Old Fashioned DIY Icicle Ornaments (Primitive Christmas Craft)

Learn how to make these old-fashioned DIY icicle ornaments with this step-by-step tutorial for Christmas decorations.

This is a great way to make homemade vintage, primitive-style spun cotton icicles with loops for hanging as ornaments.

Each year, I look forward to the Christmas season and creating old-fashioned, handmade ornaments. In years past, I have made old-fashioned salt dough ornaments in a scented Christmas and chocolate version.

I enjoy keeping Christmas simple and lean towards a rustic minimalist style that is a bit woodland and primitive. Most of all, I enjoy creating a cozy homemade Christmas.

The process of making these old-fashioned DIY icicle ornaments may take some practice to create the look that you desire. Each one will look unique and that is part of the joy of making homemade ornaments.

Supplies for DIY Icicle Tutorial

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The supplies for making old-fashioned DIY icicle ornaments are simple and inexpensive. Here is a list of what you will need.

• 100% Pure Cotton Balls
• 16 Gauge Wire – could also use wire clothes hanger
• Glue – any white glue will work
• Water
• 3 in 1 Craft Tool
• Glitter
• Thread or Twine
• Bowl
• Scissors

How to Make Old Fashioned Vintage Christmas Ornaments

This tutorial is one of those where it may be best to watch the video on how I make, Old Fashioned DIY Icicle Ornaments. It’s also a bit of a learning process to create the look that you may be after. How thick or think the cotton is wrapped around the wire will determine the size of the icicle.

Most of all, it’s a fun way to make a DIY Christmas project, a bit messy but fun!

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix an equal amount of white glue and water. Mix well to combine. Then, shake glitter on a paper plate or other surface that will be larger enough to roll the icicle ornaments in.

Step 2: Gently push the middle of the large cotton ball up. You will be able to find where the end is located. Once you do, slowly and gently unroll the cotton ball. It is best to work with long, unbroken strips of cotton.

Unroll one cotton ball per icicle ornament that you plan to make. Lay the strips of cotton aside.

Step 3: Cut a length of 16 gauge wire about 5-6 inches long.  Using needle-nose pliers create a small loop in the top of the wire. Then, bend the loop back slightly to create a centered loop for hanging the ornament.

Step 4: Spread a very thin layer of glue and water mixture across the top of a strip of cotton. Then, starting at the top of the wire, start wrapping the cotton around the wire.

Hold the cotton at the top and keep it as tight as possible without tearing it. Wrap the cotton all the way to the bottom. It may take some time to learn this technique to create the icicle shape. Wrap the cotton and stretch it downward to create the thickness that you desire for your icicle ornaments.  

Once you get the wire wrapped in cotton, add a layer of glue to the outside of the cotton.

Step 5: While the glue is still wet, roll the icicle in glitter coating all sides. Remove from glitter, gently shake off excess, and lay flat to dry.

Step 6: Once ornaments are dry, cut the string to the desired length for hanging the icicles from the tree.

Step 7: Hang your handmade old-fashioned DIY icicle ornaments on the Christmas tree and enjoy.

How to Store Old Fashioned DIY Icicle Ornaments

To store these ornaments, I would suggest gently wrapping them individually in sheets of paper and storing them where they will not be damaged. If the glitter comes off, simply re-coat with a small amount of glue and glitter.

I hope you enjoy this fun, creative handmade ornament tutorial.