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Repurposed Christmas Ornaments Jello Mold

Does junk ever inspire you? Maybe you see a steamer basket and think…turkey (like I did HERE). Or maybe you find some wooden rockers and think, “I should build a Christmas sleigh!” On the other hand, you score a set of underbed drawers and that leads you down the path of building an awesome workbench for your kitchen? Well, maybe you’re not like my crazy ol’ self, but it surely is fun to imagine what something can be. Tell me, what do you see with this pile below? For today, I see repurposed Christmas ornaments. Yep. Jello molds and bread pans can do that to a junker gal. haha.

Vintage Jello Molds and Bread Pans | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In the past, I use jello molds to turn a glass holder into a succulent planter, and also bread pans to make a wall caddy. This time around, however, I am in a holiday mood. As a matter of fact, I’ve created a video tutorial below, and also have the steps laid out for you as well.

STEP 1

As you can imagine, the sky’s the limit with these. I’ve seen them made into garlands, bells, stacked trees, and so much more.

Vintage Jello Mold Bottoms | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

About 3 years ago I took these copper-colored molds and made tree ornaments for each of my six kids. It’s not only a tradition for me to create one for them, but the goal is to use found objects about my home like I did in this past post.

Upcycled Copper Jello Mold Christmas Ornament by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #christmas

Repurposed Christmas Ornaments from Copper Jello Mold by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #christmas #vintage

First, to begin, make sure your molds are clean by using a 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water and wipe clean. Then, gather these supplies:

  • vintage jello molds
  • bottle brush trees (or whatever you want to create with)
  • tacky glue
  • e6000 or similar
  • glitter and/or snow
  • optional hanger to make it into an ornament for your tree
  • optional…any other vintage goodies you want to throw in…buttons, lace, bells…you get the idea!

Next, using your tacky glue, apply it to the fluted “bottom” edge and sprinkle glitter while still wet. Don’t you just love the patina on the molds?

Applying Tacky Glue to Vintage Jello Mold for Repurposed Christmas Ornaments | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 2

Second, using the e6000 glue, apply a bead to the top, then adhere a bottle brush tree (or whatever your heart desires). As an aside, you can find bottle brush trees at the thrift stores and garage sales. If they’re green and you want an aged look, you can soak them in bleach water.

Applying e6000 adhesive to repurposed Christmas ornaments | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Last, apply more tacky glue around the base of the tree and on the top rounded edges of the mold to create a mounded snow effect. Sprinkle with more glitter or snow. Also, feel free to add any other goodies. I am aiming for simple and sweet.

Vintage Jello Mold Repurposed Christmas Ornaments Tree | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 4

Before we finish, let’s grab those bread pans. While you could create a little tote, or a riser, or a wall pocket like I mentioned before. However, today, I’m creating a sleigh! Just hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling… Check out the video for the full demo see the supplies list below:

  • mini bread pan
  • wire hanger
  • wire snips – needle-nose pliers work best
  • dowel, wood turnings, beads, etc.
  • hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • paint – I use white
  • optional – colored waxes

Clipping Wire Hanger for Repurposed Christmas Ornaments | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

First, cut the wire hook off your wire hanger. Then, find center of the bottom of the hanger and cut in half.

Cutting Wire Hanger for Upcycled Bread Pan Sleigh | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, using the needle-nose pliers, bend the ends of the hanger to replicate something like this. Additionally, notice I have these small wood turnings. When I repurposed the ginormous baby cradle, I just had to save every bit. These turnings were a bit longer, so I shorten them with my Dremel (see video).

Repurposed Bread Pan Christmas Sleigh Parts | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Salvaged Wood Turnings for Upcycled Bread Pan Sleigh | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Assembling Bread Pan Sleigh Runners | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 5

Then, after bending the wire, I assemble the sleigh runners and attach to the bottom using glue.

Repurposed Bread Pan Bottom with Wire Hanger Runners | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 6

Finally, you can leave it as-is, or paint as I did. Using a brush and a light coat, I cover the turnings and pan. Then, after the paint cures, I apply a dark wax for an aged appeal.

