Handmade Ornament - Pine Cone ~

I was thrilled to participate in Stephanie Lynn's Handmade Ornament series. Here is my ornament...

When I  was out looking for inspiration I spotted an ornament that totally inspired me and I thought would be perfect for this series. Here are the materials you will need:

• 6" Styrofoam Cone
• Decoart Elegant Finish Metallic Paint in Champagne Gold
• Martha Stewart Smoky Quartz Glitter 
• Silver Glitter
• About 25-30 Faux Petals - preferably with wire (I used roses)
• Round Bead
• Thin Ribbon or Tinsel Cord
• Hot Glue Gun
• Ribbon (optional)

I purchased the cone from Michaels for $2.99 and everything else I had on hand.

I started by painting each petal Champagne Gold.

And while they were still wet, I added the glitter (I simply mixed both glitters together in a small bowl).

And laid them out to dry overnight.

I did the same to the styrofoam cone and to the center section from one of my faux flowers - 

Once the petals were dry, I realized they needed a little glitter on the back side as well. So a little more paint and a little more glitter - I seriously think glitter is embedded in my eyebrows!

Now it was time to assemble the ornament. I started at the top of the foam and inserted the center section from one of the roses.

I then started added each petal by inserting the wire into the foam and hot gluing the petal in place.

I simply added rows and made sure the petals were overlapping one another.

Once at the top of the ornament I hot glued on a hanger I made with a bead and a piece of tinsel cord.

Here it is completely glittered, petaled and hanging.

But now it was time for some fluffing - this is where the wired petals come in handy. I simply started bending and shaping each petal to give it an organic look...kind of pine cone-esque!

I then added a little bow to top it off! I love how it turned out - I really love the combination of the organic shape, the glittery layers and the elegant ribbon (and I totally heart that it only cost me $2.99 since everything else I had on-hand).

(My Christmas tree was not up yet, so please excuse my half garland for presentation purposes!)

Ballard Designs Knock-Off Ornament ~

DIY | Holiday Inspiration

I know I  have told you before I have a thing for pinecones, so when I say these lovelies at Ballard Designs I knew I wanted them! But, I thought "I can make these".

So, here are the supplies you will need:

• Martha Stewart Smoky Quartz Glitter
• Silver Glitter
• Glue (I used Aleene's Original Tacky Glue)
• Pinecones 
• Ribbon
• Hot Glue Gun

I started by putting on the glue (I pulled out a brush, but it was just as easy to use my finger).

I then sprinkled on both kinds of glitter.

I then let everything dry for a few hours. 

Once dry, I hot glued a ribbon hanger to each pinecone.

And viola! I had everything on hand, so these bad boys were free! I think these would also be great without the ribbon and simply stuck into a garland or any holiday arrangement. And you could really use any color glitter (you could even add really small beads for a chunkier look) and any ribbon you have on hand.