Hanging Snowflakes Outdoors: Quick & Easy Guide for a Magical Winter Display
Transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland with the simple charm of hanging snowflakes. Whether your porch seems bare after the festive season or you’re just looking to add a touch of whimsy, snowflakes are the perfect solution. In this article, you’ll discover how to create and display these icy beauties with ease.
You’ll learn the tricks to secure lighted snowflakes outside, even if you’re working without an outlet. With a few white plastic hangers, some Christmas lights, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’re all set to dazzle your neighbourhood. Keep reading to find out how these enchanting decorations can brighten up the chilly months.
Choosing the Right Snowflakes
Consider the Material
When hanging snowflakes outside, the choice of material is crucial. You’ll want decorations that can withstand winter elements such as snow, rain, and frost. Plastic snowflakes are a durable and waterproof option, ensuring they’ll last throughout the season. They’re specifically designed to resist wind, which means you won’t have to worry about them tearing like paper could. Moreover, they retain their shape and appearance even in freezing temperatures, maintaining the beauty of your display.
Metal snowflakes are another robust alternative. Coated metal snowflakes offer rust resistance which is essential for outdoor conditions. The shine and intricacy of metallic designs can also add a reflective quality to your display, catching and playing with the light, both natural and from your Christmas lights, bringing a dynamic sparkle to your setup.
Wooden snowflakes can be ideal if you’re opting for a rustic look. However, ensure that they’re properly treated or sealed to protect against moisture and potential warping. The added benefit of using wooden decorations is that they blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, complementing any greenery or additional wooden ornaments you might have.
Determine the Size
The size of the snowflakes you choose to hang outside will largely influence their visibility and impact. If your aim is to create a statement piece visible from afar, larger snowflakes with diameters of 35 inches or more will be most effective. Large snowflakes have a dramatic presence and can serve as the centerpiece of your outdoor decoration.
On the other hand, smaller snowflakes, typically around 25 inches in diameter, are more suited for creating intricate groupings and patterns. When clustered together, they can form a detailed and delicate-looking display that invites closer inspection.
Think about the scale of your space. For expansive areas like large front yards, sizeable snowflakes ensure that your display has the grandeur to fill the space. In contrast, for quaint porch areas or balconies, smaller snowflakes might complement the area without overwhelming it.
Selecting a variety of sizes can also add depth and interest to your winter wonderland. This mirrors how natural snowflakes fall, with a range of sizes creating a layered and authentic look.
Remember, the size of your snowflakes will also determine the number of lights you’ll use – larger snowflakes needing more illumination to bring them to life in the evenings. But whether you’re going for large, eye-catching decorations or smaller, numerous flakes, ensure they’re proportional to your outdoor space to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Preparing the Snowflakes
Decorating the Snowflakes
Once you’ve chosen your durable materials, it’s time to add a personal touch to your snowflakes. Crafting with paper straws, cardstock, and a glue gun not only allows for a custom design but also involves family and friends in the decorating process. Remember, each snowflake is unique, so embrace irregular shapes for a more authentic look.
To start, assemble your snowflakes by crafting them into different sizes, creating variety and depth in your display. Attach pre-cut cardstock shapes to the ends of the straws for that classic snowflake silhouette. Engaging in this creative task isn’t just fun; it’s also a great way to bond and can be a festive group activity.
For a touch of sparkle, consider integrating twinkling LED lights within your snowflakes. With 102 cool white LED lights available in some decorations, you can select from eight lighting effects, ranging from a slow glow to a twinkling flash. Not only does this add to the visual appeal, but the lighting also ensures your snowflakes are visible and striking at night.
Craft supplies needed:
- Paper straws
- Pipe cleaners
- Cardstock
- String for hanging
Adding Waterproofing for Outdoor Use
When you plan to display snowflakes outside, waterproofing is essential. If you use paper materials or wooden snowflakes, a layer of clear weatherproof lacquer can protect them from damp conditions. Additionally, plastic and PVC materials inherently offer better resistance to winter weather, making them ideal choices for outdoor use.
For snowflakes that come with built-in LED lights, make sure the lights are suitably rated for outdoor use. Look for decorations constructed of durable materials like PVC and copper, which are designed to withstand the elements. They often come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring that your investment is secure.
To safeguard your snowflakes from harsh weather, attach them securely to prevent them from being dislodged by strong winds. Using clear fishing line or waterproof string, you can hang your snowflakes at varying heights to simulate falling snow. Another tip is to incorporate larger snowflakes in your display—they’re not only easier to notice from a distance but can also be more resilient against winter’s challenges.
Weatherproofing essentials:
- Weather-resistant lights
- Clear lacquer for paper and wood
Selecting the Hanging Method
When you’re ready to add an enchanting touch to your outdoor space with hanging snowflakes, the method you choose is crucial for both aesthetics and durability. You want your display to remain intact throughout the season, while also ensuring clear visibility and enhancing the overall design of your winter décor.
