DIY Coat Hanger Snowflakes: Creating a White Christmas in the Aussie Desert
Christmas in Australia may be filled with sunshine, scorching temperatures, and backyard barbecues—but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a touch of snowy magic to our celebrations. This year, I decided to bring the feeling of a white Christmas to the heart of the desert by crafting beautiful snowflakes out of coat hangers—and let me tell you, the result is pure festive joy!
Bringing Snow to the Red Centre
Living in the Australian outback, where December days are hot and dry, the idea of snow may seem like a dream. But with a little creativity and some household items, I transformed our home into a winter wonderland—no frost required!
My secret? Plastic coat hangers. Yes, you read that right. These simple items come together to make stunning, oversized snowflake decorations that look incredible hanging from fences, windows, or even desert gumtrees.
What You Need
Creating these DIY snowflakes is surprisingly easy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 plastic coat hangers (all the same size)
- Zip ties or cable ties
- White spray paint or glitter (optional)
- Fairy lights (optional for extra sparkle)
How to Make Coat Hanger Snowflakes
- Lay Out Your Design: Start by arranging four coat hangers in a cross shape with hooks facing outward. Then layer the next four diagonally between them to create a snowflake starburst.
- Secure with Zip Ties: Once you’re happy with the shape, secure all contact points with zip ties. Snip off the ends for a neat finish.
- Decorate: You can leave them as is, or go all out with white spray paint, silver glitter, or even wrap fairy lights around them for a magical nighttime glow.
- Display Your Snowflakes: Hang them from patio ceilings, fences, verandahs, or trees. They look especially magical as the sun sets over the desert and the lights begin to twinkle.
A White Christmas, Aussie Style
Even though we won’t get snowfall in the desert regions of Australia, crafting these coat hanger snowflakes gave me all the nostalgic feels of a snowy Christmas—without the cold toes and frozen fingertips!
It’s a great activity to do with the kids or a festive craft night with friends. Plus, it’s low-cost, easy, and eco-friendly—especially if you’re upcycling old hangers from your wardrobe.
Why I Love This Craft
- It’s budget-friendly and uses items you probably already have.
- It’s customisable—make them large or small, glittery or classic white.
- It brings a northern hemisphere charm to our uniquely Aussie celebrations.
- It makes for a fun, festive family project that creates lasting memories.
Final Thoughts
Just because we’re in the Australian outback doesn’t mean we can’t have a white Christmas—we just have to get a little creative! These DIY coat hanger snowflakes are a fun, festive way to bring snowy cheer to your home, even under the blazing summer sun.
So grab some hangers, a handful of zip ties, and a little imagination—and bring the snow to your desert Christmas this year!
