As the festive season approaches, it's time to infuse your nature inspired ceramic creations with a touch of festive magic. At ArtyPax we believe art should be not only a form of expression but also a source of joy. In this blog post we'll explore creative ways to add festive cheer to painting ceramic Christmas decorations using acrylic paints, glitter, and faux snow paint. The best part? No kiln firing required. Let's dive into the joyful world of Christmas ceramics!
Materials You'll Need:
Ceramic Bisque Figures:Â Choose your favourite nature inspired figures as the canvas for your festive creations.
Acrylic Paints:Â water based paints, which are so versatile & are available on an array of colours, shades & effects.
Paintbrushes: Having a variety of brush sizes will make it easier for different details and techniques.
Glitter: Select fine or chunky glitter in coordinating colours to add a sparkling touch.
Faux Snow Paint:Â Create a winter wonderland effect with snow paint that dries to a realistic, textured finish.
Palette or Paint Palette Paper (optional):Â Use it to mix and blend your acrylic paints.
Water Container and Paper Towels:Â Keep your brushes clean and dry between colour changes.
Protective Surface:Â Lay down a protective layer to catch any glitter or paint spills, on your table & yourself.
Ways to Add Festive Cheer to Painting Ceramic Christmas Decorations:
Festive Colour Palette:
Start by choosing a festive colour scheme. Reds, greens, golds, and silvers work wonderfully to evoke the holiday spirit.
Glitter Magic:
Apply a thin layer of glue on specific areas of your ceramic figure.
Sprinkle glitter over the glued areas and shake off the excess.
Experiment with layering different colours of glitter for a dazzling effect.
If there was ever a time of year to try out that glitter you’ve always wanted to use, that time is now. More is most definitely more in this case!
You can also use glitter glue. Which will still add that wonderful glittery sparkle, with slightly less mess in the process.
Snowy Accents with Faux Snow Paint:
Create a winter scene by adding false snow paint to certain parts of your ceramic, like the tops of mushrooms or the branches of a tree.
Use a palette knife or brush to dab & position the snow for a realistic, textured finish.
Most faux snow paint is water based. It will air dry, but may take longer due to its think texture.
Dipped or Drizzled Glitter:
Dip the tips of antlers or branches in glue, then into glitter for a dipped effect.
Drizzle glitter over your ceramic to mimic the look of freshly fallen snow. A great alternative to faux snow paint.
Painted Christmas Patterns:
Paint festive patterns like snowflakes, holly leaves, or candy canes onto your ceramic bisque figures.
Consider using stencils for more intricate designs or if you don’t yet feel confident to go freehand. There’s never any shame in using a stencil. There are many wonderful ones out there & you can always make your own using online templates or tracing patterns from magazine using card.
Metallic Accents:
Add metallic touches to enhance the Christmas vibe. Metallic gold or silver paint can highlight features like eyes, beaks, or the edges of wings.
Tips for Success:
Work in layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. This prevents colours from bleeding or blending unintentionally. TIP: Use a hairdryer at a distance to help speed up the drying process if you’re impatient lie me!
Experiment with different brush strokes and techniques to achieve the desired texture and visual appeal.
Seal your creation with a water-based varnish. These are available as brush on varnishes or spray on and come in your choice of gloss or matte.
Keep the overall theme of your ceramic cohesive by using a consistent colour scheme.
The best tip for success of all = have fun and paint your way. If you’re happy with what you’ve created, that’s all that matters.
The Christmas season is the perfect time to let your creativity shine. Whether creating something for your own winter grotto or as a gift for a loved one. With a little paint, lots of glitter and false snow, you can transform your nature inspired ceramic bisque figures into festive masterpieces. At ArtyPax we encourage you to explore, experiment, and most importantly, have fun infusing festive cheer into your artistic creations. Happy painting & Happy Christmas!
