DIY Light Bulb Santa Ornament

This adorable DIY light bulb Santa ornament is fast and easy to do and will look cute as can be on your Christmas tree.  

A lot of my time during the holiday season is spent in making Christmas ornaments and other holiday seasonal decor.

I find it so rewarding to make something instead of buying it, and love to share my creations with my readers.  

If you have kids hoping to be on Santa’s nice list, make sure to check out my posts with info on how to contact Santa! You can either call the official Santa phone number or write to Santa’s address to give him your Christmas list.

Note: Hot glue guns, and heated glue can burn. Please use extreme caution when using a hot glue gun. Learn to use your tool properly before you start any project.

This DIY Light Bulb Santa Ornament can be made from burned out bulbs

Recycling old items into new holiday decor is one of the fun parts of the holidays for me. See this alphabet block Christmas tree for another fun example of turning old items into new treasures.

Anyone who reads my blog knows that I love to make projects that require little in the way of supplies. I use my craft materials over and over again.  

And if I can make use of something that is destined for the trash bin, so much the better. This project can make use of old light bulbs that have burned out. A win-win for the environment and for your holiday decorating fun.

Hang this ornament on your tree, or use it as a wall hanging. You could also use it for decorating a mailbox for Christmas in a creative and unusual way.

To make the ornament you will need these supplies: (You can get these items on Amazon, but be sure to check your local Dollar store too. They have lots of seasonal items that can be used in holiday projects this time of the year.)

• 1 used Chandelier type lightbulb
• White vinegar and rag
• 1 foot of red 1/2 inch satin ribbon
• 1 1/2 foot of plaid ribbon or material cut into strips
• Acrylic paints – black, flesh tone, pink, red and white
• Paper plate
• Paint brushes
• Textured snow
• Water based varnish
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Small plastic knife

Place dabs of paint onto a paper plate. Use vinegar and the rag to clean the surface of the light bulb. When it is dry, paint the metal part of the bulb with red paint and let dry.

Paint the whole bottom part of the light bulb with white paint. Don’t worry if there are a few streaks. It will give the beard some texture.

Using a small paint brush, use your colors to paint the Santa face so that the bottom of the mustache starts just about the widest part of the light bulb.

Here is a pattern for you to follow. The dotted line shows where the bottom of Santa’s face will be before you add the mustache.

Do the painting in layers starting with the head, then the mustache and finally the features, being sure to let it dry thoroughly between layers.

When the paint is completely dry, cover the whole thing with water based varnish.

Once dry, use a plastic knife to apply a band of textured snow to the bottom of the red painted top for the brim of the hat and another ball on top for a pom pom.

Cut a piece of ribbon the size of the bulb top and set aside. Cut another piece long enough for the loop to hang the ornament.

Hot glue the loop to the sides of the top and wrap the smaller piece around it and secure it with more hot glue.

Use the plaid ribbon to make  a bow for the front and hot glue it in place. 

Display with pride!

Inspiration for this project is an old Crafting Traditions magazine. The magazine is no longer in print but the project would look great on any modern tree.

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