How to Make a Holiday Kissing Ball

Tradition states that in 18th century England, if an eligible young lady received a kiss on the cheek under the kissing ball, marriage would soon follow. While this tradition is no longer used, it is still a fun and festive symbol of times past. You can create these decorative balls with various types of floral arrangements to compliment your home and holiday style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 inch plastic foam ball
• 90 fir sprigs
• 2 to 18 inch sprigs of mistletoe
• 18 glossy red berries
• 2 yards open weave ribbon
• Green florist tape
• Monofilament thread
• Craft wire
• Spanish moss
• Glue gun
• Wire cutters

1. Cut fir sprigs into various 2 to 3 ½ inch sections using your wire cutters.

2. Loosely lay Spanish moss over the foam ball. With the tip of your glue gun, make small holes all over the foam ball and add a small amount of glue. Insert a fir sprig in each hole you just created. Make sure Spanish moss covers the foam and use the fir sprigs to cover the entire ball.

3. Arrange mistletoe into small groups to include several berries and one leaf. With the florist's tape, secure each group. Make additional holes throughout the ball to insert enameled berries and mistletoe groups.

4. Create another hole at the top of the kissing ball with the tip of your glue gun. Insert a 12 inch loop of monofilament thread and secure with glue.

5. Make a 10-loop bow with your holiday ribbon. Secure with a small piece of thin wire and insert into the top of your new kissing ball.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fresh flowers while making your kissing ball. Add moisture daily to preserve for several weeks.