DIY Crystal & Resin Ceramic Christmas Ornaments

Handmade ornaments add a personal touch to your Christmas tree, and these crystal and resin decorations sparkle beautifully under the lights. In this tutorial, I’ll show you step by step how I created these unique, textured ornaments using ceramic blanks, gesso, paint, embellishments, and resin.

✅ Materials You’ll Need:

• Ceramic Christmas Ornaments: https://amzn.to/4pJmGVg
• Gloss Gel Medium: https://amzn.to/4nV442S
• Glass Pebbles: https://amzn.to/42TnRYo
• Frosted Glass Pebbles: https://amzn.to/4gQjK58
• Mixed Beads: https://amzn.to/48dlVO4
• Clear Quartz Crystals: https://amzn.to/4mJTPxm
• Acrylic Paint: https://amzn.to/3KxPOPq
• Metallic Paint: https://amzn.to/46wVphm
• 2 Part Epoxy Resin: https://amzn.to/3KEGitD
• Or UV Resin for a quicker process: https://amzn.to/4gSKoKT
• Paintbrushes, palette knife, and gloves
• Sandpaper (fine grit): https://amzn.to/4o1lwCL
• Colourful Hanging Cord: https://amzn.to/4mMtO0A

Other Accessories:

• Heat Gun: https://amzn.to/3MPlg9p
• Mini Blow Torch: https://amzn.to/3Xuao64

To see these and my other selection of recommended products, go to my Amazon Storefront: US: https://www.amazon.com/shop/suefindlay AU: https://amzn.to/4e5dlRx

* Note – As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I realise that not everyone has access to the shops I have locally, so I have taken the time to find alternative products on Amazon and provide you with links. Please also note that I haven’t personally tried all of the product links due to my location. However, I aim to help speed up your creative process by providing these links.

Step 1: Apply a Base Coat of Gesso

Begin with a clean ceramic ornament blank.
Using a flat paintbrush, apply a thin, even coat of white gesso across the surface.
Brush in smooth, overlapping strokes to ensure full coverage.
The gesso acts as a primer, creating a slightly textured surface that helps paint and embellishments adhere better.
Allow the gesso to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

💡 Tip: If you want a smoother finish, lightly sand the dried gesso before adding your design.

Step 2: Paint the Background

While the gesso is still wet, choose a background colour for your ornament.
Apply the paint directly onto the surface using your fingers instead of a brush.
Spread the paint across the ornament in gentle, sweeping motions. Using your fingers creates a textured, organic finish that gives the background more depth and interest.
Blend lighter and darker tones together to achieve a natural variation in colour.
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the decorative details.

💡 Tip: Don’t worry about perfection here — the textured, uneven look adds character and makes each ornament unique.

Step 3: Add Gel Medium

Once your painted background is dry, apply a layer of gloss gel medium onto the surface of the ornament.
Using a palette knife, spread the gel medium evenly across the surface. This medium acts as an adhesive, perfect for holding embellishments such as crystals, glass, beads, or glitter.
Be generous enough to give your decorations something to sink into.
Smooth it out so there are no heavy ridges, unless you want extra texture in your final piece.
Remember, the gel dries clear and glossy, making your embellishments stand out beautifully while adding a subtle shine to the background.

💡 Tip: Make sure the gel medium is dry before adding resin.

Step 4: Position the Larger Glass and Crystals

While the gel medium is still wet, begin placing your larger glass pieces or crystals onto the ornament.
Press each piece gently into the gel so it sits firmly in place. The gel will act as a strong adhesive as it dries.
Start with the biggest elements first, spacing them out to create a balanced design.
Leave enough room around them for smaller embellishments, which will be added in the next step.
Once positioned, lightly press down again to ensure they are securely set into the gel medium.

💡 Tip: Try arranging your glass and crystals on the surface before applying the gel medium. This way, you can experiment with different layouts until you’re happy with the overall design.

Step 5: Embellish with Beads, Crystals, and Gems

With the larger glass pieces securely in place, begin sprinkling smaller embellishments such as glass beads, crystal chips, and gems around them.
Gently press the pieces into the gel medium so they adhere properly.
Fill in the spaces between the larger glass elements, layering different textures and sizes for added depth.
Allow some beads to overlap the edges of the larger pieces — this creates a more natural, flowing look rather than a rigid design.
Once you’re happy with the arrangement, lightly tap or press down on the embellishments to ensure everything is set in place.

💡 Tip: Combine metallic beads with clear or iridescent crystals for a festive sparkle that catches the light beautifully on your Christmas tree.

Step 6: Seal with Resin

Allow the gel medium to dry completely. It will turn clear once fully cured, ensuring that all your beads, crystals, and embellishments stay firmly in place.
Prepare your resin. I used a two-part epoxy resin, carefully mixing equal parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (You can also use UV resin if you prefer a quicker curing process.)
Slowly pour the resin over the ornament, letting it flow around and between the embellishments.
Use a small stick or tool to guide the resin into gaps, making sure every surface is covered without overfilling.
Allow the resin to cure fully in a dust-free environment. This will give your ornament a durable, glossy finish that locks everything in place and makes it sparkle beautifully.

💡 Tip: If you notice air bubbles forming, gently pop them with a heat gun, kitchen torch, or even by blowing through a straw.

Step 7: Enhance the Texture with Metallic Paint

Once the resin has cured, add extra depth and shimmer by dry brushing metallic paint around the raised elements.
Dip a dry brush lightly into metallic gold paint (or any colour of your choice), then wipe most of it off onto a paper towel.
Gently brush over the textured areas — focusing on the edges of the larger glass pieces and crystals. This highlights the raised surfaces and gives the ornament a luxurious, glowing finish.
Build the metallic accents gradually, layering until you achieve the desired intensity without overpowering the background.

💡 Tip: Metallics like gold, silver, or copper work beautifully for Christmas ornaments, but you can experiment with iridescent or pearl paints for different effects.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Once the resin and paint accents are fully cured, it’s time to finish your ornament.
Gently sand the back of the ornament to smooth out any rough edges or drips of resin.
Add your signature or artist’s mark to the back — this makes each ornament truly one-of-a-kind and adds a personal touch.
Thread a hanging cord or ribbon through the pre-drilled hole. Knot it securely, leaving a loop so it’s ready to hang.
Choose a cord colour that complements your design — metallic gold, silver, or coloured satin cords all work beautifully.

✨ Now your custom ceramic Christmas ornament is complete — a sparkling, handmade keepsake ready to display on your tree or gift to someone special.

About the Artist

I’ve been creating art and craft tutorials since 2018, sharing my love of creativity with makers all over the world. Before that, I worked as a graphic designer for over 30 years — but now my passion is in showing others how to bring art into their everyday lives. My tutorials focus on accessible, beautiful projects that anyone can enjoy making.

📚 My Books
The Essential Beginner’s Guide to Resin Art Techniques.
eBook: http://bit.ly/resinguide
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2XEmqxn (US) | https://amzn.to/2NMKAkY (UK)

My Goal Setting and Action Planner for Artists.
eBook: http://bit.ly/suesgoalplanner
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3bb8gXN (US) | https://amzn.to/31vg3vg (UK)

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DIY Shimmering Crystal & Resin Ornaments | Stunning Handmade Decorations