How to Make a Ornament Ball Cluster Decoration

I gave away quite a few of these ornament clusters as gifts but kept one to hang in my dining room (with the gold themed Christmas Tree)

Supply List

• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Approximately 24-30 plastic ornament balls depending on the size of the balls
• One large (approx. 3 inch plastic ball) with the stem/cap attached
• Beaded or regular garland
• 10 inches of Ribbon
• Small stick to use as a tool (i.e. a pack of wooden skewers from the craft store)

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Construction of the ball

Step 1)  Glue the stem/cap of the larger, 3 inch plastic ornament ball (referred to in the instructions as ball #1) to secure it. 

For the stem/cap, thread through a piece of ribbon (to later hang or to tie in a bow)

TIP: Before starting the project, check the placement of the balls on Ball #1 to provide minimum gaps and set out only the amount of balls you intend to use. Place the balls close together starting at the top of ball #1 and then around the middle and then to the bottom of ball #1. Always check placement first before gluing

Step 2) Place ball #1 on top of (inside the circle) of a ring of tape (i.e. masking tape) to hold it upright and keep it from rolling away. You can also use an egg carton (see photo below) or a cup to nestle ball #1 during construction so you can have both hands available for gluing

Step 3) Pull off the stem/caps of the smaller approximately 1.5 inch balls (using pliers) and then start attaching them to and around ball# 1

TIP: Make sure the glue is dry before moving on to attach the next ball. As you go along, check the entire row before starting gluing and check the placement often as you are going around the ball to make sure they will all fit with a minimum amount of gaps

 Step 4) Place the "spout" of the stem/cap of each ball (now without the stem/cap) down and a little to the side of Ball #1 so it will not be as noticeable once glued

REMEMBER: Carefully check for placement before gluing! It may not be possible to separate the balls once the glue has dried. Make sure the glue has dried and the ball is attached well before moving to the next ball otherwise they can slide 

TIP: alternate the colours and sizes of the ornament balls, use different patterns and textures i.e. sparkly coating etc to create visual interest in the piece

Step 5) Once the ornament balls are all in place, cut a few lengths of bead garland and bend them into loops and glue them in between the balls to hide the gaps! 

TIP: Drop the glue into the gaps and then use a small stick to push the garland loop into place ensuring that both the cut ends are in the gap so they cannot be seen

Careful, the glue is hot! Don't burn your fingers!

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Prevent the balls from rolling away by using an egg carton or a ring of tape to secure them during construction

Turn the ball with the spout facing sideways when attaching to Ball #1 (the white ball in the photo) and mix the placement of different colours to make it more visually interesting

You may use different sized balls but remember to always check placement first before gluing as you might be able to pull them apart after they dry but it might leave a mark on the ball

Use garland bead loops to fill in the gaps by dropping the glue into the gaps and pushing the garland loop into the gap using a stick ensuring to hide the two ends

The finished product is a lovely sparkly ornament which you can hang or put on the mantel with other ornament balls, in and around garland and add battery operated lights

The ornament balls are easy to make and are unique as gifts

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Make an ornament for everyone on your holiday giving list!

 
The finished product is approximately
8-10 inches 

Cost approx. $5 and 1 hour to make

​Design Idea: use a variety of sizes of balls and a combination of Colours

Each ornament ​is unique and makes a great decoration for your home or a as a personalized gift

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Have fun and enjoy the creativity!