DIY: Christmas Ornaments - Paint on glass using Watercolor Ground
It’s that time of the year when we start thinking about Christmas decorations, and because I am all about handmade, I want to share one of my favorite projects from my book ‘DIY Watercolor Christmas’: the galaxy ornaments.
I love this project because it is also a cool way to experiment with Watercolor Ground, an absorbent primer that allows us to paint on many different surfaces such as paper, glass, wood, metal, fabric and plastic.
It is also interesting to observe how some texture techniques react differently than they do on paper. This is a fun and slightly messy activity that can be done with children.
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Additional tips for applying watercolour ground
Some brands recommend sanding non-absorbent surfaces first, but I prefer to apply a coat of white acrylic paint instead.
After applying a coat of white acrylic and allowing it to dry, for best results you will need to apply two coats of watercolor ground, allowing for drying time in between coats. Once the second coat has been applied, allow it to cure for at least 24 hours before beginning to paint with your watercolors.
For this project you will need:
- Watercolor paint
- Glass ornaments
- White acrylic
- Watercolor ground
- Table salt
- Rubbing alcohol
- Brushes
- Toothbrush or brush with stiff bristles
- Spray bottle (optional)
Color palette
I use a mix of Prussian Blue, Indigo, Payne’s Grey, Ultramarine Blue, Cinnabar Red. To give each bauble its own personality, change the dominant blue for each one. Indigo and Payne’s Grey will result in an intense shade, and by adding a little Cinnabar Red to the mix we get a lovely purple.
NOTE: This video tutorial is based in the ‘Galaxy Ornament’ project of the book ‘DIY Watercolor Christmas’ by Ingrid Sanchez, AKA CreativeIngrid. Publisher : David & Charles (13 July 2021).