DIY Metal Washer Snowflake Christmas Ornaments: 25 Sparkling Ideas for a Winter Tree

There is something wonderfully clever about a Christmas tree dressed in snowflakes made from hardware store washers. DIY metal washer snowflake Christmas ornaments turn a handful of cheap metal washers, a tube of strong glue, and a quiet afternoon into decorations that sparkle like frost and look far more expensive than they are. The cool silver metal, the six-pointed symmetry, and the way the washers catch the tree lights make these snowflakes feel both industrial and magical at once.

Metal washer snowflakes are one of the most satisfying Christmas crafts you can try, and they suit every skill level. If you can glue washers into a star pattern, you can make a snowflake, and the forgiving geometry hides small mistakes beautifully. Most of these ornaments take under half an hour, cost almost nothing if you buy washers in bulk, and make beautiful gifts, stocking stuffers, and tree decorations that feel far more clever than anything from a store.

Before you begin, gather your basics: metal washers in several sizes, a strong craft glue or epoxy, a flat surface to work on, ribbon or twine for hanging, and paint, glitter, beads, or tiny bells for finishing touches. A pair of tweezers helps place small washers precisely, a paper template keeps the six arms even, and a Christmas playlist makes the work even more enjoyable. Let us turn a box of washers into a tree full of sparkling snowflakes.

1. Classic Six-Point Washer Snowflake

The classic six-point washer snowflake is the place every washer crafter should start. Six large washers arranged around a central washer make a perfect snowflake, and it needs almost no skill at all. Lay a paper template with six spokes on your work surface, place one large washer in the center, and glue six more washers around it so each one touches the center. Let the glue dry completely before you lift the snowflake, then thread a ribbon through one outer washer for hanging.

Classic snowflakes look wonderful on a silver or white tree, where their cool metal blends with the branches. Make a set in different washer sizes for a layered look, and keep the arms even by working on a printed template.

Materials: Metal washers in two sizes, strong craft glue, paper template, ribbon

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

2. Glittered Washer Snowflake

A glittered washer snowflake is the classic snowflake with a coat of fine glitter, and it is one of the sparkliest ornaments in this collection. The glitter catches every light on the tree and makes the metal shimmer like fresh snow. Glue the snowflake together as usual, then brush a thin coat of clear craft glue over the front and sprinkle fine silver or white glitter over it. Tap off the excess, let it dry, and seal it with a light coat of clear spray so the glitter stays put.

Glittered snowflakes look best on a tree with warm white lights, where their sparkle stands out beautifully. Make them in a set for a glittering display, and work over a tray so the loose glitter is easy to collect and reuse.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, fine silver glitter, clear sealer spray, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

3. Painted Red Washer Snowflake

A painted red washer snowflake is a bold, festive ornament that stands out against green branches. The bright red paint turns plain hardware into a cheerful Christmas decoration, and it is a wonderful way to add color to a silver tree. Glue the snowflake together first, then spray it with red spray paint in light, even coats, letting each coat dry before the next. A final coat of clear sealer protects the paint, and a red ribbon loop finishes the ornament.

Red snowflakes look wonderful on a traditional tree with red and green decorations, and they are perfect for a children’s tree. Make them in a set for a coordinated look, and spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, red spray paint, clear sealer spray, red ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

4. Washer Snowflake with Bead Centers

A washer snowflake with a bead glued into the center of every washer is a jewel-like ornament that looks like a snowflake made of tiny mirrors. The beads catch the light and add a lovely pop of color to the cool metal. Glue the snowflake together, then place a small glass bead in the hole of each washer with a dot of strong glue. Choose beads in one color for a calm look, or mix red, green, and gold for a festive feel.

Beaded snowflakes look wonderful on a tree with warm lights, where the glass beads glow softly. Make them in a set with different bead colors for variety, and use tweezers to place the smallest beads precisely.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, small glass beads, tweezers, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

5. Mini Washer Snowflakes

Mini washer snowflakes are tiny ornaments made from the smallest washers you can find, and they are perfect for a small tree or a garland. Their small size makes them adorable, and a set of them fills a branch beautifully. Use small washers for the center and the arms, gluing them on a template just like the large version. The small snowflakes glue up quickly, so you can make a whole set in one sitting, and a short thread loop hangs each one.

