Stacy Risenmay

Do-it-yourself projects and Home Decor

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DIY Icicle Ornament

By Stacy 85 Comments

I am lucky enough to be a HomeRight Ambassador and I get to use their products to make awesome things including today’s project :)

When I was growing up my mom had gorgeous antique ornaments. She also had handblown glass icicles that she hung on the tree with them. They were my absolute favorite! I haven’t even attempted to look for them since I don’t dare put them on my tree. I have 4 boys and that is just asking for it. But while I was working on another plexiglass project for my book, the thought came to be that I could make some out of plastic! So I did :)

DIY icicle ornament

 

I used the HomeRight Heat Gun to make them and I swear it is easier than you might think!

icicle ornaments

I bought a thin (1/8 inch) 8 x 10 plexiglass sheet. They are around $5 I think. I also bought a plexiglass knife that was hanging just above where the sheets of plexiglass were at Home Depot. It was around $4.

You will need something to act as the straight edge to cut against.

cut plexiglass_

 

I placed the ruler along the edge creating a long triangle shape. I scored it about 5 times. After that I used needle nosed pliers to snap it off. If it doesn’t snap easily you will need to score it a little more.

scoring plexiglass_edited-1

 

You will now need to grab some thick leather gloves and a heat gun.

 

Hold the plexiglass with a gloved hand and the heat gun with the other. Heat only the top little bit. It will only take a little bit to get it soft. I did about 3 seconds on one side and 3 second on the other side. Then set the heat gun down on a concrete surface (or another surface that will not be damaged from the heat from the gun).

heat plexiglass

 

Twist the top part of the plexiglass and blow on it for a few seconds to cool it down.

twist the heated plexiglass

 

Heat the next little section the same way as before.

heat the next section

 

And then twist it again and blow to cool it. Repeat this process until you reach the end. You may get a few tiny bubbles if you heat the plexiglass too much but I think it looks neat that way so don’t sweat it. If you remember, I added bubbles to my plexiglass bowl on purpose because I like the look.

twist plexiglass

 

Once it has been twisted the entire length, it is time to drill a hole. If you don’t already have a tiny drill bit, they are about $2 for a 2 pack.

Then I used fishing line to hang them.

drill hole in top

 

They each took about 10 minutes start to finish. I love the way they look on our tree and the fact that they won’t shatter if they fall is even better.

 

icicle ornament

 

Other uses for the Heat Gun:

*Removing old paint

*Removing bumper sticker or stickers on other surfaces

*Making Crème brûlée 

*Embossing

*Shrink wrap (gifts, products, windows)

*Thaw frozen pipes

*Upholstering something in Vinyl

*Heating floor adhesive for easier removal

*Making a abstract bowl

 

Now I get to giveaway a HomeRight Digital Temperature Heat Gun to one lucky reader!

 

Digital Heat Gun 1

Enter below using the rafflecopter widget. Give it a sec to load. Sometimes the old gal is slow.

*Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the USA at the time of the contest. Giveaway will run from December 17, 2014 until December 29, 2014. The winner will be chosen via random.org and notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  The prize will be shipped by HomeRight.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

13651-ART-HR-Brand-Ambassador

 

I am part of the HomeRight ambassador program. I am compensated for my time in reviewing/using the products and writing/promoting the posts. The thoughts, opinions, and project ideas are all mine!

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Filed Under: Holiday 85 Comments

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  1. NaDell says

    December 16, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    I think I’d use the heat gun to make creme brulee first!

    Reply
  2. Anne Marie says

    December 16, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    I would use it to remove some stubborn bumper stickers that I want removed!

    Reply
  3. Tracy McNair says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    I would love to make the icicle ornaments!

    Reply
  4. Leanne says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    The icicles tuned out perfect. What a great idea! I would make some personalized candles.

    Reply
  5. Melanie says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I would like to try your icicle ornaments!

    Reply
  6. Paula@SweetPea says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    Love this project! My mom has glass icicle ornaments on her tree and I’ve always wanted some for mine. Making my own would be fun!

