Tag Archives: How to Make Kissing Balls

How to Make Kissing Balls for the Upcoming Holidays

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Container Crazy CT offers several classes and workshops year-round where Nature with Art are combined.

There are several classes offered every season, such as the annual Container Gardening Workshop in May and a Kissing Ball and Holiday Creations Workshop in December.

And this weekend is the Storing Tropical Plants Demo where steps will be demonstrated on how to overwinter plants such as Canna, Elephant Ears, Angel’s Trumpets, and banana plants.

During the months between the spring and winter, special guests artists are invited to hold various hands-on style classes with the the mission to educate, share, and create – and most importantly, have fun with friends.

On the drop down menu under the “Nature with Art Class Programs” from the top of this blog, you will find descriptions for each workshop scheduled in 2015 and upcoming in 2016.

Starting Early – Kissing Ball Workshop Dates

We realize that many of us don’t like to start thinking about Christmas or the Holidays until at least early November, but when you have workshops to setup, some things need to be ordered in October so we are ready when December arrives to make our wonderful holiday creations. This is why places like Hobby Lobby are stuffed with Christmas crafts already, where you may find decor to add to your kissing ball or wreath at the workshop.

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KISSING BALL & HOLIDAY CREATIONS WORKSHOPS

The December upcoming hands-on workshops have been scheduled. Seats are limited for the first big workshop date of December 5th, so register early. We gather to make beautiful holiday creations with a mix of fresh evergreens and socialize. It is a fun day and a great way to make your own kissing ball just in time to place it on your porch or hang it in a hallway.

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See How It’s Done

Kissing Balls Shown on TV by Cathy T. See how they are really fun to make and require a bit of time, but they are beautiful and unique when hand-made with your special touches – and the fresh evergreens smell wonderful – not to mention, when you hang them outdoors, the birds like to perch on them – so pretty when snow is falling upon the kissing balls. You can find steps on how to make Kissing Balls on the web, or watch the video linked above, but when you gather with a group – it makes the whole process extra special because you are with a large group of enthusiastic attendees, the mechanics and amazing greens are here for you, and you learn from Cathy T and attendees with their own unique ideas, such as adding lights to the balls. If you live in East Windsor or surrounding towns in Connecticut, come on down and join us – we have attendees all the way from New Haven joining us annually.

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Open Studio Days and Mini Session

Additionally, there are other opportunities to craft away and make beautiful round kissing balls with a wide mix of evergreens to adorn your home indoors and out. An Open Studio week is offered where you may schedule your own appointment to make an evergreen creation at a time convenient for you. Lastly, we have a Mini Session on December 12th. We also make square or round wreaths, candle centerpieces, and mail box swags at these workshops – you pick the one you want to make.

How to Register

All you need to do is fill out the Contact Form. Cost is $30-$45 (+ sales tax) based on item you select to make, and pre-payment is required. Once you sign-up here, you will receive the 2015 price list and details with instructions. Location of the workshops is East Windsor, Connecticut.

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CALENDAR OF WORKSHOPS

For a handy view by month, click on the CALENDAR menu.

An Attendee Listens to Cathy T's Instructions at the KB Workshop

An Attendee Listens to Cathy T’s Instructions at the KB Workshop

ARTISTS ARE INVITED TO TEACH

Artists are invited to teach and a page shows the Featured Artists for the upcoming season. If you are an artist utilizing any aspect of plants, nature, or the environment in your designs and would like to introduce your product along with DIY instructions for Container Crazy CT’s attendees, please contact her at 860-977-9473 or containercathy@gmail.com to arrange a date and discuss your ideas.  All classes are taught by professionals and artisans with years of experience to share with the interested attendees.

We hope you will join us.

Cathy Testa
ContainerCrazyCT
860-977-9473
containercathy@gmail.com

We Put Lights in Our Holiday Kissing Balls and Wreaths

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The lovely lady in the below photo, attending Container Crazy CT’s annual Kissing Ball & Holiday Creations Class, brought a string of holiday lights to put in her kissing ball one year – and that was the moment a trend began at this annual class!

The Official Light Queen at Cathy T's Annual Class

The Official Light Queen at Cathy T’s Annual Class – Photo by HomePlaceBlogger

Magic like this sometimes happens in class – and is one of the best part of holding a session where creativity kicks in by all the attendees. Thus, this light originator has been crowned our “Official Light Queen” at our class.  Love it Eilene!  Thank you for inspiring us.

Lights in our Holiday Kissing Balls

Lights in our Holiday Kissing Balls

In fact, this season, so many of the repeat attendees, which I refer to as the “Advanced Kissing Ball Makers,” are perfecting their techniques as they create their kissing balls, wreaths, and candle centerpieces with fresh evergreens.

Square Wreath with Lights - New This Season in Cathy T's Class!

Square Wreath with Lights – New This Season in Cathy T’s Class!

Here is an attendee also bringing lights, inspired by our “Official Light Queen” above, which she added to the square wreath she made with a mix of beautiful fresh evergreens.

Cathy T shows the class the new square wreath frame (Funny Expressions! LOL.)

Cathy T shows the class the new square wreath frame (Funny Expressions! LOL.)  Photos by HomePlaceBlogger

The square wreath is a new option available at Cathy T’s class this year.  It is created using a 14″ double-heavy duty metal frame – the frame is so strong, it will not bend and lasts for years to be reused. And the lights, which this attendee attached to her square wreath shown above, are battery operated – Great Job Dianne!

