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Falling Snowflake Garland DIY

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.

  1. Laura, Bears Eat Berries Press

    December 20, 2011

    Pretty! I love how it has many uses. I actually made a snowflake “garland” myself…using dowel rods and garland… just reminded me of this post and so I thought I’d share!

    http://bearseatberries.com/happycamper/2011/12/14/diy-yarn-snowflakes/

  2. love+cupcakes

    December 20, 2011

    So pretty and delicate. I love the way the snowflakes look falling from the balloons!

  3. Alexa

    December 20, 2011

    Love using these on the gifts! What a cute and festive idea!

  4. Megan Flowers

    December 20, 2011

    so whimsical

  5. Angel Y

    December 20, 2011

    I love this! I would keep it up all winter 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

  6. Lindsay | eythink.com

    December 20, 2011

    I just love this. With all the beautiful punches you can get these days, this could translate to other themes for other times of year too — such as leaves to turn brightly-colored balloons into a floating flower garden?

  7. katie {the parsley thief}

    December 20, 2011

    I love being able to benefit from your amazing creativity! These are gorgeous and you’ve inspired me to make some garland for our tree 🙂

      • jordan
      • December 20, 2011

      Chiara is so talented! We’re lucky to have her as a contributor!

  8. The Wife @ homeonthechange.com

    December 20, 2011

    My favorite kind of holiday decorating: simple and pretty. Perfect timing, too… this will look great with the bowl of vintage ornaments I just posted about this morning! http://homeonthechange.com/

  9. Sharon

    December 20, 2011

    This is so lovely – I think it would be amazing at a sparkely winter wedding!

    Off topic question – you mentioned no snow Brooklyn, but also that you were in New England, do New Yorkers consider themselves part of NE? I thought that was just ME, NH, VT, MA, CT and RI? Sorry to be nit-picky, I’m really not sure!

  10. aloÿse

    December 20, 2011

    c’est bien trop joli comme idée!

  11. Sarah

    December 20, 2011

    Oh my gosh! This is so perfect. My baby was born last Christmas Eve and her first birthday (on Saturday) is a snowflake theme. Can’t wait to deck the house out in these!

  12. Tera

    December 20, 2011

    Can anyone tell me where the white pedestal bowls are from? Thank you! 🙂

  13. shutterbug

    December 20, 2011

    It’s so prety, but I don’t have the time to make it!

  14. Debbie

    December 20, 2011

    Very Pretty, Thank You & “Merry Christmas” !

  15. Mary

    December 20, 2011

    The photos are absolutely beautiful and the garland oh so cute! Love it all so much! Thanks 🙂

  16. Brett Erickson

    December 20, 2011

    beautiful in every way! delightful, playful and delicate all at once.

  17. piia

    December 21, 2011

    Great idea!

  18. Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark!

    December 21, 2011

    This is really pretty and so effective! Lovely idea.

  19. Mariela

    December 21, 2011

    Great idea, beautiful!.

  20. Judy

    December 21, 2011

    This is really, very lovely. The color palette in the photos is really well done, too.

    http://www.cuteanduseful.com

  21. michelle a

    December 21, 2011

    Totally doing this.

  22. mericake

    December 21, 2011

    brooklyn isn’t in new england. it is part of the mid atlantic states…

  23. bevy

    December 21, 2011

    i like, i like!

  24. chiara

    December 21, 2011

    Yes, it’s true – New York is not in New England. I grew up in Connecticut though, so I still think of Christmastime in New England.

    The pedestal bowls are vintage white ironstone. You can find them on etsy or ebay.

    Thanks for all the lovely comments!

  25. Jon

    December 22, 2011

    Beautiful and creative!!!

  26. Kate Mines

    December 27, 2011

    I love this idea. I actually referenced you in my Budget NYE party ideas. Great Blog! http://www.soitriedthis.com/so-i-tried-10-ways-to-throw-a-new-years-eve-party-on-a-budget

  27. Sweet Harvest Moon

    December 27, 2011

    Beautiful! Must try this next year!

  28. meredith

    December 28, 2011

    very cute garland, love how it translates to any party that you have balloon decor!! love it!

  29. Jenn

    December 30, 2011

    This is great! What a festive and fun way to add unique touches to holiday decorations!

Comments are Closed

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