    Reply
  7. Vanessa says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    I would absolutely make these adorable ornaments! LOVE!

    Reply
  8. Tara says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    Oh, those icicles are amazing, Stacy! I love the idea of embossing as well! I’m going to keep my fingers crossed!

    Reply
  9. Debbie Flowers says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    Love the icicles. Maybe the heat gun should be a last minute addition to my wish list? ;)

    Reply
  10. Deb Jackson says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    I would try the icicles first thing.

    Reply
  11. Jamie says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    I would love to try out these ornaments! My mom had little glass ones, too.

    Reply
  12. Darla Bunyan says

    December 16, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    I would make this ornament, thanks for the tutorial! I also read some great tips about all sorts of things you can do with one of these on Pinterest the other night, sounds very handy to have around!

    Reply
  13. Ashley @ Cherished Bliss says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    It’s alway so hard for me to decide what I will make with something. I pretty much change my mind right up until the last possible second ; ) But I would most definitely burn me some wood!! Maybe just for the scent ; ) haha, but no really, I think it would be fun to burn the wood grain and do some kind of painting affect.

    Reply
  14. Kara Cook says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    Wow Stacy, these are amazing! I’d want to use the heat gun to make them, and then of course after all that work I’d need to make some creme brulee to celebrate! :)

    Reply
  15. Pat says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Those icicle ornaments are awesome. I would love to try that heat gun out.

    Reply
  16. Sandi Allen says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:45 pm

    i would Love to make some of these icicle ornaments. These are sweet!

    Reply
  17. Diana Priebe says

    December 16, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    I would LOVE to win this awesome tool and make gift baskets and use it to shrink wrap the plastic on a basket of homemade gifts. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  18. Kelly says

    December 16, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    Well, first I’d make some of these lovelies! Then I’d love to have it for shrink wrap :)

    Reply
  19. Angela Saver says

    December 17, 2014 at 2:22 am

    I would make these icicle ornaments!

    andysavi.mom@gmail.com

    Reply
  20. Carrie says

    December 17, 2014 at 3:56 am

    Those ornaments are so cool! If I had a heat gun, I’m not sure exactly what I would do – but I would try to figure out something crafty!

    Reply
  21. Tiffany says

    December 17, 2014 at 4:18 am

    These are too cool! I’d try the plexiglass bowl and it would definitely come in handy for embossing (I have to use my toaster for that)!

    Reply
  22. Sean C says

    December 17, 2014 at 5:27 am

    Definitely use it to shrink wrap window seeing as it’s super cold here in Michigan. And some yummy creme brulee.

    Reply
  23. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    December 17, 2014 at 5:33 am

    Oh I think the crafting possibilities for his are amazing! Christmas ornaments are a great idea!

    Reply
  24. Alina says

    December 17, 2014 at 5:38 am

    I’d love to try and make a lucite bowl.

    Reply
  25. Ashleigh Hall says

    December 17, 2014 at 5:43 am

    Stacy!! You are such a genius with whatever tool is in your hand! These icicle ornaments are so darling! I love your ideas and appreciate your generous nature in sharing the how-to’s! Hope you have a blessed holiday season!

    Reply
  26. lesley says

    December 17, 2014 at 6:33 am

    i really want to try embossing…..been putting it off because i don’t have a heat gun and haven’t bought one yet

    Reply
  27. Jessica says

    December 17, 2014 at 6:55 am

    I’d love to see how it works taking off paint. Stripping wood can be such a pain!

    Reply
  28. jessica w says

    December 17, 2014 at 6:58 am

    I would love to make some acrylic photo frames for our walls

    Reply
  29. beth clark says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:00 am

    I do alot of baskets so this would be perfect shrink wrap. thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  30. Judy says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:19 am

    I would try the icicles first and then move on down the list. So many great options!

    Reply
  31. Danita says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Wow! You really never cease to amaze me with your talents!
    How creative! Well done, my friend!

    Reply
  32. Andrea D. says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:32 am

    I would love to make the icicle ornaments. They are so cool.

