by Chiara Alberetti Milott

Can you envision walking into a party where hundreds of tiny snowflakes dance their way down from the ceiling? That’s what I set out to create with this floating snowflake garland. We haven’t had a lot of snow in Brooklyn this winter – just a few days ago it was 60°! I think I’m missing our usual snow here in New England, and this garland will set the winter wonderland theme for any Holiday party.

This is such a simple party do-it-yourself – all you need are white balloons, thread, needle, assorted papers, snowflake punches (available at Michael’s or any other craft store), and a scissors. Oh! And a small, portable helium tank, which are now available at party supply stores. Even Target carries them now. (Personally, I think they’re the greatest thing to happen to kids’ birthday parties since pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey!)

Step 1: Begin by punching out lots of paper snowflakes. I had two different sizes, but one will do quite nicely. You can choose any color paper, but I went with pale blue, pink, white and a little bit of light green. Gather your snowflakes, and grab your thread and needle.

Step 2: Thread about 1 yard of thread onto your needle. Knot the very end. Sew through your first paper snowflake and push it down to the end.

Step 3: Create a french knot about 1 inch away from your previously threaded snowflake. This will be the barrier that keeps the next snowflake from slipping down and resting on the last one. Continue this process until you have about 8 – 10 snowflakes per thread. At this point, I taped my thread to the wall for safekeeping until I was able to attach them to the balloons.

Step 4: Blow up a balloon, tie a knot in it. Gently take a garland, being careful not to tangle it against itself, and tie or tape it to the knot of the balloon. Release and let it float to the ceiling.

The delicate snowflakes look so pretty hanging together ~ it makes for a very festive party! And, it’s the craft that keeps on giving. When the party is over, there are so many uses for the snowflake garlands. Wrap gifts, decorate a mini-tree, tie them to candy canes and rest them on a mantel or table, or simply hang them in the window. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Photos by Kate Mathis.