Forgot your password?
Member benefits:
Step 1: Insert Wire
Step 2: Make Wire U Shapes
Step 3: Add Herbs & Berries
Step 4: Thread Ribbon
Courtesy of Taste of Home
Insert three lengths of craft wire into the top center of the moss or Styrofoam ball, extending it out of the bottom by about 1 inch.
At Christmastime, the Victorians hung kissing balls in their doorways as a symbol of love for their visitors. The attractive orbs were made from greenery (like holly, ivy and mistletoe) as well as from herbs, all which held special meaning.
In our Christmas Kissing Ball we used holly (symbolizing good will and everlasting-life), boxwood (constancy in love) and rosemary (loyalty and fidelity). You can also tuck in other herbs such as sage (long life and good health), lavender (devotion, loyalty and luck) and oregano (happiness).
At the bottom, individually bend each wire end to make a U shapes. Push the bent wire ends into the bottom of the ball to secure. At the top, twist the wire ends together to form a small loop for hanging. Cut away any excess wire.
Cut or break the holly into pieces about 3 inches long and secure them to the ball with greening pins. Add boxwood and rosemary in the same way until entire ball is covered. Add red berries where desired.
Thread a length of ribbon through the wire hanging loop and knot the ends together. Tie another piece into a bow at the base of the hanging loop and a piece to the bottom of the kissing ball.