    Reply
  33. Lavada Parker says

    December 17, 2014 at 7:36 am

    I would first use this to remove stubborn wallpaper that is driving me nuts!

    Reply
  34. Erin Ellis says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:06 am

    I’ve been wanting one of these for my art studio! I would use it to make unique frames, embossing, and I would love to try your ornaments. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
    Erin

    Reply
  35. Leah says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:10 am

    This would be super fun for a lot of cub scout activities!! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  36. Colleen says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:29 am

    These are so beautiful! I would love to try and make them!

    Reply
  37. Barbara Bealer says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:37 am

    This looks like a very interesting project…and do-able as well. Love to have the digital heatgun.

    Reply
  38. jamie baird says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:49 am

    I would use the heat gun for many projects. I repurpose furniture and do lots of crafts. Would love to try the icicle ornaments.

    Reply
  39. Sheryle G says

    December 17, 2014 at 9:12 am

    I would like to try the icicles.

    Reply
  40. Anna says

    December 17, 2014 at 9:15 am

    You are seriously a genius! Oh my word, I love these!

    Anna :)

    Reply
  41. Kim says

    December 17, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I think the first thing I would use the heat gun for would be to remove the stickiness left over from the stickers my daughter put on my car.

    Reply
  42. Davina Sanchez says

    December 17, 2014 at 9:31 am

    I love these! I have needed a heat gun for many little projects! What a great give-a-way!

    Reply
  43. Susan Snyder says

    December 17, 2014 at 9:40 am

    how fun I have sooo many projects this would help me in! Happy Holiday season

    Reply
  44. Karen K. says

    December 17, 2014 at 10:56 am

    I’m very unoriginal. I want to try your icicle idea. My husband grew up with icicles on the Christmas tree and loves the way they look. We haven’t purchased any for our tree, though, because they’re too expensive. This is the perfect solution!

    Reply
  45. Karen H says

    December 17, 2014 at 11:05 am

    I think the first thing I’d like to make before Christmas is some of those icicles! They look great!

    Thank you for the giveaway!

    Reply
  46. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    December 17, 2014 at 12:12 pm

    These icicle ornaments are incredible! I love the bowl you made with the heat gun, so I might try something similar!

    Reply
  47. Joanna says

    December 17, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    I think I would try my hand at creme brulee. Love that stuff!

    Reply
  48. Angela W says

    December 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    I would make different home decor items for the holidays.

    Reply
  49. Lindsay says

    December 17, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    I love your icicles, and since my tree has a snow theme this year, I would probably start with an ornament along those lines. What a fun toy!

    Reply
  50. One Small Panda says

    December 17, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    I love DIY posts. Gonna have to try your icicle ornaments

    Reply
  51. Mary ann says

    December 17, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    I would love to make the icicle ornaments but I’m sure will use it for other household projects!

    Reply
  52. KC says

    December 17, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I want to make an abstract bowl.

    Reply
  53. Susan M. says

    December 17, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    I actually have one of these on my wishlist this year specifically to use for restoring the trim on my car (“you’ve seen older cars that used to have black trim but now look more like a dull gray. Using a heat gun you can restore that trim to its original shine!” Who knew!!!)

    But more significantly, I’d love to add one of these to my crafting arsenal! Thanks for the opportunity – please, PLEASE pick me!

    Reply
  54. LISA M says

    December 17, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    creme brulee

    Reply
  55. Emily C says

    December 17, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    I’d definitely have to try some creme brules, but I LOVE your icicles and would probably make those too!

    Reply
  56. Betsey A Freyberger says

    December 17, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    I would use the heat gun to remove the all the adhesive that was left when our vinyl fence was fixed!! I would love to try the icicles ornaments also!!

    Reply
  57. Shannon B. says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:02 pm

    I would love to try to make these ornments!

    Reply
  58. Ashley W. says

    December 18, 2014 at 6:21 am

    I think I would have to make some of those icicle ornaments!