Mini snowflakes look wonderful hung in a row along a garland, or clustered on one branch of a small tabletop tree. Make them in a set of six for a balanced look, and vary the washer sizes slightly for a natural feel.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, paper template, thread

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 15 minutes each.

6. Washer Snowflake with a Jingle Bell

A washer snowflake with a tiny jingle bell at its center is a sweet ornament that rings softly when the tree moves. It is the snowflake that children always reach for first, because it makes a sound. Glue the snowflake together as usual, then glue a small jingle bell into the center washer hole. Add a ribbon loop at the top, and the bell sits in the middle like a tiny Christmas jewel.

Jingle bell snowflakes look best near the edge of the tree, where the bell can move freely and ring softly. Make them in a set for a cheerful sound, and choose bells in gold or silver to match your tree.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, small jingle bell, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

7. Rustic Antiqued Washer Snowflake

A rustic antiqued washer snowflake is a vintage-style ornament with a dark, aged finish that looks like it came from an old farmhouse. The antiquing gives the bright metal a soft, warm patina that suits a rustic tree perfectly. Glue the snowflake together, then brush it with a dark antiquing glaze or a wash of dark brown paint, wiping most of it away so it settles only in the crevices. A light coat of clear sealer protects the finish, and a twine loop finishes the ornament.

Antiqued snowflakes look wonderful on a rustic or farmhouse tree, mixed with pinecones and wooden ornaments. Make them in a set for a coordinated vintage look, and keep the glaze light so the metal still shows through.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, antiquing glaze or dark paint, clear sealer, twine

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

8. Washer Snowflake Wreath

A washer snowflake wreath is a ring of small snowflakes glued around a wire circle, and it is a beautiful way to display a whole set at once. The wreath turns six little snowflakes into one statement ornament. Make six mini washer snowflakes, then glue them evenly around a small wire wreath form, overlapping the outer washers slightly. Add a ribbon bow at the top, and hang the wreath on the tree or on a wall.

Snowflake wreaths look wonderful hung on a door or a window as well as on the tree, and they make lovely gifts. Make the wreath as large as you like, and vary the snowflake sizes for a natural look.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, wire wreath form, ribbon

Cost: about $5 per wreath · Time: about 60 minutes per wreath.

9. Washer Snowflake with Crystal Centers

A washer snowflake with a tiny crystal glued into each washer hole is the most glamorous ornament in this collection. The crystals catch the tree lights like ice, and the snowflake looks like it is made of frozen diamonds. Glue the snowflake together, then place a small flat-backed crystal in each washer hole with a dot of strong glue. Use clear crystals for an icy look, or pale blue crystals for a frosty feel.

Crystal snowflakes look wonderful on a white or silver tree, where their sparkle stands out beautifully. Make them in a set for a glittering display, and handle them gently, since the crystals can pop off if the ornament is knocked.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, flat-backed crystals, tweezers, ribbon

Cost: about $3 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

10. Washer Snowflake Garland

A washer snowflake garland is a string of small snowflakes hung along a length of twine, and it turns a plain wall into a winter scene. It is a beautiful way to use up small washers left over from other projects. Make six small washer snowflakes in different sizes, tie each one to a long piece of twine with a small knot, and space them evenly along the twine. Hang the garland across a mantel or a window, and the snowflakes will sway gently.

Garlands look wonderful draped across a mantel with greenery and fairy lights, and they make lovely gifts when rolled up in tissue paper. Make the garland as long as you like, and vary the snowflake finishes for a collected look.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, twine

Cost: about $4 per garland · Time: about 60 minutes per garland.

11. Gold Painted Washer Snowflake

A gold painted washer snowflake is a luxurious ornament that glows against green branches. The gold paint turns plain hardware into something that looks like a boutique decoration, and it is one of the easiest finishes in this collection. Glue the snowflake together first, then spray it with gold spray paint in light, even coats, letting each coat dry before the next. A final coat of clear sealer protects the paint and adds a soft shine.

Gold snowflakes look wonderful on a tree with warm white lights, where their metallic glow stands out beautifully. Make them in a set for a coordinated look, and pair them with silver snowflakes for a mixed-metal display.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, gold spray paint, clear sealer spray, gold ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

12. Washer Snowflake with Ribbon Weave

A washer snowflake with thin ribbon woven through its arms is a soft, colorful ornament that mixes metal and fabric beautifully. The ribbon adds a pop of color and softens the industrial feel of the washers. Glue the snowflake together, then weave a thin red or green ribbon in and out of the washer holes, crossing it at the center. Tie the ends into a small bow at the top, which doubles as the hanger.

