Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament - Unique Gifter

Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament

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Christmas crafting is my favorite way to ring in the holidays! Celebrate your favorite time of the year with this adorable and charming retro gumball machine DIY Christmas ornament! Not only does it make a great way to pass the time in front of the Hallmark channel. It’s also a simple DIY upcycled craft just about anyone can make! 

Upcycled Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament 

What do we love most about this craft? It’s almost totally upcycled! With a few simple craft supplies you can find in your craft closet, or kit you can make something really special! Throw on your favorite Christmas tunes, and add this adorable ornament to your crafting plans this year. 

The best thing about homemade ornaments is the satisfaction you get from hanging them on the tree! Not only do you get to savor the time you’ll spend making them, but you get to relive those memories year after year! Friends, family members and kids can all take part in the fun, too! 

370 Printable Children's Activities

Easy Christmas Ornament Craft for You and Your Kids 

For me, one of the biggest challenges in the holiday season is keeping everyone off of their devices! Crafts some quality family-time with a screen-free activity like these lovely ornaments. They can be easily customized, and decorated for everyone in the family! 

Since you’ve probably got most of the supplies sitting around already, there’s really nothing to these! Make sure the adult is handling the hot glue gun tasks so all the kids have to worry about is making their craft special!

Other DIY Ornaments & Christmas Decor

Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament hanging on a tree

What’s a Good Way to Customize this Upcycled Retro Gumball Machine

Add some extra charm to these adorable ornaments with a few of your craft supplies, and a little creativity! Candy lovers will make this their favorite ornament on the tree, but how can you mix things up a little? One great way to add some character is with spray paints. 

Before gluing on any of the pieces to your red solo cup, you can add some color as well. Simply spray paint the exterior of the cup, I’d like to recommend a metallic color! That way you can emulate the look and feel of an authentic gumball machine! Ribbon, snowflakes and plenty of other little touches can really help to make this Christmas ornament craft something all your own! 

Supplies Needed to Make This Craft: 

Instructions on How to Make a Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament 

  1. Remove the metal lid from the ornament and fill it with the nonpareils. (If you have a tiny funnel, use it to get the nonpareils into the ball. If you don’t have a funnel, you can fold a piece of paper into a shape of a cone.)
  2. Once your ornament is filled to your desired level, place the lid back on.
  3. Attach your piece of string/ribbon to the hanging mount.
  4. Using your hot glue gun, glue the soda can tab to your mini red solo cup.
Gluing the soda can tab onto the mini red solo cup
  1. Now, take your black sharpie marker and draw inside the gumball chute.
Sharpie next to the ornament
  1. With your hot glue gun, attach the clear Christmas ornament to the bottom of the mini solo cup. It’s quite challenging to get it centered so that the hook is perfectly centered. Be patient and take your time.
Adding glue to the bottom of the cup
  1. Give the hot glue a few minutes to set.
Completed Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament
Yield: 1

Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament

Retro Gumball Machine DIY Christmas Ornament

Enjoy these adorable gumball machine Christmas ornaments on your tree this year! Or, gift them to your favorite candy lover for a sweet surprise. You'll love this kid-friendly DIY project for Christmas eve.

Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Instructions

    1. Remove the metal lid from the ornament and fill it with the nonpareils. (If you have a tiny funnel, use it to get the nonpareils into the ball. If you don’t have a funnel, you can fold a piece of paper into a shape of a cone.)
    2. Once your ornament is filled to your desired level, place the lid back on.
    3. Attach your piece of string/ribbon to the hanging mount.
    4. Using your hot glue gun, glue the soda can tab to your mini red solo cup.
    5. Now, take your black sharpie marker and draw inside the gumball chute.
    6. With your hot glue gun, attach the clear Christmas ornament to the bottom of the mini solo cup. It’s quite challenging to get it centered so that the hook is perfectly centered. Be patient and take your time.
    7. Give the hot glue a few minutes to set.

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Check out the Finished Product Below! 

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