    Reply
  59. Lisa says

    December 18, 2014 at 7:34 am

    I love your icicle ornaments, I’d make those and then try the bowl tutorial! These would be great gift ideas too. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  60. Amy Latta says

    December 18, 2014 at 8:42 am

    Oh my gosh, that’s SO COOL! They’re beautiful! And now I want a heat gun! I’d google everything I could use it for as far as crafting and art, and then get started!

    Reply
  61. Abigail says

    December 18, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I would make some storage containers out of old records!

    Reply
  62. patty says

    December 18, 2014 at 9:49 am

    I would like to make some plexi shelves and remove some paint.

    Reply
  63. Michelle says

    December 18, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    Those ornaments are beautiful!! I would definitely start by using the heat gun to make those! I’ve previously used a heat gun only for shrink wrap. I love seeing your decorative uses.

    Reply
  64. Dawn Spurling says

    December 18, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    Any tree would look beautiful with these!

    Reply
  65. Michelle Hardwick says

    December 18, 2014 at 11:07 pm

    I would use the heat gun to emboss and to help my vinyl projects. Also these awesome icicles!

    Reply
  66. Wenda says

    December 19, 2014 at 5:11 am

    Crime brûlée, of course! Then on to these icicle ornaments!

    Reply
  67. KC Coake says

    December 19, 2014 at 7:06 am

    I LOVE these! They are so pretty! I think I’d like to try making some because they are so pretty on the tree and can’t be broken by the kids or eaten by the animals. Perfections!

    Reply
  68. Shari says

    December 19, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Oh I need one of those.

    Reply
  69. Melissa L. says

    December 19, 2014 at 11:36 am

    I would use it for embossing. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  70. Colette W. says

    December 19, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    I love this Stacy! So creative. I really want to make these for my tree next year. Crossing my fingers I win the gun so I can!!!

    Reply
  71. Jenn @ EngineerMommy says

    December 19, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Fabulous ornaments! Pinning!

    Reply
  72. Carrie says

    December 19, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    I think I would make snowflakes. Your icicles turned out awesome!

    Reply
  73. shaunie says

    December 20, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I would love it to use when we do our arts and crafts

    Reply
  74. Amy Anderson says

    December 21, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    These are amazing! I’d love to have a heat gun to remove stickers, but I’d try these too!

    Reply
  75. Tracy says

    December 21, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Well, I keep meaning to buy a propane torch for creme brulee, but I’d definitely try it with a heat gun if I had one!

    Reply
  76. Jennifer OBrien says

    December 21, 2014 at 11:53 pm

    I would make jewlery!

    Reply
  77. Heather S says

    December 23, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I would make these icicles first!

    Reply
  78. Lisa G says

    December 23, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    I’ve never had creme brule. I’d totally love to make my own

    Reply
  79. Noreen says

    December 26, 2014 at 9:50 am

    I’d like to try your icicles. I’d also use it on some stubborn tags that are difficult to peel off. I think it would be fun to experiment with some other plastic ornaments, too. I wonder how it would work with Shrinkys.

    Reply
  80. Katie says

    December 27, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Would love to use this to make jewelry – I’m thinking you could bend pieces like yours into bangles!

    Reply
  81. Cindy B says

    December 28, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Actually, I would gift this to my sweet husband because he is always borrowing mine!

    Reply
  82. Jane says

    December 29, 2014 at 10:48 am

    Love the icicles you made. Gotta try to create sone, too.

    Reply
  83. Erlene Amat says

    December 11, 2016 at 6:35 am

    What a neat idea! My hubby has a heat gun and I may have to steal it to make some of these. Thanks for sharing this on Merry Monday. Pinned.

    Reply
  84. Diane Long says

    December 17, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    My mom made these and cut the strips and then heated them in the oven. Using two pliers picked them up and twisted them.

    Reply

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stacyWelcome! I'm sharing our adventures as we fix up our 1938 cottage. Whether it is big or small, I think everyone should love their home and I don't think it takes a lot of money to make a space your own.
 

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