Monday, December 8, 2008

Making an advent wreath


Hi all! I hope you had a good weekend, and that your weekend is off to a good start! :) I had so much fun this past Sunday putting my little Advent wreath together, and thought I'd show you how I did it, in case anyone wants to make one. It's not too late to do it; there are still three more candles to light! In any case, here is how I went about it...


I started with a Advent candle holder my son had made at Sunday school. He was going to stain it, but didn't get to it. (Maybe next year!) I saw metal Advent candle holders at Walmart last week. I think they had some fake greenery attached to it. If so, that is even better, because you can just add to it from there! For me, I didn't glue any of this together, because I wanted to be able to pack it all away separately. We have limited storage space, so it will help with that. I will tell how you can put it together in a more permanent way as well. :)





I used a 9' garland I found at Michaels, and used about two thirds of it by the time I was done. Figure out how much it will take to make a circle of garland around the candle holder, then use wire cutters to cut it. Then circle the cut piece of garland around the wreath holder, and twist the ends together. Even if you want it stuck together, at this point, I would keep this as a separate piece, but you could use glue to attach it. There are so many different kinds of glue for different surfaces at most any craft store, so the right kind shouldn't be difficult to find.





Then figure out how much of the garland you'll need to form another circle that will go right over where the candles will go. You will need to remove the candles to do this. After this is in place, you can either use wire or glue to attach it permanently, or not! :) Next, form a small circle for the very inside of your "wreath", making sure your center candle (usually a pillar) will fit inside. If you are using a metal candle holder, usually these have the wreath part in the very center, so you may or may not need this. But maybe you will want to add a little more! :)




The most fun part is adding whatever other greenery or berries or embellishments your heart desires! I added some lighter green eucalyptus (sp?) first, just poking it here and there and trying to make it look "balanced". (It looks more balanced in person!)





Then I added my center pillar candle, one I had on hand, and loved the way the color of it ended up working out with the rest of my wreath, but it's a little on the short side, so we'll tuck a little block of wood underneath it before next week!




I tucked in some berries, a little here, a little there. I used the berry branches I found at Michaels, and just snipped them into smaller bits of berries. If you like, you can glue your little additions with a hot glue gun, or else use little pieces of wire...






When you are done adding everything you want and you're happy with how it looks...you're finished with your very own Advent wreath! Well, almost...






Lighting it is the
very best part, of course! :) Enjoy!



12 comments:

cherry said...

Thanks for showing us how! I will have to check into getting one of these....such a good way to teach ourselves and our children what is important. cherry

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is just wonderful!! Thank you for showing us! So creative...I want to do an advent wreath now..I think it is important!
-sandy toes

Jeni said...

The wreath turned out pretty. I have never done an advent wreath. Looks like you are really enjoying yours.

Amber M. said...

Wow! It looks so beautiful. I love the red berries...

Orchardviewcottage said...

Love the advent wreath!! cute project for the kids, I'll have 2 give it a try!! Thanks!!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Jenni,
Pretty wreath! I have passed on the Kreativ Blogger Award to you.
Come on by and pick it up. *smile*

Blessings,
Sandi

Unknown said...

The wreath turn out great!

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

What a fun project to make as a family!

Have a great day!

Our Complete Family said...

Jenni~ It turned out lovely. That is so special and sweet of you to do for your family.
Merry December~ Les

Ms. Tee said...

Oh so pretty - thanks for showing us how to do this! I definitely want to start this next year. :) have a wonderful day!

Elyse said...

Beautiful!!! I love it! I definitely plan to do more stuff like this next year, I am toooo busy to do them this year tho I wish i could.
Thanks for your comment about my hair, i love it!
Yes my week is going great so far, although it is flying by! Still havent gotten a tree, decorated AT ALL or done any shopping. lol
Oh well. Hows yours going? I hope you have a blessed day!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I will have to try making one.