The Create Series: A Kissing Ball Tutorial
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
THE CREATE SERIES
A Kissing Ball, an Old-World Alternative to Mistletoe
A kissing ball… a traditional holiday decoration made by gathering greenery like cedar, pine or eucalyptus into a full sphere, usually finished with ribbon, bells or little collected treasures. Think of it as the more rustic, slightly wild cousin of mistletoe. How sweet is that?
Historically, a kissing ball was hung in doorways during winter celebrations to symbolise goodwill, warmth and yes… the occasional stolen kiss underneath them. I became slightly obsessed with the idea the moment I discovered them and they are super simple to make. Here's how....
I started with cuttings from our cypress tree and layered in eucalyptus for softness and movement. I love using what’s already around the garden when I can — it always makes things feel a little more personal and less overly “done”.
Using an oasis ball as the base, I slowly pushed the greenery into the sphere, turning it as I worked to keep the shape balanced. The beauty of these is that they’re not meant to look perfect. Slightly wild and organic always feels more charming to me.
I used velvet ribbon to create the hanging loop and secured it into the oasis ball using U-shaped floristry pins. These little pins honestly make the whole process so much easier and keep everything feeling secure without being visible.
I added an old brass bell underneath which made it feel nostalgic and slightly old-world in the best possible way. I think decorations always feel more meaningful when they include something found, old or sentimental.
It’s also such a lovely little project to do with kids. Simple enough to make together, but the kind of thing that feels surprisingly special once it’s hanging up. And I think those are often the moments children remember most later on, not perfection, just making something together at the kitchen table while the house slowly starts feeling festive.
The heart behind
my business
Hunter & Snow is a return to something more personal, a slower, more considered way of creating and living. For years, my work was rooted in building brands. Understanding people, shaping ideas, and bringing vision to life. But over time, I found myself drawn back to something quieter.
It started in small ways, making with my hands, rearranging my home, collecting meaningful pieces, writing again. Letting creativity unfold without pressure, guided by instinct. At my core, I am a creative, and it feels like a life force, something I feel compelled to share and encourage in others.
Hunter & Snow is an extension of that. A place for thoughtfully made pieces, shaped by everyday living, seasonality, and the quiet beauty of a home that evolves over time. A space to share what I’ve learnt, in the hope that it invites a slower, more personal way of living.