Ribbon snowflakes look wonderful on a traditional tree, where their red and green colors fit perfectly. Make them in a set with different ribbon colors for variety, and keep the weave loose so the ribbon sits naturally.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, thin ribbon, scissors

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

13. Washer Snowflake Ornament Balls

A washer snowflake ornament ball is a foam ball covered in small washer snowflakes, and it is a show-stopping decoration for the tree. The ball looks like a snowball made of metal snowflakes, and it is surprisingly easy to make. Make six mini washer snowflakes, then glue them evenly around a foam ball, spacing them so the metal covers most of the surface. Add a ribbon loop at the top, and the ball is ready to hang.

Snowflake balls look wonderful in a bowl on the mantel as well as on the tree, so make a few extra for the table. Choose washers in one finish for a calm look, or mix silver and gold for a festive feel.

Materials: Small metal washers, foam balls, strong craft glue, ribbon

Cost: about $4 · Time: about 45 minutes each.

14. Washer Snowflake with Snow Spray

A washer snowflake with a dusting of fake snow spray is a frosty ornament that looks like it was just brought in from a snowstorm. The white spray softens the metal and makes the snowflake feel wintry and soft. Glue the snowflake together and let it dry completely, then spray it lightly with fake snow spray from a distance, letting the white flecks settle on the metal. A light coat is enough, and a clear sealer keeps the snow in place.

Snow-sprayed snowflakes look wonderful on a white tree, where their frosty finish blends beautifully. Make them in a set for a snowy display, and spray outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, fake snow spray, clear sealer, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

15. Copper Washer Snowflake

A copper washer snowflake is a warm, rosy ornament that stands out beautifully against green branches. Copper washers are slightly more expensive than steel ones, but their warm color makes the snowflake feel special. Glue the snowflake together using copper washers in two sizes, working on a paper template so the arms stay even. A clear sealer keeps the copper from tarnishing, and a copper-colored ribbon loop finishes the ornament.

Copper snowflakes look wonderful on a tree with warm white lights, where their rosy glow stands out beautifully. Make them in a set for a coordinated look, and pair them with silver snowflakes for a mixed-metal display.

Materials: Copper washers in two sizes, strong craft glue, clear sealer, ribbon

Cost: about $3 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

16. Washer Snowflake with Pearl Centers

A washer snowflake with a tiny pearl glued into each washer hole is an elegant ornament that looks like a snowflake made of moonlight. The pearls add a soft, luminous glow that suits a formal tree perfectly. Glue the snowflake together, then place a small flat-backed pearl in each washer hole with a dot of strong glue. Use white pearls for a classic look, or pale pink pearls for a softer feel.

Pearl snowflakes look wonderful on a white or silver tree, where their soft glow stands out beautifully. Make them in a set for an elegant display, and handle them gently, since the pearls can pop off if the ornament is knocked.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, flat-backed pearls, tweezers, ribbon

Cost: about $3 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

17. Washer Snowflake Gift Tags

A washer snowflake gift tag is a small snowflake with a handwritten name, and it turns a wrapped gift into something special. The tag is a keepsake in itself, and many people keep them long after the gift is opened. Make a mini washer snowflake, thread a piece of twine through one outer washer, and tie a small paper tag with a name to the twine. The tag hangs from the gift like a tiny snowflake, and the recipient can keep it for their own tree.

Gift tags look wonderful on brown paper parcels tied with twine, and they are perfect for a rustic Christmas morning. Make a set for the whole family, and write the names in your best handwriting for a personal touch.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, small paper tags, fine pen, twine

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 15 minutes each.

18. Washer Snowflake with Pine Sprig

A washer snowflake with a tiny pine sprig glued to its center is a woodland ornament that brings the forest indoors. The green sprig adds a natural texture, and it looks beautiful against the cool metal. Glue the snowflake together, then glue a small sprig of artificial pine to the center washer, letting the needles fan out over the metal. Add a tiny red berry beside the sprig for a festive pop of color.

