There’s something magical about opening a box of shiny, store-bought ornaments. But then, they all look, well, exactly like everyone else’s. This year, why not add a story to your tree? This is for you, the beginner who wants to paint Christmas baubles just for the pure joy of it.
No pressure to be perfect, no fancy art degree needed. Just you, some simple supplies, and the amazing feeling of making something beautiful with your own two hands. Painting your own baubles is the ultimate way to make your holiday decor truly personal, and it’s a surprisingly cozy and satisfying way to spend an afternoon.
So, let’s dive into some amazing, totally doable ideas to get you started.
Candy Cane Stripes
This idea is a classic for a very good reason. It’s cheerful, it’s instantly recognizable, and it just feels like Christmas. The appeal here is the playful, swirling pattern. It’s fun and full of motion, much more lively than simple, straight stripes.
To achieve this look, the key is in the twist. You don’t just paint lines. Instead, you create a spiral. Start with your base color, perhaps a clean white, and let it dry completely. Then, take your red paint and gently spin the bauble as you apply a continuous, curving stripe from the top to the bottom. The motion is similar to curling a ribbon.
For an extra little something, you can add a second, thinner stripe next to the first one. The goal isn’t machine-like precision, but a happy, hand-painted charm. This is a wonderful first project because it’s so forgiving and so festive.
Glitter Bauble
Sometimes, you want something elegant but with a secret sparkle. This idea is all about monochromatic magic. Imagine a deep emerald green bauble that shimmers with green glitter, or a rich burgundy one that catches the light with a ruby glow. It’s sophisticated but also incredibly fun to make.
The process here is beautifully simple. First, paint your entire bauble with a solid, rich color. Choose a paint that gives good coverage. After the base coat is completely dry, the real work begins. You’ll apply a clear adhesive or even a thin layer of clear-drying glue to the areas where you want the glitter. Then, while the glue is still wet, you sprinkle on that matching glitter.
You can cover the whole thing for a full sparkle effect, or just dust it on the top half for a graceful, ombre-like look. The result is a gorgeous, custom ornament that looks expensive but was so simple to create.
Snowflake Designs
This look captures the quiet, peaceful beauty of a winter night. A solid, dark background, such as navy blue, deep purple, or black, creates a stunning canvas for delicate white snowflakes.
To create this, start with that solid dark color as your base. Once it’s dry, use a small brush or even a simple toothpick to paint your snowflakes. Remember, real snowflakes have six points, but yours can be whatever you like!
Practice a few on paper first. Make some big, some small, and scatter them across the bauble. The beauty is in the variation. No two will be exactly alike, and that’s the point!
Simple Christmas Color Plops
This idea is pure, joyful energy. If you love modern, abstract art, you will love this technique. It’s about being bold and playful with dabs and dots of classic Christmas colors.
The method here is incredibly freeing. You don’t need a plan, just a palette of your favorite holiday hues: red, green, gold, and white are perfect. Then, using different-sized brush tips or even the end of a pencil, start adding “plops” or dots of color all over your bauble. You can layer them, mix them, and let them overlap. The result is a bright, happy, and unique ornament bursting with holiday spirit.
Christmas Foliage
This design brings a touch of natural, timeless elegance to your tree. It’s inspired by classic holiday wreaths and garlands. A simple, solid-colored bauble becomes the perfect backdrop for a sprig of holly, some mistletoe berries, or a few pine needles.
To achieve this lovely look, paint your bauble in a warm, neutral tone. Think white, cream, gold, or a soft sage green. Let that dry completely. Then, using a finer brush, paint a small cluster of leaves. You can add little red berries for a pop of color.
The trick is to keep it minimal and graceful. You don’t need to paint a whole forest, just a little hint of one. This idea feels both traditional and deeply personal.
Paint Your Baubles for A Unique Tree
So, there you have it. Five amazing, beginner-friendly paths to start your own holiday tradition. Remember, the goal isn’t to create a museum piece. The goal is to enjoy the process, unwind, and create something that brings you a smile every time you see it on your tree.
This Christmas, the very best gift to yourself might just be an afternoon of quiet creativity. Gather your brushes, pick your favorite idea, and paint Christmas baubles that tell your unique holiday story.
