Grab the Kids! Make a Vintage Gumball Machine Christmas Ornament
Let's get into the Christmas spirit ❄️🎄🎅🎄❄️
I found out yesterday that we have our first snow in the forecast! It won't be anything measurable since we live on the coast and it's almost impossible for snow to stick this early in the season, but it's enough to get me into the Christmas spirit!🎅❤️
So I've been making ornaments for the Christmas tree🎄
And my favorite so far has been these vintage gumball machines!😍
They are easy to make, and it's a fun one to do with the kids!
So many Hometalk'ers have had clever ideas with this project! Such as adding mini pom poms instead of sprinkles, or using mini solo cups instead of the clay pots..just search through the comments section at the end of the tutorial to find all of the different ideas everyone has come up with and create ornaments that fit your style and tree ♥️♥️♥️
And Merry Christmas everyone!
First, gather your supplies.
You'll need.....
- Mini 2" clay pots
- 3.15" diameter clear plastic ornaments (best to use the ones that come in 2 halves)
- Rainbow nonpareil (round sprinkles)
- Metal tabs from soda cans
- E6000 clear glue (or your favorite strong glue)
- Black paint (any kind)
- Red paint (any kind)
- 2 detail paintbrushes
- Twine or metal hook to hang the ornament
(I ordered in bulk so the price of materials listed below will make 40 ornaments)
Paint the Pot
Make sure your clay pot is free of any dirt, dust, debris, and go ahead and apply 2 coats of the red paint, allowing 20 minutes for dry time in-between coats.
Paint the Soda Tab
Paint the metal soda tab black (usually takes 2-3 coats).
Fill with Sprinkles
Now, fill half of the ornament with the nonpareils.
Glue
Put the two halves of the ornament together and put just a dab of e6000 glue on the bottom to secure.
Glue Base to Ornament
Now, apply a good amount of glue on the bottom of the clay pot and position the ornament on top so that it is straight and the hole for the string/hook is at the top
Glue Tab onto the Base
Apply a dab of glue to each edge of the soda tab, and apply it on the front of the clay pot
Paint
Paint the bottom section of the tab black (currently is red from the clay pot)
Add Twine
Now tie your twine or put the hook on, allow to dry for 12 hours, and then hang on your Christmas tree and enjoy 🎄😁
These adorable little cuties and so much more will be added to my Etsy shop over the next few weeks, so check often! Link below 😉
Resources for this project:
See all materials
Comments
Join the conversation
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I did it with my 4 year old. There were some parts I definitely had to do by myself, and I had to be really patient, but it was fun! Some of the ornaments ended up shifting a little and are slightly tilted on the pot, but it’s not super noticeable. Can’t wait to give them to family and friends!
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Here’s hopefully a better picture.
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What does a gumboil machine have to do with Christmas? Am I missing the symbolism?
Why are there two clay pots.
Where did you purchase the supplies for 40 ornaments . Was it on Amazon ?