DIY Rub n' Buff Painted Christmas Ornaments

Update your Christmas tree with beautiful handmade ornaments this holiday season.

The Christmas season is near and every person celebrating this year is popping up trees and getting ready for holiday takeover.

Of all the Christmas decor that goes up at this time of year, Christmas tree decorations are my absolute favorite. Each year I change up our theme and our tree. Actually, we have an embarrassing amount of trees around the house. Including one for every bedroom!

This year the color scheme for my own tree is neutral. Instead of traditional red, I opted for varying shades of green, white, gold and charcoal.

Repurposing your own ornaments is definitely a preferred method for decorating. But sometimes it's fun to purchase a set of new beautiful ornaments too. Metallic ornaments seemed to be the perfect painted Christmas ornaments to adorn the tree and compliment the theme.

Unfortunately, mercury glass ornaments are an extra cost at $16 each. Luckily I found an easy way to make my own Christmas ornaments. Significantly less expense and a simple project for anyone to do.

See my other easy DIY Christmas ornaments that I made a few years back.

Supplies to Make DIY Rub n' Buff Ornaments

For these homemade ornaments you will need to compile a small selection from the craft store. Hobby Lobby or Michael's are a great place to check for holiday crafts. (affiliate links)

You Will Need:

• Clear glass ornaments - $5 for 9 ornaments
• Chalk spray paint - Chalked in Charcoal $5
• Rub n' Buff - Available in different colors but I used the gold and antique gold $20
• Gallon size plastic Ziploc bag

Rub n' Buff - Rub n' Buff is a handy little metallic paint that can be used on almost any surface. The shiny, mercury-like finish is a perfect way to embellish the outside of the ornament or another craft. I prefer it to using gold leaf sheets.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Rub n' Buff Painted Ornaments

From expert crafters to kids of all ages out there, this is a simple project for easy DIY ornaments.

Project Preparation

Your first thing to do for these homemade Christmas ornaments is to remove the hook on the top of the ornament. This will help to keep any extra paint off the ornament hardware.

Paint Ornaments in the Base Color

Use your craft spray paint to cover the ornaments entirely in the chosen base color. Any paint colors will do, but I chose to use a charcoal spray paint. It is easier to lay the ornaments on dowels on a board so they don't roll around.

Dry Ornaments

Let your ornaments dry completely. Too much paint will ruin your finish if it is still wet.

Add Rub n' Buff Finish

Take your dried ornament and place it in a plastic gallon size bag. Add a drop of Rub n' Buff to the ornament and close the bag. You can use any favorite color of the metallic shades. Use your fingertips on the outside of the bag to rub the Rub n' Buff all around the outside of the ornament.

Each beautiful DIY ornament will have a unique exterior finish. Isn't that charcoal and gold combination so beautiful?

Final Reveal of DIY Painted Christmas Ornaments

I love the look of these DIY Christmas decorations. It's so simple, the whole family can participate in making ornaments for their very own trees.

See how gorgeous they look hanging on the tree. The pop of gold really compliments the golden bead garland.

Loving this neutral color palette? See how I created this gorgeous neutral fireplace Christmas mantel and get tips for decorating one in your home! You can even extend these neutral color tones into your Christmas office like I did.

Love my tree skirt? Here are 6 easy DIY Christmas tree skirts to vamp up your Christmas tree display.

Enjoy these making painted Christmas ornaments to decorate your tree this year!