Today’s project is the third installment in a joint holiday series with tinsel + trim. Last week we made a Wine Box Drink Stand and the previous week we shared how to make Wood Bead Snowflake Ornaments. This time around we took inspiration from vintage ornaments to make this super cute but deceptively simple glass diorama ornament. The hardest, but also best, part is finding the elements for your diorama. Personalize it by drawing from shared memories with loved ones. Thanks to Cathie for putting together this beautiful DIY!

TIME TO COMPLETE

Approximate time: 15 minutes active, 30 minutes waiting

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

• Glass bell ornament (like this one from Melissa Frances)
• Items for diorama (like our deer and tree)
• White cotton roving
• Miniature tinsel garland (like this one)
• White acrylic paint
• Foam brush
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Glue stick (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Paint all sides of the cardboard base that comes with your glass bell. Be sure to paint the edges as well. Allow to dry (approximately 30 minutes).

Step 2:

With hot glue or a glue stick, apply a small amount of white wool roving. This will appear to be snow when the diorama is complete.

Step 3:

Before gluing your diorama elements in place, stage them to see how you will want them to appear. Make sure all the items will fit without bending when you place the bell over the diorama.

Step 4:

Apply hot glue to the bottom of your central element, which in our case is a small bottle brush tree. Place the element where you want it to appear in the diorama. Make sure the glue connects with both the roving and the cardboard base.

Step 5:

Continue to position your elements on the diorama, fixing them in place with glue.

Step 6:

Place the bell over your diorama. Holding it in place with one hand, apply glue to a portion of the edge. Follow by quickly covering the glue with your tinsel. Repeat around the entire bell diorama.

 

Wondrous! You just made a glass diorama ornament!