Making a DIY kissing ball is a fun craft project that yields a pretty ornament to hang in your home. A simple sprig of mistletoe may be the familiar prompt for a holiday kiss but you can make your own holiday kissing ball to hang indoors or out. Use a large plastic Christmas ball and adorn it with ribbon, fake evergreens and bells.
How to Make a DIY Kissing Ball Without Styrofoam
Kissing balls come in all different shapes and sizes and can be created from natural or artificial materials. If you buy one from a florist it can be pricey and will only last one season. With this tutorial I will show you how to make a holiday kissing ball from inexpensive supplies from the craft or dollar store and it will last for years to come. Hang it indoors or out where ever you would like to receive a smooch.
Where do Kissing Balls Come From?
People have been creating kissing balls for hundreds of years. The history of Christmas kissing balls dates back to the middle ages when they were called holly boughs. People in villages would wind together twine and evergreen branches in the shape of a ball. They would place a clay figure of baby Jesus in the center.
During the Victorian period, herbs and plants depicted love, affection and a variety of other emotions. By the end of the 19th century kissing balls represented romantic love. Ballrooms were often adorned with kissing balls hung from the ceiling.
Supplies for DIY Kissing Ball
- Large 6 inch plastic ornament. I used red but you can use and color you like
- 1 yard of ribbon ¾ inch thick. Cut into two pieces.
- 4 faux holly sprigs.
- 4 faux sprigs of berries.
- 4 faux evergreen branches.
- 6 small bells.
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks.
- Thumb tack for hanging.
Instructions for DIY Kissing Ball Craft
- Begin by using hot glue to adhere one piece of the ribbon to the perimeter of the ball.
- Tie it the two ends together and make a bow with the extra ribbon at the top of the ornament.
- Glue the other piece of ribbon on the other side of the ball. Tie at the top and leave the ends free so that you can hang it.
- Next, apply hot glue to the top of the ornament and glue on the holly leaves around the top of the ornament.
- After, glue on the evergreen pieces in-between the holly leaves.
- Then, glue the fake berries in any gaps in the other greenery.
- Finally glue on the little bells onto the ribbon and top half of the ornament.
- Hang the kissing ball from the ceiling with a tack.
Where to Hang Your Christmas Kissing Ball
5 Places to Hang a Holiday Kissing Ball
- In a bay window.
- Hanging on a porch.
- Hanging from a chandelier.
- In an architectural cut out
- Above a mantle.
- Above your bed.
More Christmas Decor Crafts
DIY Kissing Ball
This DIY kissing ball is made with a large plastic ball ornament, ribbon and faux evergreens. Hang it anywhere you'd like to receive a smooch.
Materials
- 6 inch plastic ornament ball
- 2 half yard pieces of ribbon that are ¾ inch thick
- 4 sprigs of faux holly
- 4 sprays of faux evergreen
- 4 sprigs of white winterberry
- 6 small bells
Tools
- hot glue gun
- glue sticks
- scissors
Instructions
- Remove the top plastic piece off the top of the ornament and discard it.
- Glue one piece of the ribbon around the circumference of the ball and tie it in a bow at the top.
- Do the same with the other piece on the other side of the ball but just tie it in a knot at the top. You will hang the kissing ball from the excess ribbon.
- Glue the faux holly pieces on the top of the ornament.
- Glue the evergreen pieces at the top of the ornament between the holly.
- Glue the white winterberry pieces in any gaps.
- Glue on a few bells in any empty spaces.
- Let the glue dry.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Let me know in the comments!
Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard. I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!