How to Make a Tree Topper Using an Upcycled Wire Hanger
Top off the holiday season with a crafty Christmas tree star.

A handmade tree topper is a fun thing to consider when you’re decorating your Christmas tree – and maybe like us, making your own is an annual tradition you and your family have adopted. When you’re contemplating the base of your next topper, consider a simple wire hanger. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, the hanger can easily be bent into any shape, like this star, and when accessorized with a variety of beads, it becomes an eye-catching accessory in amongst the holiday decor.

Emily Fazio
Start with a stiff metal hanger. Use the pliers to round out the angles so that the “shoulders” are non-existent. Once you’ve rounded out the shape, it’s easier to have a new vision. You might like it round! You might be able to craft it into an angel with a wide dress. It would easily take on the shape of a pine tree itself, or a snowflake if you have the patience for lots of tight twists. I love a classic star, so I followed that plan and bent and pinched until I had a five-pointed star. This star measures 10” wide.


Bend the hook straight too. You may choose to coil it as a way to attach it to the tree or you may use a clip to secure it in position. At this point, consider spray painting your metal tree topper if you don’t like the patina of the original hanger.

Emily Fazio
Lengths of fine-gauge multi-purpose wire are perfect for adding detail to the star. I strung vintage glass beads in red, green and white along the wire, and as I wrapped the wire in every direction, fed a few beads at a time so that they were spaced out along the wire and in all areas of the star.

Emily Fazio
After the glass beads were installed, I added felted wool balls on a separate strand of wire. By adding those balls separately rather than intermixed with the tiny beads, I felt like I had more control over their placement. I also like the way that the small beads can overlap the wool and add dimension.

Emily Fazio
It turned out pretty cute, right? With the tail of the hanger twisted into a coil, it slides over the top of our Christmas tree. You may find it necessary to add a small clip to hold it secure, based on your tree. Customize it with your own preferred color palette, and enjoy this handmade tradition in your own home.