Using String or Fishing Line
For a seemingly floating effect, string or clear fishing line offers a near-invisible look, allowing snowflakes to dance in the winter breeze as if by magic. Here are key points when using this approach:
- Durability: Fishing line is notably strong and can withstand various weather conditions, including intense winter winds.
- Visibility: Thin strings or fishing lines are less noticeable from a distance, providing a cleaner, more polished display.
- Flexibility: Easily cut to any length, you’re provided with the ability to hang snowflakes at varying heights, creating a dynamic and layered effect.
After arranging your snowflakes, apply a few small drops of hot glue down the middle of the back to secure the fishing line. Be sure the glue is fully dried and the bond is strong to avoid any mishaps later on.
Attaching Snowflakes to Branches or Fences
If you’re fortunate enough to have natural features like branches within your space, or architectural structures like fences, use these elements to your advantage:
- Ease of setup: Simply tying snowflakes to branches or fences can save time and doesn’t require additional tools.
- Integration with the environment: This method creates a cohesive look as the snowflakes appear to be a natural extension of your garden or home’s exterior.
- Stability: Branches and fences provide a sturdy support structure, ensuring your snowflakes stay secure even in tougher conditions.
For a more reliable hold, especially on smoother fence surfaces, consider sturdy clips or ties that can grasp the material without slipping. Additionally, if you’re using lights, make sure they’re evenly distributed and securely attached to avoid sagging or clustering, which can detract from the design of your snowflakes.
Hanging the Snowflakes
When you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a festive winter tableau, hanging snowflakes adds a magical touch. In this section, we’ll guide you through finding the perfect spot to showcase your icy decorations and the best ways to use hooks or clips for a secure display.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Visibility and Accessibility Choosing the right location is crucial for maximum impact. You’ll want to select a spot that’s not only visible from the street but also accessible for installation and maintenance. Consider spots near front porch lights or other lighting sources to bring your sparkling snowflakes to life after dark.
Safety Considerations Always prioritize safety when hanging decorations. Avoid areas where snowflakes could obstruct walkways or doorways, and ensure they’re securely fastened to withstand winter weather. Remember, your hanging spot should have access to an electrical outlet or an alternative power source, like a lamp holder adaptor, for illuminated snowflake designs.
Integration with Existing Decor For a cohesive look, integrate your snowflakes with current outdoor decorations. They can complement wreaths or garlands, enhancing the winter theme. If you’re using Alpine Corporation’s 24″H Hanging Snowflake with 102 LED lights, for instance, the 16 ft. cord offers flexibility in placement.
Using Hooks or Clips
Securing Your Snowflakes For a floating effect, use string or clear fishing line, but your hanging method needs to be durable. Sturdy hooks or clips are ideal for affixing snowflakes to branches, fences, or the eaves of your home. Ensure hooks are weather-resistant and capable of supporting the weight of your decorations.
Even Distribution and Lighting If you’ve created a snowflake using hangers and lights, secure the lights with zip ties for an even distribution that highlights the snowflake’s pattern. Start from the outside and work your way in, ensuring the light cord is snug against the frame to prevent sagging. For decorations with multiple lighting effects, like the Alpine Corporation’s design, ensure the controller is easily accessible for adjusting settings.
Subtle yet Reliable Fixings Opt for transparent or color-matched hooks and clips to keep the focus on your snowflakes. These subtle yet reliable fixings ensure your decorations stay in place without detracting from their beauty. Regularly check that all attachments are secure, especially after severe weather conditions.
With the right location and secure attachments, your hanging snowflakes will be the highlight of your winter wonderland. Whether you add them to a porch light utilizing an adaptor or attach them to your home’s façade, the dazzling effect will enchant passersby throughout the season.
Conclusion
So you’ve now got all the insights you need to hang snowflakes outside and create your very own winter wonderland. Remember to choose snowflakes that can withstand the elements and complement your space. Whether you opt for plastic, metal or wooden designs, the right size and material will enhance the festive atmosphere. With your chosen hanging method, be it string for that magical floating effect or clips for a sturdier approach, your display is sure to dazzle. Just ensure they’re well-secured and evenly lit for that perfect winter glow. Now it’s time to step back and admire your handiwork as the snowflakes twinkle and dance in the winter breeze. Happy decorating!
Colin Macmillan is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Riverwood Landscape, a leading landscaping company based in Canada. He has been at the helm of the company since leaving high school, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and business acumen.
Colin’s expertise lies in various aspects of landscaping, including lawn care, interlocking, sod installation, and commercial maintenance. His hands-on approach and dedication to the craft have been instrumental in building Riverwood Landscape into a reputable brand.
One of his most notable achievements is the creation of a successful landscape franchise that services multiple locations. This accomplishment underscores his strategic thinking and ability to scale operations effectively.
Colin has also had the privilege of working with Guelph Hospital for landscaping and maintenance, a testament to the trust and reliability that his company has earned over the years.
His professional mission is to offer the best services and experiences for customers, a goal that he tirelessly pursues. Colin’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive the growth and success of Riverwood Landscape.
