DIY Yarn Ball Ornaments

Happy Holidays!

   Like many of you, I got my tree this past weekend! The past couple weeks I have been searching the web for cute but easy DIY ornaments. I came across a few good ones but decided to put my own twist on them.

   Outside on our balcony we strung  twisted stick ball lights I got on sale a few weeks ago at Target. They are perfect for the cold months and add a touch of earthiness to our lackluster patch of grass at our apartment complex. I got the idea to do these yarn ball lights for the tree because well, I have extra yarn around.

   I wanted something cheap that didn't look cheap! These ornaments/ light covers are perfect for garland, tree lights, strung on a string across a mantle or to placed in a bowl on  display!

What you'll need:

• Any colored string of choice
• white glue ( elmers)
• water
• paint brush
• balloons
• a bowl for mixing    

    First you'll need to blow up the balloons to about the size of a clementine or small apple. You can do larger or smaller depending on how big you want the ball to be.

    I blew up about 7-8 balloons but it depends on what you are making. You may need more or less! I'd say 5-6 are good for a bowl display, 10-11 for a garland or if you are stringing them across something.

    Next, put glue into a bowl and mix in water to thin it out. I used an entire container of white glue and added 1/2 cup of water. I had left over "modge podge" so I just dumped it back into the original glue container for another project.

    After the mixture is ready take your yarn and use a little of the glue and water mixture to adhere the yarn to the balloon. Begin wrapping in one direction and then go the opposite way. Add a layer of glue and continue wrapping until you get the effect you want. I left some space to create a “balled up” look.

    Lastly, apply a layer of the glue mixture that covers all the yarn. The glue mixture will harden overnight and create a stiff yarn ball. After 14-16 hours the yarn ball will be completely dry. You should then pop the balloon inside of the yarn ball. Discard the popped balloon.

     Now you are ready to decorate! Hang them, string them or place these balls in a beautiful, festive bowl.

Happy Crafting!