How to Make a Doll Gumball Machine

• cup, such as from applesauce, yogurt, or pudding, washed and dried
• black primer spray paint (optional, but will yield better results)
• acrylic or spray paint in desired shade (I used red for the older look)
• clear coat spray paint, mod podge, or other sealant
• clear round Christmas ornament (or other clear sphere with an opening)
• pom-poms (small to medium-sized) in multiple colors for best look
• hot glue gun
• paintbrushes (if not using only spray paint)

Prime and paint the cup and lid/topper of your ornament. You may need multiple layers of acrylic paint over the primer. If you choose to skip primer, rub lightly over surface of cup with a bit of sandpaper to dull the smoothness a little before painting. Clear coat and set aside to dry.

Add the pom-poms to the ornament. Fill it as full as you'd like, but don't pack too tightly or the pom-poms will squish and lose their round gumball shape.

Once the paint is dry and you've replaced the lid/topper o the ornament (you could seal it with glue to keep it more secure), it's time to put it all together.

Cut an X shape, or cut a small hole in the bottom of the cup to help the ball push in a little and sit more securely, then glue the ornament onto the cup.

Your dolls now have a fun, old-timey gumball machine! If you used an ornament for the ball, then this craft doubles as a fun, unique, handmade Christmas ornament as well.

If you'd like, you can add a dowel rod and round base for a free-standing machine.