I have a love-hate relationship with the plain glass Christmas ornaments available at craft stores. I love to use these basic globes to hold interesting objects for homemade ornaments, but I really don’t love the way the metal caps look. Luckily, I discovered that the opening on the large (4-inch size) balls fits a wine cork perfectly. With a few quick steps, I was able to transform the look of our ornaments by switching out the caps for corks…
Do away with the ugly metal cap on glass balls and use a cork instead. Twist an eye screw into the top of the cork, tie on a loop of jute and cover your tree with these glistening globes.
Small pine cones collected on an outing with family are now preserved as an ornament.
Remove metal cap from ball, fill with an interesting item and close with a cork. Make sure to twist the cork in while gently adding pressure. The glass on the mouth of these balls is thin and will crack if you use too much force.
Twist an eye screw into the top of the cork and add jute. I found the cork to fit tightly enough for me - however - if you like, you could add a drop of clear glue to the rim of the ball for added security.
You can pick up a package of glass balls at any craft store for a few dollars - many stores have these reduced by 50% right now.
I set up my girls with several empty balls and a variety of fillings and let them create their own ornaments - I helped insert the cork. They were thrilled to make these.
Small jingle bells make my daughter happy - she loves this one.
Bittersweet berries make a bright addition.
Connie @ Daydream In Color
December 1, 2011 at 6:21 pm
This is so brilliant! I love how cute these would look with a bunch of vintage style ornaments.
camilla
December 1, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Thanks Connie! I have a ton of vintage ornaments and I’m thinking of pulling out my silver and gold ones to combine with these 🙂
Take Care, C
Erin
December 12, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Hi! I just found your {amazing} blog through a random Google search. LOL
And oh how I frikkin’ LOVE this idea! I have been collecting corks from special occasions (wedding, honeymoon, etc) and I love this! Thanks for the idea! xo, Erin