Painting Repurposed Bread Pan Sleigh | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 7

Because I just adore you guys so, I want to share one more mini DIY project using a vintage toggle button and a sponge brush handle. I tell ya, nothing goes to waste around here. I save the dowel from my brushes to make oodles of things. For instance, see my boot storage for my family of 8 HERE.

DIY Wax Seal Stamp | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I’ve always been enamored with the lost art of letter writing. Do you enjoy sending letters? I’m so thankful for you readers that send me encouraging notes. It means more than you know! {{hugs}} With that in mind, to add a bit of vintage vibe to our repurposed Christmas ornaments I found free printable envelopes to tuck in my sleigh.

Free printable envelopes:

Of course, however, I need to make them even more fun with a wax stamp seal. tee hee! I demonstrate the steps in the video using a crayon, glue stick, and my heat gun.

Sealed Envelope with DIY Wax Seal Stamp by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Free Printable Envelopes as seen at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Repurposed Christmas Ornaments from Vintage Bread Pans and Jello Molds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpiecse.com #prodigalpieces

DECK THE HALLS

Deck the halls with vintage bakeware, fa la la la la…la la la la!! haha. Box stores ain’t got nothin’ on us creative folk. As always, my goal is to inspire you. Which is your favorite…the sleighs or the trees?

Repurposed Farmhouse Christmas Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #Christmas

Upcycled Bread Pan Sleigh Created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #Christmas #diy #upcycled

Rustic Farmhouse Twine Bow on Bread Pan Sleigh by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #Christmas #tutorial

It almost makes me wish it was snowing huge flakes outside…almost. As a matter of fact, I have plenty of snow for all the rest of the year. tsk.

DIY Wax Seal Stamp Envelope for Repurposed Christmas Ornaments by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #crafts

DIY Jello Mold Repurposed Christmas Ornaments by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #repurposed #diy #farmhouse #Christmas

Likewise, I couldn’t resist making these gilded jello mold trees as well. This brings to mind the classic silver and gold song, doesn’t it?

Glittering Gold Bottle Brush Trees for Repurposed Christmas Ornaments by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #Christmas #holiday

Glittery Gold Bottle Brush Tree on Vintage Jello Molds for Repurposed Christmas Ornaments by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #Christmas

Not only can you make any of these a part of your Christmas story, but you can also find more in my online store.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

DIY Repurposed Christmas Ornaments for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #Christmas

SHARE

With that in mind, leave me some comment love below on my repurposed Christmas ornaments so I know what I’m doing is inspiring you. In addition, pin and share to spread the holiday cheer too!

Skip the box store and create your own repurposed Christmas ornaments from vintage bread pans and jello molds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #crafts #Christmas #farmhouse

WAIT! Before you go, make sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter so you can see what becomes of this thrifted tray. eep! Until next time!

Thrifted Tray Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesblog signature

Also, more repurposed Christmas ornaments ideas for you:

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comSo cute! Who knew a set of old wooden salad bowls could look so whimsical as repurposed Christmas trees? See how Larissa of Prodigal Pieces did it here at prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Mary says

    Larissa this is such a great way to reuse the jello molds. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    • Larissa says

      How fun to hear! Thank you, Mary. I can’t say enough how fun it is to create, but also hear from readers.

  2. Niki says

    You are so creative Larissa!! I’m sitting here looking at my rather boring non-decorated home thinking I need a seasonal flare, but then my minimalist mind takes over and I don’t want to find room to store things for off seasons. Maybe next year-we will see. Thanks for the fun ideas.

    • Larissa says

      You and me both. I wouldn’t say boring, rather focused. 😉 I prefer to use natural, so it was compost when done – no storing! tee hee.

  3. Marie B says

    I did not see that adorable sleigh coming – very clever idea! The mini jelly mold trees are so pretty too.

    • Larissa says

      It’d be fun with bread slices tucked in, right? (unpainted, of course). Thanks, Marie!

  4. Wendy says

    Super cute! I love all three little projects! I think I’ll try the little sleigh project. Thanks for sharing!

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