DIY Scandinavian Himmeli Ornaments: A Step-by-Step Guide
Living near the public library has its perks. Beyond easy access to books, the “Friends of the Library” book sales are a treasure trove. Recently, I discovered a gem: an old craft book on Scandinavian Christmas traditions. It’s filled with delightful ideas, from the iconic red Swedish horses (Dalahäst) to delicious recipes for Danish holiday doughnuts (æbleskiver). But what truly caught my eye were the instructions for making himmeli.
Himmeli are traditional Finnish mobiles, typically diamond-shaped, crafted from dried straw. I’m captivated by their rustic warmth when left in their natural color. However, adding a pop of color transforms them into cool, modern, and geometric decorations. These versatile ornaments are easy to make on a small scale for your Christmas tree, or you can scale them up to create stunning ceiling installations. Combine them with paper bulb ornaments and dot garland for a festive and unique holiday display.
This guide provides a simple method to craft your own Himmeli ornaments using readily available materials. It’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your holiday season, even if you don’t have access to traditional straw.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Small plastic drinking straws or coffee stirrers
- Thick thread or thin yarn
- Yarn needle
- Ruler and scissors
- Spray paint (optional)
- Super glue or modeling glue (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Himmeli Ornament
Follow these simple steps to create your own Himmeli ornament. This project is perfect for crafters of all skill levels and offers a unique twist on traditional holiday decorations.
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Prepare the Straws
Begin by cutting all your straws to the desired length. For this example, we’ll use 2-inch straws. Consistent sizing ensures a uniform and aesthetically pleasing final product.
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Thread the Needle and Begin the Square
Cut a length of string or yarn, approximately 5 feet long (about twice the length of your arm). Thread the yarn needle. Slide four straws onto the thread.
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Form the First Square
Push the straws close to the end of the string and then pull the string tight, forming a square. Secure the shape by tying a double knot, ensuring the square remains rigid.
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Add the Next Two Straws
Add two more straws to the thread and tie them off on the corner opposite the first knot. Pull the string tight to maintain the structure of the ornament.
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Complete the Eight-Faceted Shape
Repeat the process with two more straws, pulling the string tight to create the basic eight-faceted shape of the Himmeli ornament. This step defines the core structure of the ornament.
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Add Straws to the Sides
Thread the needle back through one of the straws to reach the middle of the structure. Tie a knot. Then, add one straw between each of the sides, double knotting the string at every corner. This step adds stability and visual interest to the ornament.
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Add a Hanging Loop and Secure (Optional)
Decide which corner you want the ornament to hang from and tie a string to create a loop. If the structure seems a little unstable, apply a small amount of super glue or modeling glue (using a precise applicator) to the inside of the corners to hold the straws firmly in place. While this isn’t strictly traditional, as natural straw tends to hold its shape well, it’s a helpful technique when using plastic straws. This helps maintain the shape before painting.
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Spray Paint (Optional)
Take your ornament outside and spray paint it in your color of choice. Wear gloves to prevent paint from getting on your hands. Be prepared to interact with the straws while painting to ensure even coverage and prevent the ornament from swinging around. Consider using multiple light coats for a smoother finish.
Experiment with Different Sizes and Shapes
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, experiment with various sizes and shapes. The white ornament pictured was made using 1 3/4″ straws, while the longer blue shape utilizes 3″ straws on top, 1 3/4″ straws on the bottom, and 2″ straws for the middle pieces. The possibilities are endless!
Creating Himmeli ornaments is a rewarding and creative activity that can bring joy to your holiday season. These handmade treasures make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Himmeli Variations
The beauty of Himmeli lies in its adaptability. While the traditional diamond shape is classic, there’s no limit to the geometric forms you can create. Consider exploring different configurations, such as stars, pyramids, or even abstract shapes. Incorporate different lengths of straws or use multiple colors to add visual interest. Adding beads or other embellishments can also elevate your Himmeli ornaments to a new level of sophistication.
For those seeking a more authentic experience, explore using natural straw. Dried wheat or rye straw can be sourced from craft stores or agricultural suppliers. Working with natural straw requires a slightly different approach, as the straw can be more delicate and may require soaking to make it more pliable. However, the natural texture and earthy tones of straw add a unique charm to Himmeli creations.
Integrating Himmeli into Your Holiday Decor
Himmeli ornaments can be integrated into your holiday decor in a variety of ways. Hang them individually on your Christmas tree, string them together to create a garland, or use them as decorative accents on wreaths or centerpieces. Grouping several Himmeli ornaments of varying sizes and shapes together can create a stunning visual display. For a modern twist, consider creating a large-scale Himmeli mobile to hang from your ceiling, adding a touch of Scandinavian elegance to your home.
No matter how you choose to display them, Himmeli ornaments are sure to add a touch of handmade charm and Scandinavian flair to your holiday celebrations. Embrace the tradition and create your own unique Himmeli ornaments to treasure for years to come.
More Holiday Craft Ideas
If you enjoyed creating these Himmeli ornaments, consider exploring other Scandinavian-inspired holiday crafts. Create traditional Dala horses from wood or felt, bake delicious Danish æbleskiver, or design your own paper bulb ornaments and dot garland. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting a festive and unique holiday season.
Share your Himmeli creations with friends and family, and spread the joy of handmade holiday decorations. Happy crafting!
Make dozens and share the holiday spirit with everyone you know!
Happy Holidays!