Friday, January 9, 2009

Ball Wreath

I paid a little visit to Big Lots yesterday. I have become inspired in my clean up and made the trip to get one of those large plastic storage tubs so that I can organize a bit better in my attic. Not only did I come out of Big Lots with the storage tub, I also scored on some 75% off Christmas decor. Big Lots is so great...one of those little places that few people think to go to for deals. Such was the case with the Christmas decor at the location I went to in Alabaster. There was still a large amount of decor still at the store. I purchased several rolls of wrapping paper for $1.00-$1.50 per roll. I loved the coordinating papers. I can just imagine how pretty the packages will look under my tree next Christmas!

I also picked up 2 boxes of different sized ball ornaments. After being inspired by both Eddie Ross (who came up with this project) and Rhoda (who tried her hand at it), I decided to try my hand at making one of those pretty ball wreaths. The box came with 48 assorted sized balls. I chose a box with turquoise, lilac, and silvers of different shades.Turquoise if my favorite color. It reminds me of the beach.

I used a box and a half on my wreath (about 80 balls). What I discovered with the plastic balls was that I preferred them to the glass balls for this particular project. I think that the plastic will be more "user friendly" if I decided to hang my wreath on a door. I know that my kids will often times run in or out the door and allow the door to slam shut. Glass balls would not make it long on our door, and in turn the kids. Oh, I kid....about the kids. They are safe. The wreath, however, would not be.
To make the wreath take a wire coat hanger, unhinge it.....
...and bend it into the form of a circle.

If you use glass balls, you will want to hot glue the tops of the ornament to the ball so it will be sealed and not come apart. By using the plastic balls it cut out the step of hot glueing the tops of the ornaments (on glass) that easily come out. The plastic were pretty secure, though if you wanted to glue as an extra precaution you could. I am a time saver. One less thing I have to do, the better. For more info on the glueing read Eddie Ross post.
Next, untwist the end of the hanger, then string one ornament at a time, making sure to alternate the placement and colors as desired. Use smaller sizes to fill in the gaps!

After stringing all the balls onto the wire hanger, secure the hanger by twisting back into place.

To secure it to the door, use the hook end of the hanger, together with a little wire. I think adding a ribbon would only set it off more! And that's it! You're done.
And you can see, this is idiot proof decor. See my wreath....there are some balls sticking out on the top, looking a bit mishapped. Well, just move them around into place. Take a few off and reorganize. You will get the look you are going for. See Rhoda and Eddie for better examples. But because one of my children helped me with this wreath....I thought it it turned out perfect with it's mishapped balls (I wasn't about to change it).
Life is like that.
Mishapped sometimes.
BTW- as I mentioned I had one of my children helping me with this project. This is a perfect project to get the kids involved in. Of course with the little ones I would worry about the hanger around eyes, but for more mature kids I think you could have an assembly line running to pump the wreaths out for the entire neighborhood.
You could do differnt forms, I would guess....an oval...maybe a heart for Valentine's (using small balls).
Or, with inspiration from the Nester, do some rick ragging by tieing small knots with pretty ribbon around the wire instead of balls. The possibilities are endless!
2 Boxes of Ball Ornaments from Big Lots (75% off) $4.00 for both
wire coat hanger-free
ribbon from Big Lots (75% off) .75 cents
Total $4.75 plus tax.

27 comments:

Mari said...

I am sooo impressed! I think it turned out great and if I find ornaments still on sale I will snap them up. I love your colors!

Anonymous said...

I love the ornament wreath, I'm so glad I decided not to clean out the ornaments this year so that my daughter and I can make one from them next year. Great idea!

Keetha Broyles said...

I think you and your kids did a great job!!! I love it.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Oh I am sooo glad you did this. I saw eddies and did score some balls from target 90% off! Woohoo. Kinda wish I had gotten plastic ones now!

Yours (not mishapen in the least!!) looks perfect!!

Nicolle said...

I love your wreath. I might have to copy. The balls are a gorgeous color, and definitely remind me of the beach. Very cool! :)

I was just day dreaming about the beach last night, and how badly I need to go!

Tiffany said...

Hi Leigh! I wanted to answer your question regarding my blog titles and thought this might be the best way to do it.

To go along with my "songbird" theme, all of my post titles are songs. It's silly, but just my style. :)

j said...

There is a Big Lots in Fairhope. I am THERE in just a bit. I want to make one of those wreathes too. Yours turned out SO pretty.

h said...

I won a 50% off Coupon at Big Lots at their grand opening. Spent 375 dollars on maybe 3000 dollars worth of stuff. Incredible prices.

SitDownKaren said...

The wreath looks awesome! I feel your clean up vibe. I'm doing the same.

My hubby and I are wrestling with the idea of wallpapering over a wood wall we have. I do not want to paint it and ruin the natural wood. Oh well, we will see what happens!

Bama Belle said...

Very cool! I love it. That and the chalk board plate are MUSTS do for me very soon. Of course I don't think mine will turn out as well,but hey we will give it a shot! Hugs, Jess

Anonymous said...

I love the wreath. Very creative.

The Hickmans said...

I love it!! You've inspired me now...

The Hickmans said...

I read your comment, and we definately have Elk in Arkansas. Now, where we were- I don't have a clue. I was just along for the ride! Zack drives, I ride (obviously not paying attention!)

j said...

Wreath made!! Thank you for the inspiration!!

Kristin - The Goat said...

sounds like you had a fun afternoon crafting with your kids!

Anonymous said...

Very cute wreath! I didn't even go to Big Lots after Christmas - I wonder if anything is left!

Manuela

j said...

THREE comments from me on this post... bless your poor heart. OK, I am here getting your info so that I can link to you. Going to post a picture of it in just a few minutes.

And I will not harrass you anymore. At least not on this post :)

Shauna said...

I'm new here! What a great blog :)

tricki_nicki said...

I SO wish we had a big lots here because I love your wrapping paper! I told my hubs that I'm throwing out all our old paper and starting new with coordinating stuff next year. I'm sick to death wrapping each gift and trying to find ribbons and paper that match. Love it!

Free Art Printables said...

I think that turned out great! Love the colors!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I was at Big Lots yesterday and bought some of those HUGE ornaments we saw everywhere this year. I am set for next year!
Ps~ remind me of that when next Christmas rolls around :-)

Susan said...

Looks fabulous..... and I love that wrapping paper... very retro trip!

butterflygirl said...

Love the wreath!!!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Leigh, I love your wreath too! You were smart & waited til they were marked down even more, I probably should have waited, but I wanted to be sure I got the colors I needed.

Love yours!

Shannon said...

VERY cute!! I love this.

"J" said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVE IT!!!! You did such a GREAT job!!!!!! =) Now I want to make one!!!! I love going to BIG LOTS! We have one right by my office!!!! It's a great LUNCH BREAK stop!!!!!!

Thanks for the ideas!!!!!!!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

You did a great job on this wreath! Love the colors! I definitely want to make one of these for Christmas.