Easy Floating Ornament Tutorial

I finally had a chance to finish up the last of this season’s ornaments. For these I made “floating” ornaments.  That is where the inside of the ornament is put on clear plastic and appears to float.  Its a pretty cool technique and I loved making these.  I am sharing my step by step tutorial with you  so you can make some for yourself. They are really easy and you still have a few more days to make some for this year.

FLOATING ORNAMENT TUTORIAL:

1. Use a clear ornament. I used the 3″ Flat Round Ornaments I purchased at Michael’s craft store.  Any shape will do but I think these are easier and look the best for floating ornaments.

2. Next you need some clear plastic for the insert.  You can use Craft Plastic like I did which I purchased in a pack at craft store.  Or thin acetate sheets or even a clear transparency. Basically it needs to be clear plastic that is thin enough you can roll it up easily without it creasing when you go to insert in ornament later.

3.  Cut the clear plastic in a slightly smaller size than the size of your clear ornament. Make sure you add a tab at the top of the circle shape for your insert since that part stays in the stem of the ornament to hold it up so you get that floating effect.  Note:  For these 3″ ornaments, I made a template that was 2.78 inches.  These were done using Cricut Design Space for the Cricut Explore.  I have a Design Space File you use if you are using the same ornaments.                                                                                                                                                                           DESIGN SPACE FILE: https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/project/23301722

4.  Select an image to use that you can add to your clear plastic insert.  I used images from the Cricut FROZEN digital cartridge available for the Cricut Explore.  I flattened the image in Design Space and sized it to fit on clear plastic insert.  Note: I used the insert image as a template to size the image to fit.

5.  I “flattened” the image in Cricut Design Space and used the Print Then Cut feature to print out on Cricut Printable Vinyl.  Note: You could also do a layered vinyl image instead of Print Then Cut if you prefer.  Or even just use stickers or glue die cut shapes to the center.  Just remember, you will need the image material to be flexible enough to bend easily for inserting later.

6.  Add the images to the clear plastic insert.

7.  Gently roll up the plastic insert and place in the clear ornament.

8.  The insert will uncurl inside the ornament. Note: use a think pencil to help uncurl it if it gets stuck.

9.  Add FILLER.  This is optional.  But I added some glitter and some snowflake sequins to the inside for added fun. Note: I used a small funnel to help get the glitter in without making a big mess.

10. Cut and add a name in vinyl to add to the outside of ornament. Note: After I weed the name, I use clear Cricut transfer tape to adhere the name to the outside of the glass. This makes it easier to line up the name. Then slowly peel away the transfer tape and leave the name behind on the outside of your ornament.

11.  Replace the top to the ornament and adhere ribbon to complete your floating ornament. Note: I like to add some double-sided tape (ie. Scor Tape or Red Line Tape) around the top of the ornament holder before I add the ribbon to help it stay in place.

That’s it. It’s pretty easy to do but has a big WOW factor for the recipient.  So what do you think? Will you try your hand at making some this year? Be sure and PIN this post for future reference.  Leave me a comment and let me know or if you have any questions I can help answer about this.    P.S. You can also join us at Lets Learn Cricut Explore Facebook Group for more examples of what others have made using this technique too. And don’t forget to sign up for my SMQD Updates at the top of the page so you don’t miss any future tutorials.  

Merry Christmas to you all who celebrate this holiday with ornaments.