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DIY Sand Ball Ornament

Love the beach? Add a coastal feel to your Christmas tree with these easy to make DIY sand ball ornaments!

I love decorating with a Coastal Christmas theme – in fact, we have a whole beachy Christmas tree every year!

So, when I signed up for a handmade ornament exchange, I knew that I wanted to make something coastal to represent Charleston.

Here are a TON of ideas for DIY ornaments you can make and sell!

These sand ball ornaments were actually inspired by art that I saw on our trip to Bermuda. Specifically, there were picture frames covered in sand for sale at a market. I made a note in my phone to try out the technique for a Christmas ornament! 

You could do this project with the sand inside the ornament as well, but we already did that! I wanted to try a different technique for an all-over sand look. 

This ornament is a great way to remember a trip to the beach. How cool would it be to make one a year from your summer vacation sand? 

Want more DIY Coastal Christmas ornaments? Here’s our DIY Sea Glass Ball Ornament and DIY Sand Beach Ball Ornament

DIY Sand Ball Ornament

DIY Sand Ball Ornament

DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted

What you need to make the DIY sand ball ornaments:

How to make the sandy beach ball ornament:

DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
  1. To prepare – you need you sand in a cup or glass and a paper plate.
  2. Apply tacky glue to the outside of the ornament and use a brush to paint it on to completely cover the ball. 
    DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
    DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
  3. Hold the glue-covered ornament over a paper plate. Slowly rotate the ornament as you pour sand over the surface. Continue until you cover the entire ornament. Tap off any excess sand into the paper plate.
    DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
  4. Fold the paper plate slightly in half to easily pour the excess sand back into your cup. 
  5. Allow the glue to dry for at least one hour. 
  6. Tap off any excess sand.
  7. Spray the ornament with a clear sealant. Allow to dry. 
    DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
  8. Add a ribbon for hanging if desired. Enjoy your beach memory ornament! 
    DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
DIY Sand Ball Ornament via Charleston Crafted
Yield: 1 sand ball ornament

How to make a DIY beach sand ball ornament

Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Going for a beachy look with your Christmas tree this year? Try making these simple DIY beach sand ball ornaments!

Materials

  • Fillable ornament balls, glass or plastic
  • Sand
  • Tacky glue
  • Ribbon of choice
  • Spray sealant in a clear matte

Tools

  • Foam paint brush
  • Plastic cup
  • Paper plate

Instructions

  1. Pour sand into the plastic cup. Have paper plate handy.
  2. Use brush to paint tacky glue all over ornament ball.
  3. Hold glue covered ornament over paper plate. Slowly rotate the ornament as you pour sand onto it. Continue until fully covered.
  4. Tap off excess sand onto paper plate.
  5. Slightly fold paper plate and pour excess sand back into plastic cup. Repeat.
  6. Allow to dry at least one hour.
  7. Tap off excess sand again.
  8. Spray with sealant.
  9. Allow to dry and enjoy!

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Did you make this project?

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Kristin Harris

Tuesday 27th of November 2018

This is so cute for a beach themed tree! I love it

Erlene

Sunday 25th of November 2018

Love these sand ornaments. I've been sitting on some snowflakes and I might just need to dusty them with sand for my beach tree. Thanks for sharing your tutorial with us on the ornament exchange

Debrashoppeno5

Monday 19th of November 2018

This is a wonderful idea for us in beach communities or who love a beach vacation. Great idea!

Beverly

Monday 19th of November 2018

What a unique way to create a coastal ornament. I'm also in Charleston and I'm thinking I need a quick trip out to Folly to scoop up a little sand to make one for our coastal tree.

Bri Adams

Sunday 18th of November 2018

I love this ornament! Thanks for sharing.

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