How to ...

In the heartwarming holiday book Christmas in Cypressville, we are introduced to Susan, Jake's sister, who has recently opened a charming little shop called SuSu’s Petal Boutique. Her shop is renowned for its delightful mistletoe balls, lovingly crafted by Susan herself. These enchanting creations are not just for the festive season; Susan ingeniously transforms them into "kissing balls" that grace her shelves all year long. By swapping out the holiday holly, mistletoe, or pine for seasonal blooms and greenery, she ensures they remain a perennial favorite. Her creations range from petite two-inch spheres to grand five-inch orbs, perfect for adorning larger spaces. For those eager to try their hand at crafting these beauties, a wealth of tutorials and articles await online exploration.

YOU’LL NEED:

• Styrofoam sphere of your choice

• 24 Guage Wire | Or a cut piece of a straightened coat hanger wire

• Greenery | Holly, pine, or mistletoe

• Ribbon | Max 38 inches long for hanging up

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Insert the wire through the center of your foam ball until the end pokes out the bottom. Curve the tail end of the wire upwards toward the ball so it hooks into the bottom. Press it in place. This ensures the ball will be secure when hung.

2. Strip the ends of your greenery and cut each sprig to your desired size, making sure they’re all about the same length to create a uniform sphere.

3. Insert the stripped ends into the foam ball. Continue adding new greenery until the ball is as full as you like.

4. Bend the top wire into a loop, making a small circle. Tie a ribbon around the wire at the top of your Christmas kissing ball for added festive cheer.

Note: Live mistletoe and its berries are poisonous, so keep them out of the reach of children and pets.