Holiday Planning & Ideas Christmas Christmas Ornaments How to Make a Rainbow Ornament Mantel Here's a colorful display sure to brighten spirits in any home this Christmas. The secret: DIY foam ball "ornaments" are spray-painted in a gradient of color. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 9, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email This idea comes from our friend Kara Whitten. These oversized, DIY glittery Christmas ornaments look lovely two ways: lined up on a mantel or hanging from a Christmas tree. You can even use one as a tree topper for a whimsical look. Her extra tip: "If you do not have juice lids for the ornament caps, cut a long rectangle and a circle from a piece of gold card stock and create an ornament cap by gluing the rectangle strip around the circle, punch two holes in the circle, then thread the wire through to create the ornament loop." What You'll Need Materials 6-, 8-, and 10-inch foam balls (Floracraft Styrafoam Ball, 6'') Diamond dust or coarse iridescent glitter Spray paint in various gradient colors Gold spray paint Elmar's craftbond multi-purpose spray adhesive Styrofoam glue Lids leftover from empty plastic bottles 18-gauge gold jewelry wire Wire cutters Drill with 1/4-inch bit Instructions Spray-paint styrofoam balls in colors of your choice; let dry completely. Once dry, coat the foam balls with spray adhesive and sprinkle spoonfuls of coarse glitter; let dry. Spray-paint plastic lids with gold spray paint and drill two holes in the lid. Cut off a 6-inch piece of wire using your wire cutters and thread through the holes in the plastic lid to create an ornament hook, using glue to secure in place. Once glue is dry, press the plastic lid "ornament cap" into the foam ball to make an indention, then remove the cap. Add a ring of glue around the indention and then replace the cap; let glue dry. Once dry, line up the ornaments on the mantel in a rainbow or ombré pattern. Try mixing up the sizes of foam balls to create a varied yet balanced look.