As an Amazon Associate GolferHive.com earns from qualifying purchases.
9 Simple Christmas Golf Ball Crafts for Festive Fun
Have you ever stumbled upon a dusty bucket of old, scuffed-up golf balls in the garage and wondered what to do with them? Instead of letting them gather more dust or end up in a landfill, you can transform them into charming, handmade decorations. Christmas golf ball crafts are a wonderfully creative way to upcycle these durable little spheres, giving them a festive new purpose that adds a personal touch to your holiday season.
The thought of starting a new craft project can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re aiming for something that looks polished and festive. You might worry about needing special skills or expensive supplies. Many DIY guides show complicated projects, but the real magic lies in simplicity. You just need a spark of inspiration and a few basic materials like acrylic paint, permanent markers, and a hot glue gun to unlock a world of creative possibilities, turning what was once trash into treasured keepsakes.
Repurposing used golf balls is a fantastic way to create unique, budget-friendly Christmas decorations. With some paint and basic craft supplies, you can easily transform them into charming ornaments like snowmen, Santas, and festive characters to adorn your tree or give as handmade gifts. This guide will walk you through 9 simple, step-by-step projects perfect for crafters of all ages, ensuring you have festive fun while making delightful holiday decor.
Contents
show
Have a Bucket of Old Golf Balls? Turn Them Into Festive Holiday Decor!
Based on dozens of projects, the key to beautiful golf ball crafts is starting with a clean surface and using the right materials. A simple wash with soap and water is all you need to prepare your used golf balls. From there, a world of festive fun opens up. These projects are a fantastic way to create DIY Christmas decor that’s both personal and budget-friendly, making them perfect for family craft nights or for creating unique, handmade Christmas gifts. The durable nature of golf balls means your creations will last for many holiday seasons to come. But before we start painting, let’s look at why this is such a great idea.
Why Upcycle Golf Balls for Christmas Crafts?
Upcycling golf balls for Christmas is beneficial because it’s eco-friendly, incredibly affordable, and results in durable, long-lasting decorations. The unique round shape and dimpled texture of a golf ball provide a perfect canvas for a wide range of creative holiday characters and designs.
Here are the key benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: You’re giving a new life to items that would otherwise be discarded, which is a small but meaningful way to reduce waste.
- Budget-Friendly: The main component of your craft is free! This makes it an exceptionally affordable way to create a large number of ornaments or decorations.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Unlike many fragile ornaments, decorations made from golf balls are tough and resistant to breaking, making them perfect for homes with kids and pets.
- Unique Creative Canvas: The spherical shape is ideal for creating heads for characters like snowmen and penguins, while the dimpled texture adds an interesting visual element to your finished project.
9 Simple Christmas Golf Ball Crafts for Festive Fun
Here are 9 easy and creative ideas to transform simple golf balls into delightful Christmas ornaments and decorations. These projects have been selected for their simplicity, high-impact results, and use of readily available craft materials. From adorable characters perfect for crafting with kids to elegant designs that make beautiful handmade gifts, there’s a project here for every skill level. We’ll cover everything from the classic snowman to a mischievous Grinch, providing clear, step-by-step instructions for each.
- Classic Golf Ball Snowman Ornament
- Jolly Santa Belly Ornament
- Grinch-Inspired Golf Ball Character
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Sweet Christmas Pudding Ornament
- Colorful Christmas Light String
- Sparkling Glitter Snowball Ornament
- Personalized Sharpie Art Gift Ball
- Adorable Felt Scarf Penguin Pal
1. Classic Golf Ball Snowman Ornament
Pin this adorable snowman ornament idea!
This snowman ornament is a timeless classic and one of the easiest golf ball crafts to make, perfect for an afternoon activity with kids. Using just a bit of white paint and a few markers, you can bring a cheerful winter character to life.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball, cleaned and dried
- White acrylic craft paint and a small paintbrush
- Black and orange fine-tip permanent markers (like Sharpie)
- Small piece of orange polymer clay (optional, for a 3D nose)
- Thin strip of festive fabric or ribbon for a scarf
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine or ribbon for hanging loop
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint the entire golf ball white with acrylic paint. Apply a second coat if needed for full coverage. Let it dry completely.
