Tinsel Snowstars + Two Ways to Embellish Them

These twisted tinsel snowstars can be left as-is and used as pretty package tie-ons or embellished with scrap images and Dresdens to create shimmery vintage-style ornaments. Add beads to red or gold tinsel to create poinsettias, or to silver to make edelweiss. Let your imagination guide you!

Supplies: Mini Wired Tinsel, Paint Brush Handle or Pencil, Scissors. (Additional supplies for embellishments are noted below.)

Step 1: To make a snowstar measuring 4-1/2" across. Cut four (4) pieces of tinsel measuring 12" long + one (1) piece measuring 3" long.

Step 2: Bend tinsel 1/2" at ends. Hook ends together and gently form into elongated oval.

Step 3: Twist ends around paint brush handle to create loop details at each end.

Step 4: Twist each piece at centers to create petal shapes.

Step 5: Position two pieces in an X shape and twist together at the center to create one joined piece. Repeat for remaining two pieces. You should have two X pieces.

Step 6: Position X pieces in snowstar shape. Bend 3" long piece of tinsel into a U shape (shown in red tinsel for illustration purposes).

Step 7: Use U shape to join snowstar together: Position U through centers of petals, securely twist at center, position ends through opposite petals toward opposite side of snowstar, finally press ends down securely. You will end up with an X on top and bottom holding your snowstar together.

Tips: This technique can be used to make a variety of snowstar sizes, just adjust the lengths of your 4 tinsel pieces. We made these three sizes:

For a 6" snowstar -- Cut four (4) pieces of tinsel measuring 14" long + one (1) piece measuring 3" long.

For a 4-1/2" snowstar -- Cut four (4) pieces of tinsel measuring 12" long + one (1) piece measuring 3" long.

For a 3-1/2" snowstar -- Cut four (4) pieces of tinsel measuring 9" long + one (1) piece measuring 3" long.

To make your snowstar into a pretty beaded flower ornament simply wire a group of beads to the center. We added 9 beads: (8) 6mm + (1) 8mm for the center.

Additional Supplies: 6mm and 8mm Glass Beads, Beading Wire (26 or 28 gauge), Scissors

Step 1: Cut an 11" length of wire and loosely bend in half. Loop wire around a tinsel petal very close to the center.

Step 2: String 3 beads over both pieces of wire. Loop wire under tinsel petal and back to top so 3 beads are positioned at the center edge. Adjust beads as needed.

Step 3: String 3 more beads and position in center. Again, loop wire under tinsel petal and back to top, adjusting beads if needed.

Step 4: String 3 more beads and position at center edge to complete, adjust beads if needed.

Step 5: Wrap wires toward back around tinsel petal. Twist several times to secure and trim excess. Bend wire toward center and into tinsel to hide.

Embellish your snowstars with old fashioned supplies to create Victorian inspired ornaments.

Additional Supplies: Bushy Wired Tinsel, Dresden Stars and Medallions, Scrap Images, Glue (like Aleen's), Scissors

Step 1: Assemble your supplies: cut apart Dresden medallions and scraps, decide on pairings and color scheme.

Step 2: Cut a length of bushy tinsel and bend into a round shape.

Step 3: Build a small stack of Dresdens in graduated sizes. Top with a scrap image. When pleased with your combination use clear-drying craft glue to adhere all pieces together. Let dry.

Step 4: Glue snowstar, bushy tinsel and Dresden stack together. Let dry.

Tips: There are so many combinations that can be achieved. You may find inspiration in this Lace Snowflake project.

Try mixing metallics -- a gold snowstar looks beautiful and vintage when paired with silver bushy tinsel. Red + silver or red + gold are always classics, too!