Victorian Tassels

Making Victorian Tassels by Paula Finney, Scottsdale, AZ

I am a craftaholic and this tip really helps me save money. I love the Victorian look--especially for Xmas and that means using tassels. I ordered a tassel maker and the supplies and effort cost just as much as buying them ready made (although I never pay full retail price for anything!). So I shop a local store that sells trims and such at rock bottom prices. They sell fringe at $.99 a yard--of all sizes and colors. I just buy a few yards and when I need a tassel, I roll up the fringe a few inches at a time, gluing with either hot glue or tacky and voila--I have a beautiful tassel. If I’m attaching to the bottom of a globe ornament, I usually cover with some matching trim (also purchased at my great discount store).

These tassels are gorgeous and you can completely tailor them to your specific needs. I also combine fringes for a multicolor look--no one can believe I didn't buy them--but to me it's an insult when people say "it looks store-bought"--you can't buy the things I create in a store!! I also insert the wrapped fringe into beads and painted wooden cups (very small ones) to make more ornate tassels--trimmed with buttons, shells, ribbon roses, etc., just let your imagination go with it!!