Union fills in empty spaces

[#1]

I am having problems with union. I'm trying to make a frame with snowflakes in it. 

When I click union,  this happens.

This also happens if I try to fill the snowflakes in with a different color.

[#2]

I am having problems with union. I'm trying to make a frame with snowflakes in it. 

When I click union,  this happens.

This also happens if I try to fill the snowflakes in with a different color.

[#3]

Hi make sure convert all things to shape using expand / expand appearance....regards

[#4]

I tried to expand appearance but it is grayed out. 

[#5]

You may have more success using the Live Paint Bucket tool to fill areas.

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/live-paint-groups.html