Ornament craft for kids

Check out this Ornament craft for kids using PLASTIC CUPS! This the cutest project that kids will love to make for Christmas. 

I saw this amazing idea on tik tok. This teacher makes these each year with the kids in her classroom for them to give to their parents for Christmas! It’s just the coolest project so I have to share! l It actually reminds me a ton of my hot rocks project! Another fun satisfying craft that kids will love! 

Disclaimer. Always be mindful when melting plastic. It may give up unsafe fumes. This project has no smell at all when melting- but that doesn’t mean the fumes aren’t there! 

Supplies to make A Plastic Cup Christmas Ornament 

• Plastic cups I used 5 oz because that’s what I had. 7-ounce- 12 ounce cups would probably be the perfect size for ornaments. 12 ounce cups
• sharpies (or other Permanent Markers) 
• oven 
• cookie sheet covered with tin foil
• hole punch 
• ribbon

The plastic cups are key. You need to purchase ones that have the 6 symbol. This plastic essentially melts like shrinky dink material!

 How to make a Plastic cup Ornament craft for kids

Step 1: Prep the area

Set Oven to Broil setting. Middle rack. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil. 

Step 2: Decorate

Draw your design. The way these cups melt, you really can see all the designs- just smaller! So spend some time and really decorate them! Kids really can show off their creativity here! 

Step 3: Melt into ornament

Place cups face down on the cookie sheet and place in the oven. These will start to melt within about 5 seconds so keep your eye on them! About 30 seconds in total. They bubble as they fall flat.

I pulled mine out before they melted all the way down and I had to place them back in the oven to flatten them out. So give them a little time to melt all the way down. Immediately after taking out of the oven,  I press a metal or porcelain bowl with a flat bottom on top of them. It presses out any wrinkles or curves! 

Step 4: Cool

Let cool. This luckily only takes a couple of minutes! 

Step 5: Add extra embellishments to your ornament

You can add extra embellishments if you want. The tik tok I watched added in names and dates since these were kid gifts to their parents! You can totally leave the top part empty and not color it in and then glue on a picture to the front to essentially make a frame! I added some photos- Just cut them out and glued them right on the cup!

Step 6: Ornament Hanging supplies

Take your hole punch and add a hole. It pops right through. Add in ribbon, string, or yarn to hang on the tree!

It’s really that easy But REALLY that COOL!

 

Troubleshooting and Questions on how to make these ornaments:

Do it have to be 7 oz cups?

We did ones that were 5 ounces- and they worked fine. We also did some that are 16 ounce. Those were a fail! They were so big so they curled and melted the top before they went flat. I know they make a 9-ounce and 12 ounce and I bet they would work as well! But that’s as big as I would go. The ones I linked are 12 ounces and I’ve heard people say they work great! I’ve also heard the brand Polar melts pretty well. 

These are what the 16-ounce cups looked like when melted!

Does it have to be sharpie?

You are drawing on plastic. So any removable marker is just going to make a mess. Doesn’t have to be a sharpie brand- but definitely use a permanent marker. 

Do you need to spray the tin foil with nonstick?

No. The ornaments do not stick to the tin foil.

High Broil or Low broil?

My oven only has one setting of broil. But it’s 500 degrees so hopefully, that helps! Middle rack! 

If you are using a different size or not sure if the plastic cup you are using will melt- Just throw it in the oven and see! Don’t draw on it. That way you can see if your oven is hot enough, your rack is in a good spot, or if the cup is a correct size or plastic!

Does it smell?

I did not notice any smell at all! 

If you liked this project- You will love these other fun ones:

• Hot rocks
• Salt Watercolor Art
• Play Dough Prompt mats

 

I would love for you to share this project! Here is an image if you want to pin it to save for later! 

Kid's Craft Plastic cup Ornaments

Print

Prep Time 1 minute

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 1 minute

Materials

• Plastic cups
• sharpies (or other Permanent Marker) 
• ribbon

Tools

• oven 
• cookie sheet covered with tin foil
• hole punch

Instructions

1. Set Oven to Broil setting. Middle rack. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil. 
2. Draw your design. They way these cups melt, you really can see all the designs- just smaller! So spend some time and really decorate them up! Kids really can show off their creativity here! 
3. Place cups face down on the cookie sheet and place in oven. These will start to melt within about 5 seconds so keep your eye on them! About 30 seconds total. They bubble as they fall flat.
4. Immediately after taking out of the oven,  I press a metal or porcelain bowl with a flat bottom on top of them. It presses out any wrinkles or curves! Let Cool.
5. Take your hole punch and add a hole. It pops right through. Add in ribbon, string, or yarn to hang on the tree!

Notes

The plastic cups are key. You need to purchase ones that have the 6 symbol. This plastic essentially melts like shrinky dink material!