DIY with Star: Glittered Globes

I’m delighted to share with you my first DIY project – Glittered Globes.  I’m very excited about these because they are extremely versatile.  They can be used as decorations for the upcoming winter holidays as well as for weddings and parties.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

I first saw this project last year on a Martha Stewart Holiday Special but didn’t get the chance to try it until this year.  Martha’s Snowy Balloon Ornaments looked simple when Martha made them, but Martha makes everything look easy!  Surprisingly, this project was actually as easy as it appeared and the finished product looks just like Martha’s.  I deviated slightly from Martha’s instructions.  Here’s how I made my Glittered Globes:

 

What you’ll need
Small to regular sized balloons (not water balloons)

White string, yarn, or kitchen twine (I used crochet thread)

School Glue

Waxed or parchment paper

Glitter (I used clear glitter)

Small paint brush or foam brush

How to make them

1. Mix two parts glue with one part water to dilute the glue

2. Blow a balloon up to approximately the size of your palm and paint a layer of the glue mixture all over the balloon.  Holding both the end of the string and the tip of the balloon, begin wrapping the string around the balloon going horizontally and vertically until the balloon is evenly wrapped.  You may wrap the balloon as little or as much as you’d like.   

3. Once the balloon is wrapped, gently paint a layer of the glue mixture over the entire balloon, making sure to cover every bit of string.

4. Sprinkle the glue painted balloon all over and set it on the waxed/parchment paper to dry.  Depending on how thick the glue layer, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours to dry completely.  Once the glue is completely dry, pop the balloon and viola!

      

I plan to tie a ribbon and maybe a jingle bell to these little globes and use these as Christmas ornaments as Martha suggests; however, as you can see, these little gems can be used all sorts of ways...

Using a combination of larger and smaller balloons you can make hanging chandeliers, which would be beautiful for a natural, outdoor wedding, bridal shower or outdoor event.

 Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire

 Photo courtesy of Ruffled

These little globes look beautiful as centerpieces, and the flowers add a nice pop of color.  Combined with candles, it makes for a cost effective centerpiece for weddings or dinner parties.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Wire

 Photo courtesy of Xenia Nova

You can consider skipping the glitter, as well as experiment with different textures and colors of string, using natural color twine for an earthier look. 

Photo courtesy of Shop Ruche

If you are feeling extra ambitious, you can even make one into a lamp.

Photo courtesy of Tip Junkie 

These globes are a fun, cost effective DIY project that can be used in all sorts of ways.  I can guarantee your friends will be impressed!  Try it out and let me know how you use them.

Star