We are delighted to share Anita O’Neill’s step-by-step instructions to make these attractive baubles. Anita is a established Mixed Media Textile Artist and Tutor. Apart from hosting workshops herself, Anita also invites other artists to teach at her studio, Eau Brink Studio in Norfolk.

Please note – Anita is running this workshop at the Creative Craft Show in Exeter from 25th – 27th September. She is also at the NEC at the end of October.

Project Sheet: Luminescent Baubles with Lutradur

Bring a touch of handmade magic to your festive decorations with this Luminescent Bauble project. Using Lutradur as the star material, you’ll create lightweight, textured flowers that shimmer with colour and dimension. The result? A stunning, glowing bauble that’s as unique as you are.

What You’ll Need

• 70mm polystyrene bauble and hanger
• Good quality PVA glue (avoid UHU – it can melt polystyrene)
• Alcohol pens or suitable paints (test first)
• Lutradur 30gsm
• Flower stencil and texture paste
• Palette knife or old store card
• Acrylic inks in spritzers (Walnut inks also work beautifully)
• Metallic paints
• Small paintbrush and paint palette
• Heat gun
• Small scissors
• Sequin pins and beads
• Wet wipes and a wipe-clean table covering

Step by Step

Step 1 – Prepare your bauble
Dip the hanger into PVA glue and secure it into the bauble. Colour the bauble surface with alcohol pens (or suitable paints) and allow to dry.

Step 2 – Stencil your flowers
Place Lutradur flat on the table. Lay the stencil over it and lightly spread texture paste using a palette knife or store card. Avoid applying too much – thin layers work best. Gently dry with a heat gun, allowing for slight melting if it happens.

Step 3 – Add colour and shimmer
Spritz your Lutradur with inks, layering two or more colours for interest. Dry again, then highlight flowers with metallic paint using a dry-brush. A good tip is to wipe off most of the paint, and brush lightly across edges and raised areas.

Step 4 – Cut and layer
Once completely dry, cut out the Lutradur flowers. For a 3D effect, layer larger flowers beneath smaller ones. If you’d like, coat them in acrylic wax to strengthen and waterproof before attaching.

Step 5 – Assemble
Thread a bead on to a sequin pin, then push the pin through the flower centre. Dip the pin end in glue, and insert into the bauble. Continue adding flowers until your bauble is covered.

Step 6 – Finish and enjoy
Allow to dry overnight. Optional: add glitter for extra sparkle. Hang your bauble and admire its luminescence!

Why Lutradur Works So Well

• Strong yet lightweight – perfect for layered, delicate designs.
• Heat-reactive – a little melting adds unique texture.
• Colour friendly – takes inks, sprays, and paints beautifully.
• Versatile – can be cut, layered, and shaped with ease.

Top Tips

• Clean stencils immediately after use with wet wipes.
• Cover your table with a wipe-clean cloth to make tidying easier.
• Experiment with colour combinations – bold, subtle, metallic, or even frosty whites.

✨ With Lutradur, every bauble becomes a mini artwork – glowing, shimmering, and truly one of a kind!