Homemade Advent Wreath

It is a bit late for this post since yesterday was the second Sunday of Advent, but this is the first holiday decoration to be displayed in our home each year.  I thought you might be interested in making your own wreath with your family.  Decorations that family makes together will become precious heirlooms.

Gather these supplies:  Slice of tree trunk (you can cut your own or buy them in the wood working section of the craft store), wood or hot glue, wood candle holder cups, greenery (fresh or artificial), felt or rubber pads and candles.

Glue four felt or rubber pads to the bottom of the tree slice and let dry.  This will protect your table surfaces from becoming scratched.  Glue the candle holder cups (four or five depending on your preference) on the top of the tree slice.  Then glue the greenery between the candle holders keeping in mind that it is flammable and you don't want it to be too close to the candles.

The traditional candle colors are three purple, one pink and one white (if you wish).  You can see from the photo that I deviate from tradition.  I have had blue and pink, gold and silver, green and red and this year, pink and purple.  I do not have the fifth, white candle that is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve.  Not for any big reason, but just because I grew up with a four candle tradition.

My dear daughter attended a Waldorf preschool and kindergarten for several years.  Each year during the holiday faire the children would make a single candle holder from a slice of a smaller diameter tree branch or trunk.  One of the adults would have predrilled a hole for the candles in the center of the top of the wood slice.  The children would decorate them with shells, seeds and dried flowers.  Then the children would hand dip a bees wax candle for their candle holder.  A lovely tradition and, of course, I have all of the candles and holders made by my daughter decorating my home.

God bless,
Pam