subject: Easy Steps to make Popcorn Ball Ornaments for your Christmas Tree [print this page] Items Required: Clear Glass Ornament Balls, Microwave Popcorn, Brown Paper Bag (lunch sized), Microwave, Paper Towels, Glitter (if desired)
Remove the metal tops from your clear glass ornament balls. These metal tops are easily removed as they generally screw onto the ornament. Remove tops from any ornaments you will be filling. Make sure you only use clear glass ball ornaments. Ornaments with a metallic or colored finish can have problems in the microwave and could potentially pose a fire hazard.
Open the bag of unpopped microwave popcorn. Make sure you purchase a bag with as little butter as possible. Do not purchase kettle corn or other sugared varieties.
Using the paper towels, carefully wipe the popcorn kernels clean. Make sure you remove as much oil as possible as it can make the inside of your ornament look greasy. Do not clean the popcorn using water or any cleaners since this can interfere with its ability to pop. You will need approximately ten kernels per ornament. Wipe as much popcorn as you will need for the number of ornaments you will be making. Do not discard unneeded popcorn until the end of the project as you may need more if some kernels do not pop.
Fill each ornament with the unpopped kernels. Ten kernels per ornament is a good place to start. You can adjust the number of kernels used to adjust how full the finished balls appear. Remember, the popcorn will be much larger once popped- do not overfill the balls.
Place one ornament into the brown lunch sack. Fold the top over and place the sack into the microwave on its side.
With your microwave on high, microwave the popcorn ball for about one minute. Since every microwave works differently, you may have to adjust the microwave times. The goal is to get as many kernels to pop as possible without burning any popcorn. Listen while the ornament is in the microwave and promptly remove it once the popping has stopped for a few seconds.
Remove the bag from the microwave and remove the ornament. The ornament may be hot so be careful when removing it from the bag. You may want to wait a few minutes to allow the ornament to cool.
Repeat this process with each ornament that you will be making. Only microwave one ornament at a time.
Once you have popped the corn in all of your ornaments, you can shake the balls upside down to remove any unpopped kernels.
For a sparkly touch, consider adding glitter to the ornaments after the popping has been completed.
Polish the outside of the ornaments to remove any oil or butter residue and replace the metal tops.
These ornaments are ready to hang on your tree or to give as gifts. They look especially attractive when hung with a wide silky ribbon tied in a bow.
This fun ornament will get many compliments. It is a fun and easy ornament to make and is especially enjoyed by children who delight it seeing the ornament transform while in the microwave. If you are making many ornaments, consider letting the microwave rest for several minutes a few times throughout the project to prevent overheating.
Need a tree to hang the popcorn ball on? Checkout the Christmas Trees from http://www.christmastreeforme.com
Easy Steps to make Popcorn Ball Ornaments for your Christmas Tree
By: Jennifer Landers
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