Penguin Glass Ornament

Penguins have become very popular for the holidays.  Here is a great way to recycle and create a family keepsake. This project is easy enough that small children can help.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Old Light bulbs with a wide base (not the new energy efficient ones)
White Craft Paint (any that works on glass)
Orange Craft Paint (any that works on glass)
Black Craft Paint (any that works on glass)
Other Craft Paint Colors (optional)
4 to 5 inches of Thin Ribbon (any color)
Aleene’s Tacky Glue (or other craft glue)
Gray Craft Paint (optional)
Permanent Markers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Take a burned out light bulb (or buy a new one if you only use Energy Efficient ones) and paint the bulb black. Even if it is already a black bulb you will want to paint the whole bulb (even the top part that screws into the light socket).

2. Once the paint dries completely, Take your white paint and paint a circle on the “stem” of the bulb. This will be the face and may need more than one coat of white paint.

3. Once the white paint is as dark as you want it and is completely dry, paint (or draw with an orange permanent marker) a small orange triangle slightly below the center of the “face” circle. This is the “beak”. Using a black, brown, blue or green permanent marker, make two small circles for the eyes.

4. Use your black permanent marker to draw two slanted “V”s on either side of the penguin. If the black marker doesn’t show up, try using a gray marker. These are the “Flippers”.

5. Once your bulb is completely dry, take your ribbon and fold it in half. Glue the ribbon to the top of the bulb (the part that screws into the light socket) making a loop (this is for hanging it on the tree). Set aside until glue is completely dry.

VARIATIONS:

1. You can also tie the ribbon around the top of the light bulb. Just wrap the ribbon around the top of the bulb and tie it then make a loop by tying the ribbon in a bow about 2 to 3 inches from the top. It may help the glue the spot where you tie the ribbon around the bulb top.

2. If you don’t feel comfortable drawing the face and beak, you can use store bought “wiggle” eyes and a small orange triangle cut from craft foam. Use craft glue to secure them into place.