Transform clear plastic Christmas balls into charming year-round Flower Drop Garden Ornaments to hang from a deck, patio, balcony or tree when the weather warms up.
We make a lot of garden ornaments in my daycare because they make thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts, and this is one of my new favorites.
We started with clear plastic ornaments that are usually used for Christmas crafts and filled them with artificial flowers so they can be enjoyed outdoors throughout the year.
The idea came from a visit to my mom’s house, where she had elegant hand-blown glass ornaments hanging in her garden. I wanted something similar for our group, but safer, inexpensive and simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers to make.
I rummaged through the craft cupboard and found exactly what we needed.
Clear plastic ornaments were perfect: unbreakable, lightweight and affordable.
We’ve used these ornaments for holiday projects before, but they also make spectacular outdoor decorations to hang from branches, pergolas or the rafters of a covered patio.
Materials we used for these Flower Drop Garden Ornaments
Supplies:
- clear plastic ornaments with removable tops
- colourful pony beads
- aquarium stones or small decorative pebbles
- artificial flowers
- fishing line or thin string for hanging
Simple and toddler-friendly
These ornaments are incredibly easy to make and are ideal for young children. Filling, arranging and hanging the ornaments encourages fine motor skills and creativity.
- Remove the top from the ornament and let your child drop in a handful of beads or small stones. Young children enjoy the repetitive motion of dropping items in and watching them settle.
- Push small artificial flowers through the opening. You can trim stems if needed so the blooms sit nicely inside.
- Gently shake or rotate the ornament until you’re happy with the arrangement. When satisfied, replace the top and thread fishing line or string through the metal hanger for hanging.
One striking option is to use a single large bloom and keep the ornament minimal. The effect can be elegant and simple, requiring just one flower and perhaps a few pebbles for weight and contrast.
Tip: Avoid overfilling the ornaments. Keep the contents light so the top stays secure and the ornament hangs without pulling the lid off.
They really are lovely and brighten any outdoor or indoor spot.
I love how a few basic supplies can become something so beautiful and versatile.
Where to display your Flower Drop Garden Ornaments
- in a sunny window to catch the light
- on a patio or deck for a pop of color
- suspended from tree branches in the yard
- clustered together for a floral chandelier effect
- hung at staggered heights for visual interest
- reused as lightweight decorations on a Christmas tree in winter
No matter where you hang them, these Flower Drop ornaments bring a cheerful, handmade touch to your space.
More easy garden ornament ideas for kids
Water Bottle Wind Spirals
Vibrant CD Wind Spinners
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