We admit it – for years, we took circles for granted. Not only are they easily in our Top 10 of basic shapes, but they are also totally cool on which to project decorations. Especially, Christmas decorations! There are tons of great ways to project on circles that are perfect for the season. Decorating Disc XL? Snow globe? Projecting on other round objects? We’ve got ideas for you.
First, let’s start with the basics. There are many Christmas-themed AtmosFX Decorations that are optimized for circles and spheres. When looking at a “Display Mode” for any AtmosFX Decoration, look for the descriptor Decorating Disc Mode. Named after the AtmosFX Decorating Disc XL, all decorations with this mode will offer decorations that are cropped in a circle.
But that’s not all. Some decorations that are optimized for Decorating Disc Mode have added features. These decoration are also cropped as a circle, but have the additional effects to make the decoration look like a snow globe. That’s falling snow, as well as a slight optical enhancement that makes the projection look more spherical.
Now that we know the difference, what Christmas-themed AtmosFX Decorations feature these modes? Glad you asked.
Decorating Disc Mode
Decorating Disc Mode with ‘Snow Globe’ Effects
And don’t worry! No matter which decoration you choose, you won’t miss any of the action – all of the important stuff takes place inside the circle!
Projecting on an AtmosFX Decorating Disc
What is an AtmosFX Decorating Disc? Think of a hula hoop with Window Projection Material stretched over it. Except that the decorating disc is lightweight, stores in a compact sleeve and has grommet loop for easy hanging.
One of the most popular places we will see the AtmosFX Decorating Disc is in windows. For decorators who don't want to cover their entire front window with Window Projection Material, this gives them the opportunity to still add some dynamic colorful all to see.
But you aren’t limited to your window. You can hang the AtmosFX Decorating Disc anywhere and project onto it, indoors or out. Suspending it from a tree – especially an evergreen – is a great choice. It is not lost on us that the decorating disc looks like a very large Christmas ornament!
And if you really want to “wow” neighbors and visitors, put the decorating disc on your roof to take advantage of the Decorating Disc Mode effect. The full glowing moon of Santa’s Sleigh Ride Decoration is stunning. As the day turns into darkness, it looks as though a full moon has permanently arisen above your home, where you will see Santa Claus riding his sleigh delivering gifts – and encountering a little turbulence – on a glorious Christmas Eve night.
Creating a Dynamic ‘Snow Globe’
You don’t have to do anything different to project AtmosFX Decorations as a snow globe – after all, the only difference from Decorating Disc Mode is the addition of falling snow and an enhancement to make the image look more spherical.
One of the most common ways to create a digital “snow globe” is to set up a Decorating on its side, and then back-project Enchanted Snowman or Christmas Carolers onto it. The display looks like a large (and dynamic!) snow globe!
Another great option is to create a clear sphere that transforms into an incredible snow globe using objects you can typically find at a craft store, plus Hollusion Projection Material. In fact, we have a great “how-to” article that shows how easy it can be to make it. (To see the article, click here.)
Projecting Onto Spheres
Projecting on circles is not only limited to flat surfaces. When you project on any object, you can create incredible depth and a three-dimensional feel for your display.
This is where it gets fun. What spherical object do you have around the house? Exercise balls work great, as do beach balls and balloons. (Lighter colors work best.) Things that are shiny will also look great, like bowling balls. We’ve seen creative decorators re-purpose Halloween crystal balls by projecting on them, too.
So, what does projecting onto a sphere look like?
Take Enchanted Snowman Decoration Collection, for instance. You can see that, when projected on a sphere, it makes it look like the friendly namesake of this AtmosFX Decoration is entertaining you from the inside of a large blustery snow globe.
And it is important to remember that the Christmas-themed AtmosFX Decorations optimized for Decorating Disc also look great as snow globes, even if it doesn’t technically have the snow globe enhancements. Try it! Trust us, neighbors will still be impressed.
In the end, there is only one rule when projecting on circles or spheres – or, for that matter, projecting on anything. Experiment! You will never know how good something can look until you give it a try. And remember this, too: The more unusual places on which you can project AtmosFX Decorations, the more likely those who view them will be baffled and surprised! And won’t that create some Christmas cheer?
Have you been projecting on circles and spheres this Christmas? Maybe you have found something else unusual onto which you can project a decoration. We want to see it! (And so do many other AtmosFANs around the world.) Send us photos and videos using this easy submission form!
