Hanging ornaments are very easy and inexpensive to make yourself at home. This decoration can be a great masterpiece for children and, if a strong material is used, can also be a decoration for a baby's room. Here are a few ways to make one.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Simple Straw Hanging Decoration
Step 1. Slide three paper clips onto a plastic drinking straw
Slide a paper clip right in the center of the straw. Slide the other two clips on either end of the straw.
- The paper clip in the middle should be facing up and the other two clips should be facing down.
- Attach paper clips to the ends of the straws at a distance of 1.25 to 2.5 cm from the ends.
Step 2. Make another two straw units
Follow the same steps to make two straw units and a paper clip.
Each straw should have one paper clip in the middle, facing up, and two other paper clips at opposite ends, both facing down
Step 3. Connect the units with a paperclip chain
Make your decoration more interesting by making chains of various lengths.
- You can use as many paper clips as you like to make the chains as long or as short as you want.
- For example, by connecting the second straw to the first by attaching the center clip on the second straw to the clip to the right of the first straw.
- On the paper clip to the left of the first straw, hang three additional paper clips. Attach the lowest clip to the middle clip of the last straw.
Step 4. Cut various shapes with construction paper
Draw stars, hearts, geometric shapes, letters, or other simple shapes on colorful construction paper. Cut with scissors.
You must make at least six shapes for this hanging decoration. The first straw will not have a direct hanging shape, but each additional unit must be able to hang three shapes
Step 5. Attach the shapes to the hanging decoration using paper clips
Attach the paper directly to the clips hanging from the ends of the straws.
- You can also make chains of paper clips to create a slightly asymmetrical hanging ornament.
- For example, on the second straw, attach the shape directly to the paper clip on the left. Hang two paper clips on the clip in the middle and attach the shape to the lowest clip. Hang three additional paper clips on the clip on the right and attach the shape to the lowest clip.
- On the third straw, attach the shapes directly to the paper clips at the ends. Hang two paper clips on the clip in the middle before attaching the last shape.
Step 6. Balance your hanging ornaments
Since the paper clips and stars will be a little uneven, you will need to shift some of the paper clips to keep the hanging ornaments in balance.
If the paper clip looks loose and shifts even after you place it, secure the paper clip by tucking in a piece of paper or applying a dot of glue. Let the glue dry before continuing
Step 7. Make a series of chains for the top
Thread the paper clips on the top clip of the first straw. Use as many as you want to make the chain as long as you need.
Method 2 of 3: Hanging Decorations with Clothes Hangers
Step 1. Cut out the shapes for your hanging decorations
Draw animals, hearts, stars, or other simple shapes on strong flannel and cut them out carefully with scissors.
- You can also use construction paper or cardboard.
- If you wish, you can also print the pictures from your computer and cut them out for use instead of drawing the shapes yourself.
Step 2. Cut some long string for each shape
You should have four pieces of rope, one for each shape, and each piece of rope should be slightly different in length from the others.
- As an approximation, make a piece of rope 30cm long and subsequent pieces 5cm longer or shorter.
- You can use knitting thread, string, fishing line, ribbon, sewing thread, or any string for this step. Thicker options, such as knitting yarn or ribbon, can last longer.
Step 3. Add staples to attach your shapes to the rope
Attach each string to the top and center of one of your shapes. Add a screwdriver to attach it.
Alternatively, you can punch holes in the shape using a metal punch. If you use this approach, thread the string through the hole instead of gluing it together with staples
Step 4. Cut the bottom of the clothes hanger wire
You will need to cut 30 cm of wire from each hanger.
- Use a wire cutter. Do not use ordinary scissors.
- Be careful to prevent yourself from injuring yourself from the sharp end of the wire.
Step 5. Make circles on the ends of the wire
Use pliers to bend the ends of the wire down and form a loop.
- The circle must have a diameter of 1.25 cm.
- Make a closed circle so that no sharp edges stick out. The closed loop will also prevent the strap from slipping once it's attached.
Step 6. Make a circle in the center of one of the wires
Use pliers to bend one of the two wires down the middle. Twist the wire to form a loop in the center of the wire.
This circle should be bigger. Draw a circle with a diameter of 2.5 cm
Step 7. Insert another wire into this loop
Tuck the wire without the center loop into the center loop of the other wire.
- If you're having trouble getting the loops at the end of the wire into the center loop, carefully straighten the loop just enough to fit into the center loop before bending it back up again.
- Position the second wire so that its center is inside the loop of the first wire.
Step 8. Wrap the second wire around the first wire loop
Use your pliers to bend the second wire into a loop that locks the center loop on your first wire.
The two circles must be at the center of the wire, and they must be the same size
Step 9. Attach the stringed shapes to your hanging ornaments
Tie each string in loops at the ends of the wire.
Adjust the length of the strap until you get a final look that you're satisfied with
Step 10. Hang your decorations
Attach one more string to the top of the top center loop of the wire. Use this string to hang your decorations.
Method 3 of 3: Hanging Decorations from Planes
Step 1. Cut six to nine long ribbons
Each piece of ribbon should be of sufficient length to make a ribbon knot.
- They can vary in size if you want to make ribbon knots of varying sizes for a slightly asymmetrical effect.
- The size of the tape should be between 15 to 25 cm.
- Choose ribbons with different colors and textures for a more interesting look.
Step 2. Tie each ribbon material into a ribbon knot
Tie with a "rabbit ears" ribbon knot.
- Depending on the condition of the ribbon you have, you may need to iron your ribbon before tying it to create a smoother ribbon.
- Knot twice in the middle to create a stronger knot, if desired.
- Trim the ends of the ribbon after you tie them in a ribbon knot for a balanced look.
Step 3. Make a piece of string or knitting yarn for each ribbon
Make various lengths with a difference of 2.5 cm.
Make the first piece of rope with a length of 38 cm. Each subsequent piece should be 2.5 cm shorter
Step 4. Tie the pieces of string on each ribbon
Tuck the string behind the ribbon, through the center loop. Tie a simple knot to tie the ribbon to the string.
For extra strength, consider tying the string twice on the ribbon
Step 5. Glue the tape on the plane
Tie the other end of the rope to a wooden plank.
- Leave the distance between the ropes equally. It is easier to adjust the distance of an even number of strings than an odd number.
- Arrange the pieces of rope to create levels from longest to shortest. This will create a twisted look.
Step 6. Cut and tie the extra string at the top of the plane
Make two pieces of rope that are twice the length of the diameter of the plane. Tie these two pieces to the plane, crossing them with the meeting point in the middle.
- Tie the string once or twice to the plane to secure it.
- These pieces of rope should lie perpendicular to each other on the plane.
- Loop the rope in the middle of the other rope so that the two ropes stick together.
- When you are hanging your ornament, hang it on the center loop that occurs at the cross point of the rope.
