Rag Ball Ornament Tutorial ~

These are very easy ornaments to make and can look so charming if you make several in coordinating fabrics. You can use homespun fabric (looks the same on both sides of the fabric) but you don't have to.

Let me show you how I make mine:

The simple supplies are styrofoam balls, florists wire, wire cutters, hemp cord or twine, glue (I happen to love the brand that's in the photo), scissors and fabric. Also aged tags and stamps if you'd like to hang a message on each one.

First I cut in about an inch at the end of the fabric and I try to space my cuts evenly apart.

Then I rip each strip off from the fabric. Of course you will have strings but just pull them off and throw away.

Next, I cut a piece of floral wire and bend it into a U shape for the wire loop on the ornament. Apply a little amount of glue to the ends and press into the styrofoam ball leaving about 1/4 - 1/2 of an inch still sticking out.

Then I put glue on the end of one of the fabric strips (on the back side), press it down onto the ball right near the hanger and start wrapping the fabric around the ball.

Don't worry if you run out of fabric and the ball is not completely covered. Be sure you glue the end of the first strip to the ball then grab a new fabric strip, apply glue to the back of the end and press down where you left off and continue wrapping until the ball is completely covered in fabric.

I like to age the smaller manilla tags with instant coffee, let dry and then stamp a message or Christmas image onto it. Plus I've used some hemp cord to tie through the wire loop to serve as a hanger. I've also tied the tag through the wire loop as well. I had one little piece of fabric left and tied it on right above wire loop as an additional decoration.

I hope I explained everything clearly. You may already know how to make these simple ornaments but I just thought I'd share how I make them. This would be a great project for children as well. You can color coordinate these to match your home, too!