- Using the black permanent marker, draw two dots for the eyes and a mouth made of smaller dots.
- Draw on the orange carrot nose with a marker, or for a 3D effect, shape a tiny carrot from polymer clay and glue it on.
- Tie the fabric strip around the “neck” of the snowman to create a scarf, securing with a dot of hot glue.
- Create a small loop with twine or ribbon and hot glue it securely to the top of the snowman’s head for hanging.
Pro-Tip: To make painting easier, stick a wooden skewer into a piece of styrofoam and place the golf ball on top. This allows you to paint the entire surface at once without getting fingerprints on it.
2. Jolly Santa Belly Ornament
Add this cute Santa belly to your Christmas craft list!
This Santa belly ornament is a simple yet incredibly charming design that captures the spirit of Christmas. The combination of glittery red paint and a smart black belt makes for a festive and eye-catching addition to any tree.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball, cleaned and dried
- Red glitter acrylic paint
- Thin black ribbon (about 1/4 inch wide)
- Small silver or gold craft buckle or a piece of glittery craft foam
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint the entire golf ball with the red glitter paint. This may take 2-3 coats for a rich, sparkly finish. Let dry completely.
- Cut a piece of black ribbon long enough to wrap around the middle of the golf ball.
- If you have a craft buckle, thread the ribbon through it. If not, cut a small square from glittery foam and glue it to the center of the ribbon.
- Wrap the ribbon “belt” around the center of the red golf ball and secure the ends on the back with a dot of hot glue.
- Attach a hanging loop to the top with hot glue.
Lesson Learned: Using paint with glitter already mixed in is much easier and less messy than applying glue and then sprinkling glitter on top. It also creates a more even, durable finish.
3. Grinch-Inspired Golf Ball Character
Pin this fun Grinch craft idea for a touch of mischief!
Capture the mischievous charm of the Grinch with this fun and easy character craft. A splash of lime green paint and a few simple details drawn with markers are all it takes to bring this iconic holiday curmudgeon to life.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball, cleaned
- Bright lime green acrylic paint
- Yellow, black, and red fine-tip paint pens or permanent markers
- A miniature craft Santa hat
- Hot glue gun
- Twine for hanging (optional)
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint the golf ball with the lime green paint and let it dry thoroughly.
- Using a black marker, draw the Grinch’s signature smirk and angry eyebrows.
- With the yellow paint pen or marker, fill in his eyes, leaving a small black dot for the pupil.
- Use the red marker to draw a tiny heart if you want to show his heart grew three sizes!
- Use a dot of hot glue to attach the mini Santa hat to the top of his head at a jaunty angle.
- If making an ornament, glue a hanging loop to the back of the hat.
Pro-Tip: For fine facial details like eyes and eyebrows, use an ultra-fine tip paint pen. It gives you much more control than a brush and the color is more opaque than a standard marker.
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Save this adorable Rudolph craft for a fun afternoon with the kids!
This Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer craft is an absolute favorite for kids. With googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a bright red pom-pom nose, this project is simple, full of texture, and undeniably cute.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball
- Brown acrylic paint
- Two small googly eyes
- One small red pom-pom
- One brown pipe cleaner
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine for hanging loop
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint the golf ball brown and let it dry completely.
- Glue the two googly eyes onto the front of the ball.
- Glue the red pom-pom just below the eyes for Rudolph’s nose.
- Cut the brown pipe cleaner in half. Twist each half into a simple antler shape.
- Use the hot glue gun to attach the two pipe cleaner antlers to the top of the golf ball head.
- Attach a twine hanging loop to the back.
Pro-Tip: To make the antlers more secure, use the tip of a pen to slightly widen two dimples on top of the golf ball. Add a dot of hot glue into the dimples, then insert the ends of the pipe cleaners.
5. Sweet Christmas Pudding Ornament
Pin this delicious-looking Christmas pudding craft idea!
