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The garland {the making of}

Last year, after all the Christmas decorations got really, really cheap, I purchased a ton of ornaments.  4 different colors, different sizes, shapes, and finishes.  I had grand plans to make a new mantle garland.  I was inspired by this picture on pinterest, even though I knew I could never in a million years recreate it exactly...


I brainstormed all year.  I tried to figure out how best to tackle this project.  At first I thought:  hot glue the balls to some sort of base.  Then I ran across the tub storing my valentine wreath and saw that the heat of the garage had not been kind to the wreath.  Then I thought about using the craft glue that I used for my Tech wreath.  Then I thought pool noodles would be the answer to a good base.  Then it came time to do it, and I decided I had lost my mind. 

I then took pin-spiration from these pictures and decided to use regular old garland and floral wire...


So that is what I did.  I started out by buying two pre-lit pieces of garland.  I hung them up on the mantle where I wanted them, and then started wiring the ornaments on.  I would try to pick out three ornaments, wire them together into a cluster, and then wire them to the garland.  I  started out on one side...
sorry.  all "during" photos are iphone photos
and some are a little blurry!
  
Then I moved to the other side...
 
 
Then I just filled in the middle.  I found that I had to bounce back and forth between the swags for some reason (or because I swear I have a touch of ADD).  I don't have a picture, but on the swag portions, I tied ribbons on first.  I found this was much easier than trying to go back and tie them between the ornaments. 
 
I think it turned out nice (and I still swear that it looks better in person)...
 
 
 
 
I hate to admit how long it took...I think that I spent about 7 hours working on this!  I was super tired, but very happy with the outcome.
 


Comments

I think it looks amazing! Like, I REALLY love it. I still think you should make me one! ;) I'm sure it would take me longer than 7 hours to make.
Caroline said…
Very impressed. Almost makes me want to do one of my own.

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