snowflake stiffener

[Stonington]

Good Morning,
I have just completed my first set of snowflakes and want to stiffen them. I have used crystal beads and do not want them to loose their sparkle--does anyone have any suggestions on which stiffening product would be best?

Thanks so much!
anne

[cftwo]

I've only ever used laundry starch (or maybe cornstarch) and I have no idea how they would affect crystal beads. Sorry!

[marykz]

you might just want to wipe the beads off while the starch is wet- or are the beads all the way through the piece? I was thinking if they are just at the points you could soak the piece, then use a wet paper towel to wipe off the beads so they don't look cloudy from the starch.

if you use a spray starch, you may want to put a bit of tape on the beads if they are big enough to cover- but again, if it is lots of itty bitty beads, that won't work.....

[debinoz]

This might work.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd44463

[blueeyes28]

Are snowflakes easy to make?Is there a free pattern somewhere?

[Nobones]

I think I've said this before, but I recommend Spray Starch or powder starch, neither of which will effect your beads. I have used it on my on my tatting with beads and my pearl bead snowflake. It was fine. Take your time to build up the stiffness.

[Stonington]

Are snowflakes easy to make?Is there a free pattern somewhere?

They are fun! and not difficult at all. and there are tons of free patterns online... here are a few sites.
http://home.inreach.com/marthac/snow.html
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/snowflakes.php
http://www.hobbyloco.com/Cpatt1.html
http://home.wideopenwest.com/~sag55/christmas.html

here are a few!

anne