, even coat to the foam before applying the glitter. Once dry, you can seal the glitter with another coat of Mod Podge for extra protection and to minimize shedding.