How to Make Crystal Snowflake Ornaments
Do you remember making crystal snowflake ornaments when you were little? I made them last week and can’t wait to share them with you.
I have such fond memories of making these crystal snowflake ornaments as a child and yes, they are still literally quite magical. This is a great project to do with your kiddos or grand kiddos, or over a glass of wine or two with your girlfriends!
You can make crystal snowflake ornaments with just a few supplies, a lot of imagination, and a large bucket. They do have to soak overnight but you are guaranteed snowflakes in the morning!
Look at this snowflake! Isn’t it incredible?
These were very fun to make and I can’t wait to share with you a LIVE tutorial!
Here is my live craft demonstration I did on Facebook.
You can watch my demo below or you can click here to go to my Facebook page to watch!
How to Make Crystal Snowflake Ornaments
How to Make Crystal Snowflake Ornaments
What You Need to Make The Snowflakes
Chenille pipe cleaners (I cut mine to 8″ long)
Borax (one box)
Fishing line (to hang)
Dowels to hang the snowflakes
Container to hang your pipe cleaner snowflakes so they won’t touch while soaking. I used my enameled bread box.
- Cut and twist the pipe cleaners to make snowflakes. Mine are quite large. If I make them again I will make them smaller. About 4″ – 5″ long.
- Tie each snowflake to fishing line so they can soak in the Borax.
- Mix Borax with boiling water in a sealed container. (Use 1 1/2 cups per 8 cups of boiling water. or three tablespoons per cup of boiling water.) I used some large glass vases and a metal Bread box! Hang (or place) the snowflakes in the Borax/Water. Do not let the snowflakes touch each other or else they will stick together. Leave overnight.
- The timing may vary when you soak them overnight. When I checked them the next morning, they hadn’t crystalized. But I checked again an hour later and they were perfect.
This is what they looked like while they were soaking.
And yes, I did soak them in my bread holder, because it was a perfect size.
Of course, it is coated with crystals right now so I don’t recommend it. (Just kidding, all you need to do is pour boiling water in your container and it comes right off.)
Making the snowflakes is not hard to do. This is what my snowflakes looked like. They were fun to make. To add the short pipe cleaners to each snowflake, just twist the pipe cleaner twice to secure.
I have a great book on snowflakes and I used it to get ideas for the snowflake shapes. It’s called The Snowflake 1st Edition.
If you have ever seen a snowflake up close, then you know the intricacy of their designs. Snowflakes are magical and have always been such a mystery to me!
Here is a photo of one of the pages from the book.
It is so hard to believe these are actually snowflakes!
I guess you could say I have been a bit obsessed with snowflakes and I think that is what makes this craft so special to me. I loved making these and being able to crystalize the pipe cleaner snowflakes!
Here is what your snowflakes should look like when you are done soaking them in Borax.
I love how the light catches this snowflake.
Here is a close-up of one of the snowflakes I made.
So what do you think?
I love the photo of these snowflakes drying in the sun. That’s kind of funny … “snowflakes drying in the sun”. Haha
Here are some fun Christmas decor ideas. Order early to make sure your items arrive before Christmas!
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Hi- looks great but what do you use to crystallize them?
please post on your facebook. joyce
how wide are the snowflakes?
I cut the pipe cleaners to 8″, so each side is 4″.
Love love love your video will you please share the solution recipe. Thank you. Keep it going 💕
Love your video. Will you please share the exact amount of water and borax thank you. Please keep it going 💕
These turned out beautiful, thank you for the inspiration!
1. You are beautiful and have a lovely voice and laugh. You should do live videos often, as I enjoyed watching. I wanted to see you live today but got delayed.
2. I signed up for your newsletter after seeing your blog on challenges on The Crowned Goat site.
3. I’ve used Borax for at least 54 years, in laundry, for floors, doing crafts.
4. Keep up the good work!!
Your blog is amazing and so are your crafts. But your patience is even more amazing. Kind words or requests speak volumes. Thank you for your sweet attitude and your patience and kindness
Hi Leslie,
This is a great project, so clever! I think I will try it..
Love your giggle– thanks for the detailed information, your willingness to answer questions and the sharing of your ideas for the rest of us. Looking forward to tomorrow’s project! thx again
Good morning! I’ve been following you for a couple of years, I think I found you on Pinterest 🤔 This is such a great project, can’t wait to get my pipe cleaners! You did a good job on the video👊🏼Thanks for sharing, be blessed ❤️
Are these a one and done or do you have to remake each year? Curious if you can store them for next year?
Thanks
I love your video and your instructions were right on the money. I also am not on any social media outlet, but get your beautiful emails and love all you send. Keep up the good work.
Thank you! We are in quarantine(almost finished) …such a neat project …hope to do b4 Christmas! ~Blessings!
I love these ! Thanks so much!
These are lovely Leslie — and so are you AND your patience!
Thank you so much Diane!
Thank you Leslie 😉! I read that if these are sealed with a spray sealant- they will last – otherwise they may deteriorate over time. Do you have any thoughts/ideas on that? Hope you are feeling better each day… To “Happy Hearts”!
Good morning Leslie from Colorado!
What type of fastener to you attach the fishing line to on your mirror?
Love your style!
This was wonderful. I am in cold Wisconsin, wondering if I could hang them outside when there is no sun and its cold?
Hi Leslie, I love your homes, and I live outside Mexia, Texas which is only about 45 miles from Waco! A quick question about the snowflakes. Do they have to be completely submerged in the solution?
These are so cool, I think I will do this as the yearly craft to do with my granddaughters when they are all here for Thanksgiving! Been following you for a long time on IG and always enjoy your lovely home and tablescapes!
Oh you guys will have so much fun! Thanks so much Brenda!