Dipping German Froebel Stars and other paper ornaments is a traditional way to protect them from the elements when using them outside. It also helps keep your folded paper stars protected and usable year after year. The glitter? Well, it’s pretty and sparkly and perfect for the holidays. Here’s how to wax dip and glitter paper ornaments to keep them looking great.

The dipping process is best done in bulk, once all your Froebel Stars are folded. If you haven’t yet added strings to your stars for hanging, you’ll want to add those beforehand also. Strong thread, clear thread, or fishing line all work well, or try twine if you like a more rustic look.

How to Melt Paraffin for Dipping

You never want to melt paraffin wax directly in a pan, it can get too hot and catch on fire. (Bad!) My favorite way to indirectly melt the paraffin is to use a large can inside a water bath. The smaller diameter of the can gives a deeper wax depth to dip with, and you can recycle it when you’re finished. I use a 40 oz can with the label removed.

Fill a saucepan 1/3 to 1/2 full of water, and warm on low to medium heat. Place the paraffin block into the can and gently lower into the water bath. The paraffin wax will melt within a few minutes. Cutting the large wax block into smaller pieces can speed up the process if desired.

Can you use a double boiler to melt the wax instead of a can? Yes!

Will you have to clean wax out of the double boiler afterwards? Also Yes!

Once your German Stars are dipped and your leftover paraffin is warm, you can use it to make other wax projects. Try making:

DIY Bendy Sticks for Playing
Dipped and Glittered Pinecone Ornaments
Poured Candles in Seashells, Bottlecaps, or Upcycled Glass Jars
Campfire Starters
Essential Oil Scented Wax Shapes

Ornament Glittering Tips:

Glitter is easier to shake than to sprinkle with fingers, and will give a more even application. If your glitter doesn’t come with a shaker lid, a salt shaker or Parmesan cheese shaker is a great option, depending on glitter size.

Sprinkle glitter evenly, turning the ornament slowly to cover all the sides. You can add a tiny sprinkle of glitter or load it on, depending on personal preference. Always glitter over a paper plate or bowl with edges to contain the stray glitter fallout.

How to Wax Dip and Glitter Folded Paper Stars

Have all your German Froebel Stars folded and strings attached, ready to dip and glitter as a batch.

How to Wax Dip and Glitter Paper Ornaments

Yield: 1+

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: 1

Estimated Cost: under $5

Learn to preserve folded paper German Stars or other ornaments. Step by step instructions for melting paraffin wax, dipping and decorating with glitter.

Materials

Paraffin Household Wax Block (1 or more, depending on number of stars)
Empty 40oz metal can, label removed
Fine glitter (coordinating, any color)
Bamboo skewer
Waxed Paper
Paper Plate with raised edges

Tools

Medium sized saucepan

Instructions

Start by assembling all supplies.

Fill 1/3 to 1/2 saucepan with water and heat on low-medium. Chop paraffin block into chunks (optional) and add to metal can. Gently lower can into water bath. As paraffin wax begins to melt, reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally with bamboo skewer for even melting.
Holding by the string, lower paper star into melted paraffin wax. Use bamboo skewer to help completely submerge star in wax if necessary.
Pull star out of wax, let most of drips fall back into can without letting wax harden.
Over paper plate, sprinkle glitter onto star while wax is still warm and melty. Rotate the star to ensure even glitter coverage, resting star edges on plate if necessary.
Lay waxed and glittered star ornament aside on sheet of waxed paper to cool and harden.