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...
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.
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