This tutorial will explain how you can set up a hanging
ornament such as a Christmas star, so that it can spin
without tangling or require unwinding. It's an excellent way
to display a favorite ornament at Christmas time.
!! Steps !!
Select the decorations you'd like to have spin Determine the weight
of the ornament. Getting the weight correct is of most importance for
the heavier objects - the lighter seasonal type objects usually are
very lightweight and won't present weight problems.
Obtain the necessary hardware. Purchase monofilament (or fishing)
line, a fishing "swivel" and a hook from which the ornament will
hang. A sporting goods store or department is a great place for the
fishing line and swivel:
* Fishing line may be substituted by your choice of string, wire,
etc. if desired; the reason fishing line is suggested is due to
its transparency and strength. The fishing line is available in
different "pound tests" but the values on the spools of line are
not very reliable, so it is best to physically pull on the line to
determine its ability to support the weight of the ornament.
Choose line that will support at least two times the weight of the
ornament.
* A swivel consists of two small hoops joined together in such a way
that they may turn independently of each other.
* The hook should be selected on the weight it is expected to
support (at least two times the actual weight) and the material
into which it will be secured – examples are: wood, concrete,
hollow wall, etc. A hardware store (or department) is the best
place to choose hooks (and get advice on the suitability to task,
as well).
* Install the hook. Secure the hook directly onto the surface over
where the ornament will hang, using the supplied fastener for the
surface's material.
Connect the monofilament line to the swivel. Start by cutting the
monofilament line to length. Since this line is inexpensive and
sold in 100 yard lots, allow plenty of extra line.
* Attach the line to the hook (installed in the previous step) and
to the swivel by tying directly to it, or placing a slip knot
around it.
* Connect the other end of the swivel directly to the ornament (if
the type with a close-able clasp) or, connected by an additional
length of monofilament line if needed in the same manner as was
done between the hook and swivel.
* Spin the ornament. While the ornament will spin for a
long time, eventually friction will cause the ornament to stop
spinning. However, if the decoration is located indoors, it may be
possible to use a small fan to gently blow air at the ornament to
keep it spinning continuously.
!! Tips !!
* Monofilament line will not last forever. Replace the line every
year, or when inspection reveals it is breaking down due drying
from heat, exposure to direct sunlight and extremes in
temperature. Inspections should occur at regular intervals
determined by what is underneath the ornament, weight of the
ornament, exposure to heat, sunlight and extreme temperatures.
More often is much better than not often enough!
* Check the swivel. Swivels will not last forever either, especially
if required to hold a heavy object, the object spins for long
periods of time, etc. Since the swivel is another inexpensive
item, it should be replaced when evidence of wear is observed - or
annually. A drop of silicone could be used to add some lubricating
properties to the swivel. Check the silicone's reaction to a
piece of the line to be sure it does not cause the line to "break
down".
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Monofilament or fishing line
* Swivel
* Hook
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Make Your Own Christmas Decorations
* How to Choose Christmas Decorations While Having a Dog
* How to Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas
* How to Make Ornamental Pine Cones for Christmas
* How to String Popcorn on a Christmas Tree
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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