When Brooke Walker, host of Studio 5, asked me to do a segment on “Decorative Tassels” I’ll be honest . . . I had a bit of a panic moment. I like to think of myself as a pretty hip chick (although I’m sure my kids would disagree lol) but I had NEVER heard of decorative tassels. I had to do some extensive research. My first thought was . . . What do you do with them? Thank goodness I came across the Nesting Place I think she described it best “Tassels are the most beautiful things you will never need”. They add a touch of whimsey to any room. They look great hung on armoire doors, bed posts, lamps, curtain tie-backs, etc. The next step was figuring out how to make them. Typically they sell between $20-$40. You know me . . . I love a challenge and it was on! I wanted to figure out how to create them between $5-$10. As I purchased the supplies and receipts started to pile up (I had easily spent several hundred dollars), I came to the conclusion that this will probably be my most difficult challenge yet. In part for the following reasons:

1. Fringe is EXPENSIVE!!!! Sometimes up to $35 dollars a yard and the key to an amazing tassel is LOTS of layers of cool fringe. So my first hurdle was finding inexpensive fringe. I shopped all of the typical places Joanne’s, Michaels, Roberts, and Walmart. However, I found the best selection of fringe at Home Fabrics in Orem Utah. It is a discount fabric store, but even on sale it was still pricey.

2. My second challenge was finding inexpensive fillers that didn’t look tacky. I found using a form (a lid from an Icee drink, see below), yarn, and tulle worked the best. then layering the more expensive fringe on the outside.

3. My Most difficult challenge was this . . . I found that tassels are less a craft and more of an “art”. Each topper represents it’s own unique challenges and there really isn’t one way to do it. I really respect those who make and sell tassels. If you REALLY want an amazing tassel this is one time I would say . . . leave it to the experts. One of my favorite’s is Megity’s Handmade She is amazing! She is having a Christmas special and all of her tassels are only $20 and with all of my trial and error this is definetly a BARGAIN!!!!

As I sat in my living room looking at a load of fringe, ribbon, various toppers, and piles of reciepts . . . I knew I needed help. So, I went back to The Nesting Place and downloaded her $10 e-book. If you want to REALLY learn how to make tassels, this is a must! So, follow along with me on my adventure in tassel making. Be forwarned that I am not an expert, but hopefully you will be inspired! BTW ignor all of the nasty glue and paint on my hands in the following photos lol. Tassel making can be messy business.

First things first, let’s go through the basic ingredients of a decorative tassel which will be discussed in greater detail below. There is the topper, the base, the trim, the filler, and the bling. Let’s get started!





Okay, let’s walk though the process of making a couple tassels. Keep in mind that it is all about personal taste. You can make them really full or really skinny, with lot’s of fringe or lot’s of ribbon, small or big, You can also start with an existing tassel and add to it.