Pine sprig snowflakes look wonderful on a woodland tree, mixed with real pinecones and wooden ornaments. Choose sprigs in different sizes for variety, and seal them lightly so the needles do not shed.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, small artificial pine sprigs, tiny red berries, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

19. Washer Snowflake Tree Topper

A washer snowflake tree topper is a large snowflake that sits on top of the tree, and it is the crown of the whole display. It is bigger than the other snowflakes, but it is made in exactly the same way. Glue a large snowflake from big washers on a paper template, working slowly so the arms stay even. Glue a small cone of cardboard to the back so it sits on the tree top, and add a ribbon bow at the base to hide the join.

Tree toppers look wonderful on a small or medium tree, where their size is in proportion. Choose washers that match your tree palette, and make the topper a little larger than you think, since it needs to be seen from across the room.

Materials: Large metal washers, strong craft glue, paper template, ribbon, cardboard cone

Cost: about $5 · Time: about 45 minutes each.

20. Washer Snowflake with Wooden Beads

A washer snowflake with wooden beads threaded through its arms is a rustic ornament with a natural, earthy feel. The wooden beads add warmth to the cool metal, and they look beautiful against the silver washers. Glue the snowflake together, then thread small wooden beads onto a piece of twine and weave it through the washer holes in a crisscross pattern. Glue the beads in place, and add a twine loop for hanging.

Beaded snowflakes look wonderful on a rustic or farmhouse tree, mixed with pinecones and wooden ornaments. Choose beads in natural wood tones for a calm look, or paint them red and green for a festive touch.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, small wooden beads, twine

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

21. Washer Snowflake Mobile

A washer snowflake mobile is a hanging display of small snowflakes on different lengths of thread, and it turns a plain corner into a winter scene. It is a beautiful way to display a whole set of snowflakes at once. Make five small washer snowflakes in different finishes, tie each one to a different length of thread, and hang them from a small wooden hoop. Hang the mobile from the ceiling or a branch, and the snowflakes will sway gently and catch the light.

Mobiles look wonderful hung in a window or above a mantel, where the snowflakes catch the light. Make the mobile as large as you like, and vary the snowflake finishes for a collected look.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, wooden hoop, thread

Cost: about $5 per mobile · Time: about 60 minutes per mobile.

22. Washer Snowflake with Embroidery Floss

A washer snowflake with embroidery floss wrapped around its arms is a soft, colorful ornament that mixes metal and thread beautifully. The floss adds a pop of color and softens the industrial feel of the washers. Glue the snowflake together, then wrap embroidery floss around each arm in a spiral, securing the ends with a dot of glue. Choose red and green floss for a classic look, or soft blues for a frosty feel.

Floss-wrapped snowflakes look wonderful on a traditional tree, where their colors fit perfectly. Make them in a set with different floss colors for variety, and keep the wrapping even for a neat finish.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, embroidery floss in assorted colors

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

23. Washer Snowflake Advent Ornaments

A washer snowflake advent set is twenty-four tiny snowflakes, one for each day of December, each with a number painted on it. It is the countdown that children remember for years, and it is a beautiful family tradition. Make twenty-four mini washer snowflakes, paint a number on the center washer of each one with a fine gold pen, and hang them on a small branch or a wall hanging. Each day of December, a child takes one snowflake down and hangs it on the tree.

Advent snowflakes are a wonderful family tradition, and the metal set becomes more precious every year. Use sturdy glue and a clear sealer so the numbers survive little hands, and store the set in a small box between Christmases.

Materials: Small metal washers, strong craft glue, fine gold pen, clear sealer, twine, branch

Cost: about $8 per set · Time: about 90 minutes per set.

24. Washer Snowflake with Felt Backing

A washer snowflake with a felt backing is a neat, finished ornament with a soft felt back that hides all the glue. It is the snowflake that looks store-bought, and it is perfect for gifts. Glue the snowflake together, then cut a matching snowflake shape from felt and glue it to the back, sandwiching the glue joints between the layers. A ribbon loop glued between the layers makes a sturdy hanger.

Felt-backed snowflakes look wonderful on any tree, and they make lovely gifts when paired with a handwritten tag. Choose felt in a contrasting color for a pretty layered look, and trim the felt carefully so the edges are neat.

