I am all in the Holiday spirit a week earlier than usual. And it is time to share my annual advent wreath I make for my mom every year. It all started with bought evergreen wreaths I decorated, morphed into making those evergreen wreaths myself and after that got boring my creative mind started spinning. Now my challenge is to come up with a new version every year. I can’t remember the last time evergreens were actually used. Usually I try to reuse materials that are floating around or are a waste.
I’ve been using paper in my wreath a few times. This year I went back to reusing grocery bags and filling materials from packages.
As always the instructions are rather simple. But what might seem simple for me may be overwhelming for someone. So here is the little tutorial.
Materials for a Paper Ball Wreath
- wreath form – as always I recommend a straw one over a styrofoam one (didn’t get one this time)
- lots of paper of your choice. I used craft paper but I bet you could use magazines. Make it red or green pages to have it more elegant
- always and forever needing a glue gun
- decor of your liking – I ran out of time so its simple this year.
Instruction for assembling the Paper Ball Wreath
Step 1: You need to prepare the little paper balls. A perfect activity while watching a Holiday movie. Also a fun way to include little kids maybe? Try to rip same size paper pieces you then roll to a ball. You’ll get the hang of it after a few. They should be similar in size so the wreath looks even and not to chaotic.
Step 2: Grab your trusted glue gun and start working by gluing the balls to the form. As always I would recommend starting from the top and work your way down to the inner and outer edge. This way the result is more even and the part which the eyes see first is most regular.
Step 3: Now it is time to decorate. You can do all kinds of things. Adding other paper objects or natural pieces like dried fruits and seed capsules. Or you add some colorful little Christmas ornament, bows or bells. Endless possibilities. I didn’t have any available so a tiny green bow had to do this year.
And this is how I left t for my mom to find.
I am sorry the photos are bit crappy. I mad the wrath in-between sauna sessions and light was cozy but not good for photos.
More wreath ideas from previous years
I am curious: Have you made a wreath yourself? Do you have a new one every year or do you get out the one from storage? Would you attempt this pine cone scale wreath? Did you find a favorite in the collection of previous years? What material should I use next year?
11 comments
So, so creative my friend! I’m sure your mom loves it. Do you tell her beforehand what you’re going to do or is it a surprise?
It’s always a surprise. She only hopes she is getting another one.
Tobia, I love your wreaths so much! They are all so original and amazing! I sewed wreaths for my family one year. They were circles of fabric with a ruffle all around them. I use mine every year and haven’t made any other wreaths.
Yes that would be a durable wreath. Most of my old wreath live on my moms coat cupboard and collect dust. I sometimes take one I like and use it the next year for myself but most are forgotten. Sadly. But what to do? Can’t really sell them as many have candle wax somewhere
That is really, really cool. So simple and yet so elegant.
It is rather simple it just takes a bit of time.
Beautiful, and such a great idea! I’ve made a seashell wreath, but that’s about it, nothing seasonal.
Seashells sound summer seasonal to me or do you use it for Christmas? I guess you could adding gold ornaments.. mhm ideas
I use it at Christmas, but my home is very beach themed overall, so it fits in perfectly.
It looks so pretty. I never would’ve thought of making this using paper. When I was a teenager (I think), we made one – maybe in school? out of ripped up clear plastic baggies. We bent a wire hanger and then tied the plastic to the wire hanger and tied a red bow on it. It was cute, but this is so elegant. I like the pinecone one too. thanks for sharing.
Ohhh with plastic bags. That could look like an ice wreath.