Create a unique, food-themed ornament that looks good enough to eat. This Christmas pudding craft uses dimensional puff paint to create a realistic “icing” effect, making it a standout decoration on any tree.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball
- Rich brown acrylic paint
- White dimensional “puff” paint
- Tiny craft holly leaves and red beads/sequins for berries
- Hot glue gun
- Ribbon for hanging
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint the golf ball entirely with brown paint and allow it to dry.
- Holding the golf ball from the bottom, squeeze the white puff paint onto the top, letting it drip down the sides to look like icing.
- While the puff paint is still wet, gently press the craft holly leaves and red “berries” into it.
- Let the puff paint dry completely according to the package directions (this can take several hours). It will puff up as it dries.
- Once fully dry, hot glue a hanging ribbon to the back.
Lesson Learned: Be patient with puff paint! Don’t touch it while it’s drying, as it can easily smudge. The puffy, 3D result is worth the wait.
6. Colorful Christmas Light String
Brighten your decor with this colorful golf ball Christmas light idea!
This is a perfect craft for making multiple decorations at once. By painting a batch of golf balls in bright colors, you can create a bowl of oversized “Christmas lights” for a cheerful table centerpiece or even string them together for a quirky garland.
- Materials Needed:
- Multiple used golf balls
- Assorted colors of glossy acrylic paint (red, green, blue, yellow, etc.) or bold permanent markers
- Silver or gold paint pen
- Clear acrylic sealer spray (optional, for longevity)
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint each golf ball a different solid, bright color. Let them dry completely.
- Using the silver or gold paint pen, draw a rectangular “base” at the top of each golf ball, simulating the part of the bulb that screws into the socket.
- Add some squiggly lines on the base with a black fine-tip marker for a screw-thread effect.
- For extra shine and protection, take the painted balls outside and give them a light coat of clear acrylic sealer spray.
- Display your colorful “lights” in a glass jar, a wooden bowl, or string them together to make a garland.
Pro-Tip: For a super vibrant, glass-like finish, use alcohol inks instead of paint. They create a beautiful translucent color that makes the golf balls look even more like vintage Christmas light bulbs.
7. Sparkling Glitter Snowball Ornament
Pin this simple and elegant glitter snowball ornament!
For a craft that is incredibly simple but delivers a stunningly elegant result, look no further. This glitter snowball ornament requires no painting and just a few materials to create a sparkling decoration that beautifully catches the Christmas tree lights.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball
- Mod Podge or white craft glue
- A small foam brush
- White or iridescent glitter
- A paper plate or tray to catch excess glitter
- Hot glue gun
- Thin silver or white ribbon for hanging
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Pour a generous amount of glitter onto the paper plate.
- Using the foam brush, apply an even coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the golf ball.
- Immediately roll the glue-covered ball in the glitter until it is completely coated. Gently press to adhere the glitter.
- Set the glittered ball aside on a clean surface (like wax paper) to dry completely.
- Once dry, you can apply a second thin coat of Mod Podge over the glitter to seal it and prevent shedding. Let it dry again (it will dry clear).
- Hot glue a loop of silver ribbon to the top for hanging.
Lesson Learned: Sealing the glitter with a top coat of Mod Podge is a crucial step! If you skip it, you’ll find glitter all over your house for weeks. The sealant locks it in place.
8. Personalized Sharpie Art Gift Ball
Create a one-of-a-kind gift with this personalized golf ball idea!
This is the perfect handmade gift for the golf enthusiast in your life. Using just permanent markers, you can create a completely customized and thoughtful present that is both simple to make and deeply personal.
- Materials Needed:
- A new or very clean used golf ball
- A set of multi-colored fine-tip and ultra-fine-tip permanent markers (Sharpie brand works great)
- Pencil for light sketching (optional)
- A clear display stand or small gift box
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Ensure the golf ball is perfectly clean and free of oils from your hands.
- Decide on your design. Ideas include the recipient’s name or monogram, a special date, festive symbols like snowflakes or holly, or an inside joke.