Materials: Metal washers, strong craft glue, felt, ribbon

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

25. Giant Washer Snowflake Wall Hanging

A giant washer snowflake wall hanging is a large snowflake that hangs on the wall, and it is the centerpiece of the whole Christmas display. It is bigger than the other snowflakes, but it is made in exactly the same way. Glue a large snowflake from big washers on a paper template, working slowly so the arms stay even. Add a ribbon loop at the top for hanging, and hang the snowflake on the wall above the mantel, where it will be the first thing people see.

Wall hangings look wonderful above a mantel or a doorway, where their size can be appreciated. Choose washers that match your Christmas palette, and make the snowflake a little larger than you think, since it needs to be seen from across the room.

Materials: Large metal washers, strong craft glue, paper template, ribbon

Cost: about $6 · Time: about 60 minutes each.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Metal Washer Snowflake Christmas Ornaments

What size washers do I need for snowflake ornaments?

A good starting point is a large washer about one inch across for the center and the arms, with a smaller washer about half an inch across for a second layer if you want more detail. Buy washers in bulk from a hardware store, where a bag of one hundred costs only a few dollars, and choose flat washers rather than lock washers, because flat washers glue together neatly. Mix sizes for variety, and keep a few extra washers on hand in case one slips while the glue is drying.

What glue works best on metal washers?

A strong craft glue or a two-part epoxy works best on metal washers, because it grabs the smooth metal firmly and holds the weight of the snowflake. Hot glue also works for quick projects, but it can pop off the metal if the ornament is knocked, so use it only for lightweight snowflakes. Whichever glue you choose, let it dry completely before you lift the snowflake, and work on a flat surface so the washers stay level while the glue sets.

How do I keep my washer snowflakes symmetrical?

Work on a printed paper template with six spokes drawn at sixty-degree angles, and place each washer on the template before you glue it. The template keeps the arms even, and you can slide a ruler under the snowflake to check that opposite arms match. If one arm does drift, gently nudge it back into place while the glue is still wet, and let the snowflake dry flat overnight.

Will metal washer snowflakes rust on the tree?

Steel washers can rust if they get damp, so seal your finished snowflakes with a light coat of clear acrylic spray, which locks out moisture and keeps the metal bright. Store the snowflakes in a dry place in tissue paper, and keep them away from humid rooms like bathrooms. If a snowflake does develop a rust spot, a gentle rub with fine steel wool and a fresh coat of sealer will usually fix it.

Can children make metal washer snowflakes?

Yes, washer snowflakes are wonderful for older children, because arranging washers into a pattern is simple and fun. Let children design the snowflake and place the washers, while an adult handles the strong glue or epoxy, since it can irritate skin. For younger children, use a child-safe craft glue and larger washers, and always supervise the gluing so little fingers stay safe.

How much do washer snowflakes ornaments cost to make?

Washer snowflakes are one of the cheapest Christmas crafts you can make, because a bag of one hundred flat washers costs only a few dollars at a hardware store. A single snowflake uses about seven washers, so one bag makes more than a dozen ornaments, and the glue, ribbon, and paint add only pennies per piece. With beads or crystals added, the cost rises to two or three dollars each, which is still far less than a store-bought ornament.

Conclusion

DIY metal washer snowflake Christmas ornaments are proof that the most sparkling decorations can come from the humblest materials. Each snowflake carries the cleverness of turning hardware into art, the patience of gluing one washer at a time, and the little imperfections that make handmade things so much more meaningful than anything from a store. Whether you made a single classic snowflake or a whole tree of glittering flakes, your ornaments are now part of your family’s Christmas story.

Start with one snowflake tonight, even if it is just seven washers glued into a star on a paper template, and see how quickly the collection grows. Before you know it, your tree will be full of sparkling snowflakes, your gift list will be shorter, and you will have a new Christmas tradition to look forward to every year. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be as bright as your snowflakes.

If you loved these washer snowflake ornaments, you will love these handmade Christmas ideas too:

• DIY Crystal Bead Christmas Ornaments — sparkling bead ornaments for a glittering tree.
• DIY Embossed Brass Christmas Ornaments — metallic brass ornaments with a handmade shine.
• DIY Vintage Quilt Candy Cane Ornaments — cozy quilted candy canes for a nostalgic tree.
• DIY Stuffed Fabric Christmas Tree Ornaments — soft fabric trees for a handmade Christmas.