These DIY Jadeite Christmas Ornaments are so easy to make. They give the look of vintage jadeite glassware without the cost or the delicacy of real glass ornaments.
Are you a fan of jadeite?
It is so pretty and many people collect the dishes and other jadeite items. I have yet to find a real jadeite piece in a thrift store or yard sale but I know I can find them a lot easier in antique stores and more specific flea markets that have sellers who specialize in it.
If you have been around for some time, you know my favorite color is green and I recently saw that they had paint named “Jadeite” but it was pretty pricey. I didn’t want to spend that and knew it would take a little bit of testing to find an inexpensive option that would give me the same look.
It took some testing, but I found it. I tested a few different paint colors and found the one that most resembles the vintage jadeite color so you don’t have to.
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Supplies Used To Create These DIY Jadeite Christmas Ornaments
Plastic Ornaments (I found mine at Dollar Tree)
Skewers or Extra Paintbrushes (to hold the ornaments when you paint)
Important notes about the supplies:
- I tried many green paint colors and found that this Spring Green color was the best in replicating the color of jadeite. There are more expensive paint colors that are called “jadeite” but I was determined to find a cheaper option that gave the same look.
- For the Rub ‘N Buff, I used the color “Antique Gold” on the ornament tops. I didn’t like the gold and silver they came in. You could use any color Rub ‘N Buff you like or leave them as they are.
- The ribbon can be anything you like. I red and white gingham was a fun combo with the jadeite color.
- When choosing your plastic ornaments, get the ones that have a design on them or are a different shape. I think they look more “authentic” than just plain ornaments. The Dollar Tree had some great options. You can do any size ornament too. I would just suggest looking for ornaments that have some design and/or details.
Steps For Creating The Ornaments
First, remove the top of the ornaments.
Then, apply the Rub ‘N Buff to the tops if you are changing the color.
Let the tops sit to dry. Now, it is time to paint.
I didn’t have any skewers on hand so I grabbed a bunch of Gabrielle’s smaller paintbrushes to put the ornaments on while I painted them.
It makes it easy to paint the ornaments when you have them on the end of a paintbrush. The end of these craft bushes is thicker than a skewer so the ornaments didn’t move when I was painting.
Once I was done painting, I would set them in a floral frog or in a crock (still on the paintbrush) while they dried. My ornaments needed two coats of paint.
TIP: DO NOT put the paintbrushes with the ornaments in a floral frog if they are expensive brushes. The bristles can get damaged when put down in the spokes of the floral frog.
Once the second coat was dry, I added the tops back on and tied some red and white gingham ribbon to the top.
I think the red and white gingham pair great with the jadeite color.
It’s a fun and happy combo!
You can add an ornament hook to them as well or tie the ribbon differently and hang them by that.
I added mine to an Ironstone bowl full of faux greenery.
I hope this easy project inspires you to create some fun jadeite decor for your holidays this year!
If you make some, post a photo on IG and tag me @mycreativedays so I can see them!
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Wow! When I first saw these, I thought they were actual jadeite! Love how they turned out! I’m definately going to try making some. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration!
Your welcome!
love this idea.. Thank You
You’re welcome!
These are beautiful! Just my aesthetic. Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Wow I love the color of these ornaments. Going to try this too. Did you put any finish on ornaments? Sandy
I did not. But you could definitely use a spray poly on them.
Making a supply list right now for when I go shopping. These are gorgeous!
So easy too! Have fun!
Does the paint color have to be gloss? I got the paint but it’s matte. Thanks!
I used the gloss. I am sure the matte will look good too!
Excited to do this!! Such a good craft, beautiful and inexpensive!!
Thank you!!
Your welcome! Have fun!
I love them I did 3 different colors, spring green, mint, and red. I love the way they turned out.
They sound amazing!
these are beautiful! I started mine today, The paint brush idea is genius! I was able to knock out quite a few!
YAY!!!
I was wondering if your finish was smooth or does it show brush strokes?
Smooth