Kissing Ball

Kissing Ball

On the Victorian era hanging decoration known as the kissing ball. Full of colorful faux blossoms instead of the traditional evergreens, this kissing ball is accented with delicate tendrils of ivy, contrasting flowers, and a lovely wide ribbon. Start with a floral ball, found in most craft stores, and add your personal touches for a quick and easy transformation. Tie the shimmering ribbon in a bow and hang it any place you choose. Change the colors of the blossoms and ribbon to match your theme and decor.

Here are the materials you will need to make one kissing ball: 

• one stem each of purple and magenta colored blossoms
• one craft ball covered with white roses
• one bunch of variegated ivy
• 1 1/2 yd. (1.4 m) of decorative wire edged ribbon
• floral snips
• floral pins

STEP 1. Snip the magenta-colored blossoms to 2" (5 cm) in length. With floral pins, secure the stems to the floral craft ball, pressing them in place firmly. Continue adding magenta blossoms until you have positioned them evenly around the ball.
STEP 2. Cut the purple blossoms to 2" (5 cm) in length. Again, secure the stems with floral pins, pressing firmly into the ball. Work around the ball, filling ¡n the spaces to create a nice pattern of color.

STEP 3. Cut the ivy tendrils to 2" (5 cm) lengths. Arrange the ivy evenly around the floral ball, filling in more of the spaces between the blossoms.
STEP 4. Leaving a tail at one end, fold the ribbon to make four loops. Leave the rest of the ribbon free to form the other tail. Gather the loops at the center with a floral pin. Press the ribbon securely into the center top of the ball. One loop is the hanging hoop. Fluff the others to form a full bow.

Reminders
Most craft stores sell simple wedding accessories in special sections or aisles. Shop for ready-made blooms and ribbons to suit your style and turn simple into sensational!