Friday, December 12, 2014

How to Make a Boxwood Kissing Ball


Courtesy of Marian Parsons, Mustard Seed Interiors

Merry Christmas Friends,

A Christmas tradition, the kissing ball, can be made out of more than just mistletoe. Use preserved boxwood sprigs, magnolia leaves or even fresh evergreens to create this holiday party decoration.

Materials Needed:
  • 6" foam sphere
  • 8-10 preserved boxwood branches
  • wire cutters
  • scissors
  • 1 1/3 yards double-sided ribbon
  • 6-7 quilting pins

Trim Boxwood Sprigs
Pull or trim sprigs off of a large preserved boxwood branch. Trim sprigs down even further to about 1-2-inch pieces. Cut just above a row of leaves for the best look. Tip: To expedite the project, clip all sprigs at one time.



Insert Sprigs in Foam
Gently push sprig stems straight into foam sphere. Arrange sprigs close together to hide the foam, and leave about a 2-inch circle uncovered as a place to attach ribbons for hanging. Tip: Insert glittered Christmas decor picks or other decorating accessories to customize even further.



Cut and Attach Ribbons
Cut four 12-inch lengths of double-sided ribbon. Line them up and stack one on top of the other. Lay center of ribbons over the bare spot on the foam sphere. Insert 6-7 quilt pins at an angle in the foam to secure ribbon (Image 1). Lift kissing ball by ribbons to make sure they're secure. Fill in remaining bare spot around ribbons with boxwood sprigs (Images 2 and 3).





Tie Ribbons
Knot two ribbons together, tightening the knot against the sphere. Repeat with two more ribbons (Images 1 and 2). Tie the final ribbon in a bow to hang the kissing ball. Trim all ribbon ends at an angle in similar lengths. Hang from a doorway, arch or ceiling. Tip: Lightly mist fresh or preserved greenery to extend its life.




Have fun...

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Merry Christmas!

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Live well,
Yvonne

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