There is something mighty satisfying about taking the plainest little household thing and turning it into something that looks like it came from a lovely shop in town. These geometric himmeli ornaments start with a humble pack of plastic straws, but with a little patient cutting and threading, they become airy, architectural decorations that look far fancier than they have any right to. I have always loved that kind of project—the sort that makes folks lean in close and ask, “Now what did you make that out of?”
If you are new to this style of ornament, let me give you the most important tip right up front: cut one 2-inch straw piece first and use it as your template for every single segment. Do not eyeball it. Equal lengths are what make the finished shapes look crisp and elegant instead of crooked and homemade in the wrong way. And for beginners, thin wire truly is easier than thread because it holds the shape while you build. Once the first diamond clicks into place, the rest go fast, and one inexpensive pack of straws will give you a generous little set.
Materials
100 white plastic drinking straws, standard size, cut into 2-inch segments
Instructions
1. Cut one straw segment to exactly 2 inches long, then set it aside as your template for the whole project. This little piece is the difference between architectural and wonky, so measure every remaining cut against it instead of guessing.
2. Cut all 100 straws into equal 2-inch segments, lining the template up often to stay accurate. Pile the pieces in a bowl or tray so they do not roll off the table.
3. Cut a 14-inch length of craft wire for your first ornament. Thread 3 straw segments onto the wire, bend them into a triangle, and twist the wire ends together tightly to close that first shape.
4. Add 2 more straw segments to one wire end and pass the other end through 1 side of the first triangle so the new pieces share an edge; twist to form a second triangle attached to the first. Keep joining triangles edge to edge this same way, because that repeating move is the whole secret of himmeli.
5. Continue adding segments and folding the shape until you have used 12 straw segments total and the classic diamond closes. Adjust the corners gently with your fingers so all points look centered and sharp.
6. Twist the wire ends neatly, trim away the excess, and tuck the sharp end back into a straw segment. Set that first diamond aside as your model for the rest.
7. Make 4 to 5 more diamond ornaments the same way, using 12 segments for each one. Work assembly-line style if you like: cut several wire lengths first, then build one shape after another.
8. For elongated drop ornaments, cut an 18-inch length of wire and begin with the same 3-segment triangle. Keep adding joined triangles in a longer chain before closing the shape so the top and bottom points stretch into a slimmer, taller form.
9. Use 14 to 16 segments for each elongated drop, depending on how long you want the ornament to look. Close the last triangle carefully, then pinch the top and bottom points so the silhouette looks balanced and graceful.
10. Keep building until you have a mixed set of 8 to 10 ornaments. That is about what one inexpensive pack of straws will comfortably yield while still giving you a nice full assortment.
11. Move the ornaments onto cardboard or a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area and spray them with very light coats of metallic gold paint. Let each coat dry a few minutes and rotate the ornaments between coats so all sides get covered without drips.
12. Once the gold is fully dry, spray on 1 light coat of clear sealer for a more polished finish. This extra step gives them that tidy boutique look and helps the paint hold up during storage.
13. Cut or gather 8 to 10 lengths of narrow ribbon and tie one to the top point of each ornament. Make a small knot first, then a simple hanging loop, trimming the ribbon ends neatly.
14. Give each ornament one last gentle straightening before hanging. They should feel delicate in the hand, but because they are made from straws, they will bounce instead of shatter if bumped.
Variations & Tips
For a fuller set: Make mostly diamonds first, then add 2 or 3 elongated drops for contrast. A tree or garland always looks richer when the shapes repeat with just a little variation.
Wire choice: If you are deciding between thread and wire, choose wire for your first batch. It holds the angles as you build, which makes these much easier to understand with your hands.
For cleaner cutting: Stack a few straws side by side and cut them together only if your scissors are very sharp. If the ends start squashing, go back to cutting fewer at a time so the geometry stays crisp.
Color option: Silver spray paint gives these a frosty vintage look, and soft champagne gold feels especially pretty if your holiday decor is warm and traditional. I would still use white straws underneath, since they take paint nicely.
Finishing touch: A narrow velvet ribbon or metallic thread hanger makes the ornaments look even more polished. It is a small detail, but I have learned over the years that little finishing touches are often what make homemade things feel special.
Storage tip: Nest each ornament in tissue paper inside a shallow box after the season is over. They are sturdier than glass ornaments, which is a blessing in a busy house, but careful storage will keep the points from bending.