Make a Sparkling Icicle Ornament

Have you ever looked at icicles hanging from a roof or tree branch and wondered how they got there? They certainly are one of nature’s most beautiful creations, especially when the Sun catches them and they glitter and sparkle in the light.

How Do Icicles Form?

Did you know it’s actually the Sun that creates these magical winter displays? Icicles are formed on sunnier days when the warm rays shine down on snow or ice, causing it to melt and drip. As the water trickles down, it refreezes, causing an icicle to form. Some icicles can grow up to 1/3 inches every minute. They can also grow upwards as well as downwards!

Icicles get their name from an old Icelandic fairy tale where the ice troll Grýla used them as twinkling candles in her underground home. They can be spotted all over Iceland, hanging from frozen caves and majestic mountains. Icicles aren’t just found in countries with lots of ice and snow. You’ll find icicles all over the world if the weather is right. If you’re very lucky, you might even wake up to find that icicles have formed on your own house.

But don’t worry if you don’t spot any. You can make your own icicle ornaments instead! These pretty beaded decorations are a simple and fun craft for kids and will sparkle and shine just like real icicles.

Supplies to Make Icicle Ornaments

Metallic pipe cleaners
An assortment of small clear, crystal, and metallic beads

How to Make Icicle Ornaments

Step 1: Thread one bead onto the pipe cleaner leaving a 1/4 inch at the end. Bend the end back on itself to stop the bead from sliding off.

Step 2: Continue to thread beads onto the pipe cleaner in whatever pattern you choose until you have 2 inches of pipe cleaner left at the top.

Step 3: Bend the remaining 2 inches over on itself to form a loop, and twist the end to keep it in place. You now have a loop to hang your pretty icicle decoration from your window or Christmas tree!

Tip: Why not join lots of icicle ornaments together to make icy strands to wrap around the Christmas tree branches? You could also combine them with battery-operated LED lights for a twinkling winter display. What a wonderful way to welcome in the holiday season!

If your child loves our hands-on crafts and activities, be sure to check out our Early Explorers (ages 3-5) and World Edition (ages 6-10) subscriptions for more exciting hands-on projects! Shop here.