There’s something especially satisfying about taking the plainest little household bits and turning them into something that looks straight out of a holiday shop window. I’ve always loved projects like that—the kind where you stand back at the end and think, “Well now, who would’ve guessed that started as party cups?” This one is simple, affordable, and just fiddly enough to be fun without becoming a chore.
If you enjoy easy Christmas crafts, homemade tree decorations, or making a handful of gifts in one afternoon, this is the sort of project that pays you back in a big way. The process is repetitive in the nicest sense, and once you get your rhythm going, those six cups transform into a whole matching set with plenty of sparkle and old-fashioned holiday charm.
Materials
Instructions
1. Turn all 6 plastic cups upside down on your work surface and lightly coat the outside of each cup with cooking spray, spreading it into a very thin film with the paintbrush so the glue can release later.
2. Heat the glue gun fully, then begin scribbling hot glue in loose loops and swirls all over the outside of the first upside-down cup, working from the base toward the rim and leaving small open spaces like lace.
3. Add a little extra glue around the narrow bottom section of the cup and around the rim edge so the shape holds together well once removed; the middle can stay open and delicate.
4. While the glue is still tacky, sprinkle white or silver glitter over the cup, turning it as you go so the glitter catches on the raised glue lines all over.
5. Repeat the glue scribbling and glittering on the remaining 5 cups, trying to keep the coverage dense enough that each piece feels sturdy but still lacy and open.
6. Let all 6 cups cool completely for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently press the plastic cup sides inward and ease each hardened glue shell off the cup form.
7. Use the craft knife to carefully trim away any thick glue drips or stray strings around the open edge so each piece has a neat, even bell shape.
8. Cut or loosen a small opening at the top center of each glue shape if needed, then thread one 12-inch ribbon length through the top and knot the ends together to make a hanging loop.
9. Tie one small jingle bell onto the lower part of each ribbon so it hangs inside the ornament just below the top, where it can swing freely and chime a little.
10. If any spots look thin, add a few extra glue loops directly onto the ornament, let them cool, and dust on a final pinch of glitter for an even, polished finish.
Variations & Tips
Silver-and-white look: Mix white and silver glitter together before sprinkling for a frosty finish that catches the light beautifully without looking too flashy.
Extra sparkle: After the ornaments are off the cups, you can lightly brush a little fresh hot glue onto sparse areas and add another dusting of glitter to make them look fuller and more expensive.
Ribbon choice: Red ribbon gives these a classic Christmas feel, but ivory, gold, or plaid ribbon can shift the whole look without changing the construction at all.
Shape control: Keep your glue loops connected to one another as you work; if you make too many isolated lines, the ornament can crack or collapse when you remove it from the cup.
Safe trimming: I like to wait until the glue is fully cool before tidying edges, because warm glue stretches and pulls, while cool glue trims much more cleanly.
Pretty display idea: These look lovely on the tree, but they’re also sweet tied onto a garland, hung in a window, or attached to wrapped gifts for a little extra holiday flourish.