Just about every vintage-collector I know has one thing in common: they all have a soft spot in their hearts for Shiny Brite ornaments. Perhaps they just love all things vintage Christmas, but they always have a special affinity for Shiny Brites. And I, of course, fall into that same adoring category, as well!
Now, of course, I’ve bought a LOT of vintage ornaments throughout the years that aren’t actual Shiny Brites. But rather some lesser known (or never known) brand or maker.
But let’s face it, we call them all Shiny Brite ornaments, don’t we?
Either way, I thought it would be awfully fun to put together a love-letter blog post that celebrated these beloved vintage Christmas ornaments. Because I’m certainly not the only person who loves them, and I KNOW I’m not the only blogger who has created projects that celebrate them, too.
For instance, they were the reason I created this ornament display from an old soda crate. As a way to showcase a few favorites that also doubled as a storage container for them during the other 11 months of the year!
The same goes for this bamboo wine rack project. It just wouldn’t have been the same had I displayed modern ornaments on it, right? It HAD to showcase some Shiny Brite ornaments, or some other vintage brand of glass ball ornies.
Whether it’s the color, the design, or the patina that has developed over time, I just never tire of vintage ornaments. And while no offense to all the glass ornament makers from yesteryear, but I just tend to refer to all of them as Shiny Brite ornaments- accurate or not.
For instance, I’m fairly certain that none of these little bitty balls are actual Shiny Brites. But they look the same as my regular-size authentic ones, so I just think of them as baby versions.
Either way, I thought some of you would also enjoy a blog post dedicated to all things Shiny Brite. So, I gathered as many posts as I could find that celebrate them. I found articles written about their history, and blog posts about storing them. Articles about their value and worth, and plenty of posts filled with photos of Christmas trees and other display ideas.
A festive collection of posts that I think any vintage Christmas lover will truly, truly enjoy!
Shiny Brite Ornaments
For the Love of Shiny Brites
SO. MANY. SHINY. BRITE. ORNAMENTS! Not that I’m complaining, no not one bit! I mean, I even like to collect and display the boxes of vintage ornaments- Shiny Brites and otherwise.
And what say you? Are you displaying any vintage ornaments this year? Or did you spot an idea in the collection above for new ways to enjoy and appreciate your own collection of Shiny Brite ornaments?
I thoroughly loved putting this post together and indulging in my adoration of vintage Christmas balls. Hopefully you have enjoyed it as well, and maybe even feel more inspired with new ways to display them throughout the season!
Big ones or bitty ones, as the case may be.
Thank you for spending time during this hectic season by sharing in my love for these! And who knows, maybe someone will be inspired to start them own collection of vintage ornaments now. Or even double-checking grandma’s attic to see if she’s got some Shiny Brite ornaments tucked away up there!
And here’s an idea in the unfortunate (but not unlikely) event of any broken vintage ornaments. Save their pretty ornament caps and use them on clear glass ornaments you buy at craft stores! That’s what I did with this DIY snowball ornament, and it made such a small but significant difference!
Craft on and Merry (Shiny Brite) Christmas!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
There is a museum in Brevard dedicated to aluminum Christmas trees and Shiny Brite ornaments. I did a post on it in 2018, enjoy! – https://frommycarolinahome.com/2018/12/25/merry-christmas-and-a-holiday-treat/
WOW!! I had no idea!! I’m overdue for a Brevard visit anyway, even more reason to go now! Thank you for sharing with me.
Fabulous ideas for beautiful old ones!!
It was a wonderful collection of projects to find for y’all!
These are my favorite to place on my tree every year. I won’t let anyone put them on for fear of them getting broken. They are gorgeous. I got some years and years ago when they had them at a Homegoods store near me! I grabbed them right up! I like your ideas and inventive ways to decorate with them.
Not all my ideas- in fact, most of the thumbnails are for other bloggers’ blog posts! But I sure had fun finding them for the round up!
My Shiny Brite ornaments are at least 60 years old, if not more. My Grandmas neighbor in Hoboken, NJ worked for them and I have hers and my father and mothers. My cousin has them from his parents and has them up. He is dedicated to the original ornaments, They are getting old and fragile but still give me the best memories.
They really are just the most precious, fragile things. I’m so glad that so many still exist, given how breakable they are.
I enjoyed your post today but there are times when I can get lost into what I’m reading. Your good in your presentation. I even visited another site while getting your information.
I absolutely LOVE all my Shiny Brite ornaments. So many happy memories of my childhood shine through each year as I hang them on our Christmas tree or display them in one of my vintage crystal bowls from my grandmother. I love all your ideas!
Hi Sadie! Such beautiful ornaments. I go to alot of estate sales so how can you tell if the ornament is a shiny Brite if it’s not in a box? I don’t have any but would love to start looking for some.
That’s a great question, Cheryl. I know that some Shiny Brites had “Shiny Brite” stamped on the metal ornament cap, but not all. And I know there are certain designs (glitter paint, etc.) that are original to SB…but it would take a hard core expert to know those on sight. Which is why it’s just easier for me to call them ALL Shiny Brites, I suppose, LOL.