Easy DIY Map Ornaments from Cosmetic Containers
How to create easy Map Ornaments from repurposed cosmetic containers
From December 1st to December 23rd I’m sharing three Christmas projects per week, for Twelve Days of Christmas Projects.
Welcome to Day Ten!
You can find links to the other projects at this end of this post.
There’s nothing I love better than creating projects that repurpose and upcycle items that would normally go into the landfill, or my recycle bin.
Today is one of those projects, and it’s a super easy one too.
I had everything I’m using on hand, and because I’m just using bits and pieces this project basically cost next to nothing.
Sponsored: Decoupage product provided by DecoArt. This project idea, choice of product used, and all opinions are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here.
I’ve been saving my Cover Girl foundation containers for years now, knowing that one day I would do something with them
And today’s the day.
Removing labels and cleaning cosmetic containers
The first thing to do is to remove the sticker label on the front. It peels off quite easily.
Then you give the clear containers a good cleaning out. A paper towel and some glass spray cleaner worked great.
These are the other halves of the foundation containers. I’m not repurposing them today, but rest assured that I’m keeping them for a someday idea.
Cutting round map pieces for ornaments
For my DIY map ornaments I simply cut out three circles from a paper map. I chose some places in my home province on Ontario , Canada, that have some meaning to me.
I used a salt shaker that was jut a right size to trace around the circles with pencil, but you can use whatever you have that’s the right size.
Decoupaging map pieces into cosmetic containers
I applied some of the decoupage medium with a small artist brush into the cosmetic container.
Then I put the map circles in place, gently pushing them into the rounded edges inside the container.
Do not put decoupage medium on the back of the paper before placing. This makes the paper way too soft to work with.
Adding finishing touches to DIY map ornaments
Now it’s time to pretty up my DIY map ornaments.
You can use whatever you want to dress these babies up, but I’m using some jute twine, and some colorful, and inexpensive, PVC ropes. The PVC ropes are very light and super easy to work with.
So that I can use the jute twine as a hanger, I created the loop and then hot glued the ends into the top rim of the container.
Then I hot glued the PVC rope over the jute twine, making my way around the container.
Here’s what it looks like after.
Adding pretty bows to DIY map ornaments
And a cute mini bow is hot glued on as the cherry on top, and it also hides the messy bits.
Here’s what they look like from the back.
Supplies needed to create these DIY Map Ornaments
- clear plastic cosmetic foundation containers
- maps
- DecoArt decoupage medium
- small artist brush
- hot glue gun
- hot blue sticks
- jute twine
- colorful PVC ropes
- mini bows
And here are my finished DIY map ornaments.
I have to say that repurposing these plastic cosmetic containers was a lot of fun and very satisfying. And I”ll be hanging them on the tree, instead of dropping them into the recycle bin.
Creating DIY map ornaments is a fun way to remember places you’ve been, places you want to go to, or places you really love.
I hope this projects has inspired you to repurpose those cosmetic containers into some fun DIY map ornaments.
If you don’t want to use maps you could use photographs, scrapbook paper, music sheets, tissue paper… whatever you want really.
The creative possibilities are really endless.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would pin this project to your favorite Pinterest board, and also share it with your friends.
Twelve Days of Christmas Project Links
DAY TWELVE: Quick & Easy Scarf Christmas Wreath
DAY ELEVEN: Repurposed Furniture Legs into Alternative Christmas Trees
DAY TEN: Easy Map Ornaments from Cosmetic Containers
DAY NINE: Vintage Cookie Cutter Christmas Ornaments
DAY EIGHT: Displaying Vintage Ornaments in a Frame
DAY SEVEN : Repurposed Playing Cards into DIY Christmas Tree
DAY SIX: DIY Christmas Wreath from Glittery Thrifted Finds
DAY FIVE: Easy DIY Stuffed Clear Plastic Ornaments
DAY FOUR: Easy DIY Christmas Gnomes
DAY THREE: Easy DIY Felt Poinsettia Wreath
DAY TWO: Easy Angel Ornaments from Tassels
DAY ONE: Repurposed Hand Fan Christmas Trees
Thanks so much for reading and until next time,
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
Really cute idea Tuula! It just goes to show you can make something out of anything! Another 1/8″ lower and you would have had my hometown on one of your map ornaments. I would love to know what cities in the Niagara region are memories of yours. Maybe we will cross paths one day, I will keep my eyes open for you!
Thanks Pam! My hubby and I lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake for six years many moons ago, and we love the Niagara region. I’ll keep my eyes open for you too. 🙂
These are really cute and a great way to hang memories on the tree! I’ll have to find something similar to these lids, though, since I haven’t worn make-up in about 100 years! If you think of something, let me know!!
Thanks Dona! Anything you can find that’s small and round could work for this project. Maybe little coasters, or can lids. They really don’t have to be clear. I just used the cosmetic containers to show that you can really make something out of almost anything.
Well dang, Tuula, you and I use the same foundation but you were the smart one who thought to keep the containers. These map ornaments are ADORABLE and such a great idea for recycling the cosmetic containers so they stay out of the landfill, which I’m embarrassed to say, mine are right now. Merry Christmas!
What a coincidence Marie! I’ve always thought the clear foundation containers were kind of pretty, and I just had to try to use them for something.
Another great upcycle, Tuula. I love these ideas so much! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas Tuula to you and your family and fur babies too! You come up with the best unique craft projects and I want to thank you for sharing these with us all! I hope ya’ll have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year and I can’t wait to see what you share with us next year! Amy
Thanks very much Amy! Merry Christmas to you and yours too. 🙂
You could glue a small magnet to the back and have new magnet set perfect for ones refrigerator or office space… You could even place ones alphabet on them and send out a message to others.
Those are both great ideas Sandra!
First I have to say I’ve always thought of trying that foundation lol. I started to feel my aging skin was best with just my blush but there are times I’d like a little more than just blush. These ornaments came out so cute. I was thinking you could probably do coasters too if you put the maps on the bottoms of them. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a happy, HEALTHY, safe and prosperous new year.
Thanks Debra! Coasters are a great idea. hope you have a Merry Christmas too, and all the best in the New Year.