How To Make A Santa Stocking

Creating a balloon top decor offers a charming and unique way to decorate for events or add a playful touch to your home décor. Below is a step-by-step guide to making one, elaborating on each step for clarity and success.

Step 1

Gather the following material:

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Step 2

Take three sheets of newspaper and roll each one tightly into long tubes. The rolls should be as compact as possible to make the wreath stronger and easier to assemble later.

Use the flat surface of a table to help keep the rolls even and smooth as you work.

Step 3

Take one end of each rolled newspaper tube and secure it tightly with green duct tape. Wrapping the tape firmly prevents the rolls from unraveling while ensuring a sturdy base for the braided wreath structure.

Step 4

Braid the three newspaper rolls together, just like you would braid hair. Start at the taped end and work your way to the opposite end. Pull tightly as you braid to keep the wreath strong while maintaining an even texture throughout.

Step 5

Take your braided newspaper and curve it gently into a circular shape. Secure the ends together with green duct tape until the circle forms the base of your wreath. Make sure it’s tightly taped so the wreath stays intact while decorating.

Step 6

Using a paintbrush, apply green paint to cover the front, sides, and edges of your wreath circle. If you don’t have green paint, mix yellow and blue paint together to create your desired shade. This will give your wreath a vibrant and festive look.

Step 7

Step 8

Cut two strips from newspaper—one should be 12 cm wide, and the other 9 cm wide. These strips will be used for creating decorative bows later. Try to keep the strips as neat as possible during cutting.

Step 9

Paint both newspaper strips red using your paintbrush. Make sure to evenly coat each strip for a polished finish. Allow these painted strips to dry for several hours before proceeding further.

Step 10

Once the wreath body is dry, apply another layer of green paint over it for a richer color. Ensure the surface is fully covered, then let the second coat dry completely. This step adds depth and vibrancy to your wreath.

Step 11

Cut another strip of newspaper and roll it tightly into a cylindrical shape to form the candle body. Adjust the roll until it reaches a height of roughly 2 inches. To secure the roll, glue the edges with hot glue to prevent unraveling.

Step 12

Cut off any excess paper from the rolled candle to ensure the bottom edge is flat. This step makes it easier to attach the candle securely to the wreath later on.

Step 13

Using your paintbrush, coat the rolled candle with yellow paint. Cover the entire surface evenly, then let it dry. The bright yellow color will make the candle pop against the green wreath.

Step 14

Cut a small flame shape from the yellow sponge paper. Then cut a slightly bigger flame shape from the red sponge paper to create a layered effect. Glue the yellow flame on top of the red to finish the double-layered design.

Step 15

Cut a small piece of short ribbon and wrap it neatly around the candle’s body. Secure it using hot glue, Ensure the ribbon stays flat and smooth. Trim any excess ribbon for a clean finish.

Step 16

Glue the layered flame design on top of the candle. Be sure that the glue is applied evenly so the flame remains firmly in place after drying.

Step 17

Attach the candle to the inside of the wreath circle using hot glue. Add a generous amount of glue to the base to ensure the candle stays upright and doesn’t wobble or fall.

Step 18

Take the dried red newspaper strips and crumple them lightly to give texture. This will make the bow look more dynamic when added to the wreath.

Step 19

Using the thicker red strip, shape it into a bow. Then take the smaller strip and fold it equally to create a tail. Wrap a small red piece around the center to secure the bow and tail together before gluing.

Step 20

Glue the bow to the front of the wreath, just below the candle. Position it neatly for symmetry and elegance. Adjust the tails of the bow for decoration by trimming or shaping them as desired.

Step 21

Cut another short piece of ribbon. Attach it to the back of the wreath with hot glue, positioning it right at the top. This ribbon will serve as your hanging loop..

Step 22

Your DIY wreath is ready! Hang it on your front door, mantel, or any spot that needs a holiday touch.

Final Thoughts

This eco-friendly wreath is a wonderful way to repurpose old newspapers while adding charm to your holiday decor. The steps are simple, allowing both adults and kids to enjoy the crafting process.

Whether you display it outdoors or indoors, your handmade wreath is sure to brighten your holidays. Get creative, have fun crafting, and happy holidays!