By Emily Fazio, experienced crafter and holiday DIY enthusiast
Handmade tree toppers add a personal touch to your Christmas tree, and for my family, crafting them is a cherished annual tradition. Start with a sturdy wire hanger and needle-nose pliers to bend it into a beautiful shape—like this sparkling star. Adorn it with beads for an eye-catching holiday accent that stands out among your decorations.
Begin with a rigid metal hanger. Use pliers to smooth out the angles, eliminating the 'shoulders' for a cleaner form. This opens up creative possibilities: craft an angel with flowing skirts, a pine tree, snowflake, or my favorite, a classic 10-inch wide pentagram star. Bend and pinch patiently until the shape emerges.
Straighten the hook for hanging—roll it into a coil to slide over the tree top, or use a clip for security. For a polished look, spray paint the ornament if the hanger's original finish doesn't suit your style.
Add intricate details with fine-gauge multipurpose wire. I threaded vintage glass beads in red, green, and white, wrapping the wire across the star and spacing beads evenly for balanced sparkle.
Next, on a separate wire, I added felted wool balls for texture. Placing them independently allowed precise positioning, layering depth alongside the pearl-like beads.
The result is a charming, custom topper that coils securely onto the tree (add a clip if needed). Customize with your favorite colors and make this craft your new holiday tradition.
