How to Make Starch and String Ornaments

The craft of making starch and string ornaments is not only enjoyable but versatile. Depending on the colors you choose, the decorations can be used for a variety of holidays. Another bonus with this activity is that the materials you'll need are quite inexpensive and easy to find. The finished products are so attractive you may want to make lots of extras for gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid starch
• Cotton string (in whatever colors you like)
• Package of small balloons, oval or round in shape
• Large, deep bowl
• 1/2-inch wide paintbrush
• Disposable gloves (if you don't like getting your hands messy)

Instructions

How to Make Starch and String Ornaments

1. Pour liquid starch into a large, deep bowl. Unroll a few yards of string and push down into the bowl. You can buy suitable string for the project where crocheting supplies are sold, or see the link at the end of this article for an online source.

2. Blow up a small balloon to whatever size you want your ornament to be. You'll get the best results with a balloon inflated to approximately the size of a grapefruit (round) or small eggplant (oval). Tie the balloon securely.

3. Drape a few inches of the starch-soaked string over the balloon and then continue to wrap and wind the string all around the balloon in spiderweb fashion, creating a kind of mesh bag holding the balloon. Leave small spaces as part of the design. Every so often, dip the paintbrush into the starch and coat the balloon so that the string stays wet and firmly attached.

4. Cut the end of the string and coat with additional starch. Tie a fresh 6-inch piece of string onto the knotted end of the balloon, and use it to hang up the ornament and let dry overnight. You might use the shower rod for this; however, make sure you put down plenty of newspapers to take care of any drips.

5. Pop the balloon with a pin when the string is thoroughly dry. You'll be able to pull the balloon out through the opening at the top of the balloon where you tied the string. Decorate the hole at the top with some kind of holiday decoration like a miniature poinsettia for Christmas or a bright green ribbon for St. Patrick's Day.

Tips & Warnings

• Use gold or silver string for a glittering decoration.

• Do not attempt to remove balloon before string is completely dry.

Resources

• Source for colored and decorative string