The weather outside might be bad, but putting up a kissing ball made of fresh mistletoe inside will warm things up. The greenery adds a pop of holiday cheer to your Christmas decorating. And if you hang it over a doorway or anywhere else in your house, it will make you want to celebrate.
The supplies to make DIY mistletoe kissing balls are usually easy to find. Fresh mistletoe is usually available at local Christmas tree lots and is also sold online from mistletoe farms. There is floral supply stuff in craft stores, like sheet moss, floral foam balls, florist wire, and greening pins.
Making your own holiday crafts is fun and adds a personal touch to your holiday decor. Assemble your DIY Christmas kissing ball using our tutorial.
A mistletoe ball is a fun DIY Christmas decoration that adds a touch of festive greenery to your home during the holidays. This simple project uses a foam ball ribbon and artificial mistletoe to create a decorative piece you can hang anywhere. Follow these steps to make your own mistletoe ball this season.
Supplies Needed
- 3-4 inch foam ball or styrofoam ball
- Green moss or spray paint (optional)
- 15-20 mistletoe stems with 3-5 leaves each
- Ribbon in your choice of color, 28-30 inches long
- 5 inch piece of ribbon for bow
- Floral wire
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors or craft knife
Prep the Foam Ball
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If your foam ball is white or another color you may want to spray paint it green first. This gives it a more natural look.
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Alternatively, you can wrap strips of green moss around the ball using hot glue to cover it.
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Make sure the foam ball is sturdy enough for the mistletoe and ribbon. Styrofoam or dense foam works best.
Add the Hanger
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Cut a 28-30 inch length of ribbon. Fold it in half to form a loop and tie a knot at the folded end.
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Use floral wire to wrap the knotted end tightly. Leave a long tail of wire.
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Push the wire through the foam ball, coming out the opposite side.
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Twist the ends of the wire together to secure it inside the ball
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Fluff and shape the ribbon loop into a hanger.
Make the Bow
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Take a 5 inch long ribbon piece. Fold it into a small bow shape.
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Place the bow in the front center of the hanger ribbon.
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Wrap floral wire around the center to attach the bow in place.
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Fluff and shape the bow as desired. Set aside.
Add the Mistletoe
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Take a mistletoe stem and apply hot glue to the end.
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Push the end into the foam ball, holding for 30 seconds while it sets.
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Space stems 2-3 inches apart, covering the entire ball.
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Push mistletoe stems close to the ribbon so it looks full.
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Let glue fully dry and add a second dot if needed for security.
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Shape the ribbon hanger over the top and sides.
Hang Your Mistletoe Ball
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Once assembled, hang your decorative mistletoe ball on a door, wall, banister, or Christmas tree.
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For versatility, choose neutral ribbon colors like red, green, or white that will complement your existing decor.
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Make mini mistletoe balls for package toppers or small spaces by using 2-3 inch foam balls.
With a little hot glue and ribbon, you can transform basic supplies into a festive decoration perfect for spreading holiday cheer. For a natural look, use real preserved mistletoe if you can find it. Otherwise, artificial mistletoe stems give the same effect.
Display a mistletoe ball on its own or group a few together over a doorway or tablescape. This simple DIY project makes a lovely handmade gift too. Personalize it with recipient’s favorite ribbon colors. A mistletoe ball is sure to become a new favorite Christmas tradition.
Variations
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For a different look, use branches from a noble fir tree in place of mistletoe.
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Wrap the foam ball in jute twine before adding embellishments for a rustic vibe.
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Make a mini mistletoe ball ornament by gluing a hairclip to the back of a 2 inch foam ball.
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Add pinecones, sprigs of holly, or red berries along with the mistletoe for extra texture.
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Use wired ribbon to make the hanger and bow portions sturdier and easier to shape.
Tips
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Check that all glue connections are secure before hanging your mistletoe ball.
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Fluff and shape the ribbon frequently for maximum fullness and movement.
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Store the ball in a box during the off season to protect the materials.
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If your mistletoe stems don’t have wires, use hot glue to attach them.
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For convenience, make the ribbon hanger and bow ahead of time and set aside.
Give your entryway or mantel a quick holiday makeover with this simple DIY decor project. A handmade mistletoe ball brings natural texture and seasonal style to your Christmas decor.
Cut up the mistletoe
Cut the mistletoe sprigs into smaller 2-inch pieces. Each sprig of mistletoe can usually yield between four to eight individual pieces. Some pieces will be fuller than others, creating more depth and variety in the finished kissing ball.
You will need about 100 of these small pieces to cover the foam ball.
Insert the mistletoe into the foam
Starting at the top and moving downward, insert the mistletoe pieces into the foam ball. For those who are having trouble getting the stems past the moss, all you have to do is poke a hole in the moss with your fingers. Keep going until the ball is covered. You can add other plants, like pine or holly, to the ball if you don’t have enough mistletoe.