How To Give Plastic Dollar Tree Ornaments An Antique Look In Minutes

Crafters are right to love Dollar Tree. Creatives constantly share how they've transformed DT wares into truly chic decor, and this Christmas, one ornament in particular is in the spotlight for seriously classy upgrades. The Christmas House iridescent 3D snowflake ornament is a diamond in the rough. Its plastic finish is nothing to write home about, but upon closer inspection, the detailing on the ornament is intricate and lovely. Topped with a coat of spray paint and a bit of detailing with another tint, this elegant Dollar Tree find dresses up as an antique metal bibelot for your tree. Strung up with a velvet ribbon, the faux metallic ornament easily passes for something from an exclusive boutique.

Pick up a snowflake ornament in either blue or white (you'll be painting it), and while you're checking out Dollar Tree's ornament stock, there are a few others that would be similarly stunning with the same upgrades. Star shapes, deer, nutcrackers, and bells are all fair game for the faux patina treatment. You'll definitely have enough paint to make over several ornaments.

Source a plastic-friendly spray paint in a base color like black, dark brown, or a shiny metallic. A topcoat like Amaco Rub n Buff in antique gold or even diluted black brush-on paint will bring the details into relief, and a velvet ribbon for hanging will make this holiday decor on a budget seem high-end.

Cut off the ornaments' hanging strings, and pop apart the two sides of the snowflake. Give each half a quick soap-and-water bath, so the paint will have clean surfaces to cling to. Once they've dried, take your materials outside or into the garage, and spread out something to protect your work surface. If you have a large box, its sides will prevent stray spray from getting on items you don't want to paint. Spritz your snowflake halves with your base color paint. It doesn't have to be a flawless coating, since you'll be layering on an accent paint. Let the spray paint dry before moving forward.

Grab a small paintbrush and your Rub n Buff or dilute black acrylic paint with a bit of water, and brush the tint over the detailing. Concentrate the accent paint on the outermost details so that it resembles natural weathering or tarnishing. After the paint is dry, thread a 6 to 8-inch piece of ribbon through the hanger hole. You can overhand-knot the top for easy slip-on hanging over branches or tie the ribbon into bows to attach them to the tree. The ornaments' timeless velvet ribbon against a burnished metallic sheen will make your Christmas tree look vintage without costing you antique store prices.