Melting Plastic Cup Ornaments

Kids adore making crafts where an ordinary object becomes something exciting. Watching a simple plastic cup shrink in the oven turning it into an ornament gives children a sense of wonder and control over the creation process.

Children also love rituals. So making Christmas ornaments gives them a seasonal tradition to look forward to every year. For nannies, it’s a wonderful way to create connection, memories, and keepsakes that families treasure long-term.

Please consider the safety notes below prior to doing this project.

You Will Need:

Clear plastic cups (must have the recycle symbol #6 on the bottom)
Permanent markers
Baking sheets
Hole punch
Ribbon, yarn, or twine for hanging
Oven mitts
Metal or porcelain bowl, for flattening any ripples

What to Do:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to broil or 350°F (175°C) to 425°F (220°C).

2. Decorate the cups: Use permanent markers to draw designs on the outside and bottom of the plastic cups. The bottom of the cup will become the center of the final ornament, and the design on the sides will shrink inward.

3. Punch a hole: Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top of the cup’s rim before baking. The hole will shrink considerably, so a large punch is best. These ornaments can be hard to punch holes on after melting.

4. Melt the cups: Place the decorated cups upside down on the baking sheets, spaced a couple of inches apart to prevent them from melting into each other. Place the tray in the oven.

5. Watch the magic: Keep the oven light on and watch the cups closely. They will begin to bubble, melt, and flatten within seconds, often taking only 10-30 seconds on the broil setting.

6. Flatten (if needed): Once the cup has melted flat, immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven. If any ornaments are slightly wavy, quickly press them flat using the bottom of a metal or porcelain bowl while they are still hot and pliable.

7. Cool and finish: Allow the ornaments to cool for about 5 minutes. Once cool, thread ribbon or yarn through the hole and tie it to create a hanger for your ornament. You can also write the child’s name and date on the back with a permanent marker for a keepsake. 

Safety Notes:

• Adult supervision is required for the oven steps, as the plastic melts very quickly and gets very hot.

• Ensure the area is well-ventilated.

• Only use cups with the #6 recycle symbol (polystyrene) for safe and effective results. Other plastic types may not melt correctly and can create a toxic disaster.

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Photos by Stephanie Felzenberg