- If you’re nervous about free-handing, you can lightly sketch your design with a pencil first. The dimples can make this tricky, so simple designs work best.
- Carefully draw your design onto the golf ball using the permanent markers. Use ultra-fine tips for details and lettering.
- Let the ink dry for a few hours to ensure it sets properly and doesn’t smudge.
- Present the personalized golf ball on a display stand or in a nice gift box.
Pro-Tip: The dimpled texture of the golf ball can cause markers to “bleed” slightly. Work slowly and use short, deliberate strokes for the cleanest lines. Test your marker on a spare ball first if possible.
9. Adorable Felt Scarf Penguin Pal
Pin this cute penguin craft for a touch of winter whimsy!
Create a charming winter friend with this adorable penguin craft. The simple black and white paint job combined with a tiny, colorful felt scarf makes for a whimsical character that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Materials Needed:
- Used golf ball
- Black and white acrylic paint
- Fine-tip orange and black permanent markers
- Small scrap of colorful felt
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Twine for hanging (optional)
- Step-by-Step Directions:
- Paint a white oval shape on the front of the golf ball for the penguin’s belly and face.
- Once the white paint is dry, paint the rest of the golf ball black. Let it dry completely.
- Using the black marker, draw two small dots for eyes within the white face area.
- Use the orange marker to draw a small triangle for the beak just below the eyes.
- Cut a thin strip from the felt scrap, about 3-4 inches long. Snip small fringes on each end to make it look like a scarf.
- Wrap the felt scarf around the penguin’s “neck” and secure it with a tiny dot of hot glue.
- If desired, attach a hanging loop to the top.
Lesson Learned: Painting the white belly first and letting it dry before adding the black makes getting a crisp line much easier. If you do the black first, it’s very difficult to get the white to cover it without multiple coats.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Christmas Golf Ball Crafts
- Clean First: Always start by thoroughly cleaning and drying your used golf balls for the best paint and marker adhesion.
- Choose the Right Paint: Acrylic craft paint is your best friend for base coats. For fine details, permanent markers or paint pens offer more control.
- Embrace Embellishments: Simple additions like ribbon, felt, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms are what truly bring your characters to life. A hot glue gun is essential.
- Get Creative with Display: Your finished crafts can be hung as ornaments, displayed in a decorative bowl as festive filler, or given as unique, handmade gifts.
- Seal for Longevity: For crafts that will be handled often or stored year after year, a quick coat of clear acrylic sealer spray can protect your hard work.
People Also Ask About Christmas Golf Ball Crafts
What can I make out of golf balls?
You can make a huge variety of crafts from golf balls due to their round shape and durability. For holidays, they are perfect for creating ornaments like snowmen, Santas, reindeer, or even spooky Halloween pumpkins. Beyond holidays, people paint them to look like ladybugs for the garden, create personalized gifts for golfers, or even make whimsical characters and keychains.
What kind of paint do you use on golf balls?
Acrylic craft paint is the best and most common choice for painting golf balls. It adheres well to the surface, comes in countless colors, and cleans up easily with water. For more detailed designs, fine-tip paint pens or oil-based permanent markers (like Sharpies) are excellent. For a super glossy, professional finish, you can also use spray paint, but be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area.
How do you make golf ball ornaments?
To make a golf ball ornament, first clean the ball and paint it with your desired base color using acrylic paint. Once dry, add details with permanent markers or smaller brushes. Finally, create a hanging loop by hot-gluing a small loop of twine, fishing line, or festive ribbon securely to the top of the decorated golf ball.
Final Thoughts
What a wonderful way to add a personal, handmade touch to your holiday season! As of October 2025, upcycling and DIY projects are more popular than ever, and these crafts are a perfect example of how to participate. Now that you have 9 simple ideas, that bucket of old golf balls is a treasure chest of festive fun waiting to happen. By transforming something ordinary into charming Christmas decor, you’re not just making ornaments—you’re making memories.
Which one are you excited to try first? Share your favorite idea in the comments below
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
