PDA

View Full Version : icicle decorations


kevinsbride2B
10-17-2006, 12:59 PM
I do a lot of Chritmas crafting (this year to make money for the wedding). I've coem across a wonderful little decorations that is easy to make and it looks super cute!!!!

This is what you'll need:
pipe cleaners
Borax (found in the cleaning sections of most stores)
Boiling water
a long stick that fits over a pot's length
string
pliers (if you want)

- For every 1 cup of water add 3 Tablespoons of borax.
- Shape pipe cleaners into shapes (ie, hearts, starts etc) Don't make them too detailed as the borax will grow!
- Attach string to pipe cleaners to hang into solution.
- Boil water and Add borax
- Dangle pipe cleaners into the solution and let sit in solution for atleast 8 hours.

They almost look like rock candy when they are finished, and very cool!
I've altered this a little and added red food colouring to the solution and shaped the pipecleaners into hearts for something different.

This isn't something that you only have to use for winter weddings, they are very pretty and look fabulous around light.

When I get them all finished I'll post some pictures. Have fun!

SunnyAB
10-17-2006, 01:24 PM
I've been meaning to try this for THREE YEARS - (that when I first read about this!) and I am a snowflake FREAK, so that will be my first project! Can you please tell me if they are somewhat sturdy after they are finished 'growing' or are they super fragile, and what's their 'shelf-life' or how long would they last? :)

ladymelissa
10-17-2006, 02:03 PM
Sounds neat, I can't wait to see the pics!

kevinsbride2B
10-17-2006, 02:56 PM
I've been meaning to try this for THREE YEARS - (that when I first read about this!) and I am a snowflake FREAK, so that will be my first project! Can you please tell me if they are somewhat sturdy after they are finished 'growing' or are they super fragile, and what's their 'shelf-life' or how long would they last? :)
They are pretty sturdy but as I put it, like any ornament they are breakable.
I've done them in the past (but i never took pics) and I sprayed them with a varnish. It helped to strengthen them aswell as keep the shine. I'm sure after years they would probably yellow or what not but once there dry there fine and hard.
I have taken some of the pipe cleaners and made them into cany canes for Christmas decorations. Then I'm going to wrap them with some red ribbon. Just something different.
The snowflakes do look fabulous. I have some of them done right now. They do however get pretty heavy with a lot of detail and size keep that in mind. And you never have to worry with snowflakes because no 2 snowflakes are alike! lol

SunnyAB
10-17-2006, 05:27 PM
Would you mind posting a picture of the snowflakes? I would LOVE to see them. How big did you make yours? Good idea about the varnish too. I think I would experiment with some type of glitter spray too! (if there is a sort of clear opalescent product? have to check that out) :)

kevinsbride2B
10-17-2006, 05:55 PM
ya i'll totally take a picture of it for ya. It'll probably be tomorrow though cause my hunny has my camera.
Ya there are lots of glitter sprays. Look for something that says "opal" on it. that makes it shimmer without covering the shine. Folk art makes a lot of great ones.