Snowflake Topper for Ball Ornament

Use recommended printed paper weight or lightweight

cardstock not heavier than 65 lb. to cut 

two sizes of six-pointed snowflakes dress up

this ornament ball. Top layer of each size has

offset inner shapes that includes  position circle cut outs 

for adding “bling” jewels. 

Bottom layer snowflake also has tiny circle cut outs at diamond tips 

and near neck for attaching dangling crystals. 

Together, they fit over ball stem, and “drape” (curl added) 

around the top of a plain glass ornament, rotated so that 

long points and diamonds line up . 

(Sample shown is a 4” diameter ball with 7/8” diam. stem; 

enlarge shapes for bigger balls.) 

Main upper snowflake measures approx. 5.5” wide x 

6.375” tall flat shape (lower snowflake shapes slightly larger 

to allow for dangling crystals). Alternate snowflake shapes 

are included in cut file which have a narrower 1/2” 

hanger stem center opening. 

ADJUSTING THE SIZE FOR LARGER GLASS BALL:

Use a ratio mathematic application to change shapes sizes

using "lock aspect ratio" option in Silhouette or other

die cutter design software. Here is the formula:

target ball size

divided by

original 4" ball size

Then convert the resulting formula to a percentage number

by moving the decimal two positions to the right.

Example: for changing to a 5" diameter ball --

5" divided by 4" = 1.25

1.25 becomes 125%

125% is the figure keyed into the SCALE function,

then applied to all the shapes at once, 

with "lock aspect ratio" box checked.

NOTE that the center opening for ball stem

will also be enlarged.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A upper snowflake base   B upper snowflake inner shape

C lower snowflake base    D lower snowflake inner shape

E jewel fringe yardage*   F self-adhesive jewels

* Jewel fringe can be found in the home-decoration sections of

some of the fabric and craft outlets. The jewels used for sample

was purchased from Hobby Lobby, then re-strung into 

the lengths desired.

2. To assist the snowflake shapes to "hug" the glass ball,

use a rod-like tool such as this narrow dowel to carefully

and gently draw the backside of each snowflake arm extension

across to add back curl. Complete this process for each arm

of each lower and upper snowflake shape.

NOTE: the curl needs to be added when the shapes are

separate, not layered and glued together.

3. Layer the inner shapes onto the base shapes,

aligning the center circle cut edges (and needle holes

for the lower snowflake shapes), while centering

the arms so that the narrow offset margin of base shape

is even and consistent, except where the top shape

tapers outward to align at the center "collar" area.

To further assist with alignment of the lower snowflake

shapes, use a blunt needle to poke through the needle

holes of both layers, near the collar area . . . 

. . . as well as at the ends of diamond extensions.

Then join the two layers together.

4. Disassemble the hang loop and collar from ball,

and set aside until end of snowflake assembly.

5. NOTE that the snowflake layers retain their curl

throughout the layering and glue-up.

As needed, place the glued-up snowflake layers onto

the ball then use hand pressure all around to further

shape the snowflake arms to fit the ball's shape.

6. A) Pull or clip threads to separate the bead fringe

strands of beads, taking care to work where they can

be collected for re-stringing.

B) Use a fine hand sewing needle that will fit through

the fringe beads, then thread up a color match,

doubled (for strength) length of thread, large-knotted at end. 

NOTE: A  very long length such as doubled 50" length

(cut around 100" inches) may allow ALL the stitching

to be completed on the one length without tying off

and beginning again with second length.

The longer length does pose tangle challenges.

C) Begin at first selected diamond extension

to position knot end at center of backside

and tape in place with a small piece of cello tape.

Press tape in place securely.

D) Insert needle back to front at diamond end

and pull thread length fully through without pulling

paper out of shape.

E) Experiment to "audition" selected jewel length

configuration, with the "finial" dangler jewel as final jewel.

Use the original configuration of the fringe as guide.

The sample project's selected fringe included

a pair of small beads on each side of dangler jewel.

Sample project has danglers of 2" length.

F) With the "loop back" pair of small beads added

past the finial dangler, pass the needle back UP

the beads length . . . 

. . . then front-to-back through the same hole in

end of the same diamond extension

then draw thread through fully.

Here is the first length in place.

G) On the backside of snowflake, insert needle into

the lower needle hole of the pair directly above 

previously-stitched hole and pull fully through . . . 

. . . down through the top hole of same pair

(and pull thread through fully - here and throughout,

taking care NOT to pull up or distort the paper shapes) . . .

. . . then move across to the top hole above the next

diamond extension and insert needle through

back to front.

H) Insert needle front to back through hole below

the last hole inserted through in step G above.

I) Insert needle back to front through hole at bottom

of same diamond, then add the determined bead

length configuration.

J) Repeat steps D-I to continue adding bead danglers

then stitching to get needle into position for

the next dangler to be added.

K) When all danglers have been added, and thread

is in position behind the final diamond extension,

add a small piece of cello tape to firmly and

securely attach thread in place. Trim excess thread

length.

NOTE: this process can be used if additional

thread length needs to be added. 

7. Add appropriate, thick and quick grab clear

adhesive such as the Fabri-Tack used here to

backside of lower snowflake. NOTE glue should be

 only applied to half-way down arms, leaving tips

unglued. Then . . . 

. . . position assembled, jewels-added lower snowflake

onto ball, center opening fitted over glass stem . . .

. . . and press arms in place until they are securely

attached to ball.

8. While easy access is possible, position and attach

self-adhesive jewels over position guide holes.

9. Follow similar process to add glue only around

center opening and .25" along arms and diamond tops, 

position upper snowflake onto ball assembly, 

rotating so that arms are aligned at centers of 

diamond extensions of lower snowflake underneath, 

and attach, leaving arms and diamonds unattached 

except around center opening.

10. Add jewels at guide holes.

11. Re-attach the spring loop and collar.

If desired, add a row of small jewels around

the base of collar . . .

. . . and decorative hook with jewels,

soft ribbon bow as desired.

Here is the completed ornament.