Bright, easy ornaments

Southern Living, Dec 2001 by Clavell, Alicia, Fitts, Mary Leigh

Light up the season with painted lightbulbs.

Brighten your holiday with these inexpensive and radiant ornaments that are a snap to make. Purchase lightbulbs in interesting shapes and sizes from a hardware store, or just make good use of burned-out ones at home. First, paint decorative designs on the bulbs' surfaces with acrylic paint and fine-line pens, and then embellish them with beaded wire and suspend from your tree.

Painted bulbs even make wonderful Christmas gifts. Tie several on a holiday package, give them as door prizes at a party, or personalize them with names as place cards for a lively dinner. Follow these steps to create your own. ALICIA K. CLAVELL AND MARY LEIGH FITTS

Step 1: Clean lightbulbs by wiping surfaces with soapy water or glass cleaner; use a clean cloth to remove any film or residue.

Step 2: Apply surface conditioner with a paintbrush, and let dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: Create designs on the bulbs using glass/ceramic paint. Allow paint to dry thoroughly. You may want to draw on your designs with a grease pencil first. (Tip: Tie bulb base with florist wire or string before painting, and hang up bulbs to let them dry.)

Step 4: Personalize your ornaments with paint pens. Add a border, make dots, or draw random curls and squiggles. Let dry thoroughly.

Step 5: Wrap florist wire around bulb's base. Leave enough wire to make a loop to suspend ornament. String assorted beads in holiday colors, and loop the ends to secure beads. (Tip: Let children decorate bulbs with small stickers, or glue beads directly onto glass for another fun look.)

For more decorating ideas, see the winter issue of Decorating Step-by-Step, on sale now.

where to find it

DECORATING STEP-BY-STEP

Page 120: Paint supplies from Alabama Art Supply, Birmingham, (205) 322-4741 (R).