Light Queen Demonstrating

Light Queen Demonstrating – Photo by HomePlaceBlogger

I asked our Light Queen, Eileen, to demonstrate her technique for adding the holiday string of lights to the kissing balls, and you can see Renee is watching carefully – as she had plans to do the same in her two kissing balls.

Renee works the blues - adding blue ribbons and blue lights

Renee works the blues – adding blue ribbons and blue lights to her kissing balls

Renee and I attended the same high school (many moons ago). In fact, we sat next to each other in art class back in those days – and I always loved her drawings and clay art, and later in life – well, she ended up in my life even more – because I married her cousin!  So we are in-laws, and to have her here again this year is a treat.  She did an amazing job with her two kissing balls this season.  Way to go Renee!

Two finished with Blue Ribbon and Blue Lights!

Two finished with Blue Ribbon and Blue Lights!

I just love her bubbly personality which comes through in these photos.  More will be posted soon of our attendees amazing creations, and see below – a mini session is underway this weekend on Saturday.

Finished with Lights; Photo by HomePlaceBlogger

Finished with Lights; Photo by HomePlaceBlogger

Tips for Using Lights in Your Kissing Ball:

Evergreens remain fresher if kept outdoors in the cold where they will also receive some moisture from occassional snowfall or rainy days.  So, I always recommend kissing balls be hung outdoors, this way, they will last a long time – even up to February.

And please note: DRY greens are a huge fire hazard.  Never EVER leave a kissing ball with lights on unattended – and the same goes for any candle centerpieces created – do not leave candles unattended in centerpieces with greens if you decide to light the candle – even if it is a non-drip type as provided in class.

In fact, my recommendation is to not light the candle at all – or to use the non-drip type with a catch tray inserted for any potential drippings and if you light the candle, ONLY when you are sitting right in front of it.

Why so cautious?

Ever see a dry Christmas tree catch on fire?  It can be very dangerous and the flames move quickly.  So while lights are gorgeous in all evergreen creations – and many are available now as battery operated – just remember the safety rules – only when attended and better if the creation is displayed outdoors.

Have a Good Day Everyone,

Cathy Testa

Note:  A mini-class is underway for this Saturday, 12/13/14 at 12:30-3:00 pm.  If interested, contact me soon!

Custom Orders for Evergreens – Or Make Your Own by Appointment This Week!

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Ho, Ho, Ho Everyone!

What fun we had on Saturday! Just look at these beautiful ladies with their evergreen handmade holiday creations from Saturday’s class at ContainerCrazyCT’s workshop.

Attendees at ContainerCrazyCT's class - Photos by HomePlaceBlogger

Attendees at ContainerCrazyCT’s class – Photos by HomePlaceBlogger

Advanced Kissing Ball Makers (returning each year) are really rockin’ their creations – lights were added to balls and wreaths, their bows are coming out fantastic, and each has new ideas every year.

Attendees at the 5th Annual Class Hosted by ContainerCrazyCT

Attendees at the 5th Annual Class Hosted by ContainerCrazyCT

Making Your Own by Appointment – Open Studio Days

If you are interested in making your own, you may do so during Cathy T’s Open Studio days this week from Dec 9-12th, any time, just book an appointment, come to her workshop in Broad Brook, CT and get one-on-one private instructions on how to make your very own kissing ball, wreath, or candle centerpiece with fresh greens.

First Time Attendee Makes a Gorgeous round and square wreath!

First Time Attendee Makes a Gorgeous round wreath – Great Job!!

Place a Custom Order Soon!

Too busy for Open Studio Days?  Place a custom order today, and Cathy T will make an item for you.  Custom orders for a large kissing ball, wreath, or candle centerpiece are available. Prices range from $35-$45 based on items selected and decor.

Container Gardens With Evergreens at Home or Business Locations

Also, remember Cathy T installs container gardens at outdoor locations stuffed with greens and decor.  If you need an item for your home or business, call her today or text: 860-977-9473 or email: containercathy@gmail.com. See also the contact form below.

A Box of Greens – Is a Box of Jolly!

Do you need a stock of evergreens to dress up your home?  Another option available is to purchase a box of greens.  Pickup at Cathy T’s Broad Brook, CT location is required – so if you are local, give a holler at 860-977-9473. The box will include Balsam, Silver Fir, Golden Arborvitae, Yew, Cedar, and more. For information and prices, please contact Cathy T.

A Great Big Thank You!

I’d also like to take this quick opportunity to thank all the attendees for making my Christmas season kick off so much fun.  The appetizers you brought, the cheer, and special attendees giving their own demo’s (Maryse – Bow Queen!, Eilene – Light Queen!) during the class.

Contact Form

Cathy Testa
http://www.ContainerCrazyCT.com
860-977-9473 (cell)
containercathy@gmail.com

 

Rudolph Delivers Fresh Evergreens for Making Holiday Kissing Balls at Cathy T’s Class

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Hello fellow blog followers, friends, clients, and new visitors!

A New Variety at Tomorrow Class - Golden Arborvitae!

Golden Arborvitae Used in Kissing Balls – A New Variety This Year!

Tomorrow marks the date of Cathy T’s “5th Annual Kissing Ball and Holiday Creations Class!”

It’s hard to believe, but this class has been running for five years now.

It all started when an idea popped into my head to hold a class on making holiday kissing balls, wreaths, and centerpieces using fresh evergreens after helping a friend assemble her kissing balls at her home.

Each year, this class is coordinated with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and fears.

What do I mean about fears?

Well, when working in the plant world – because plants have the potential to be affected by any number of unexpected surprises, there is always that little bit of fear that something could go wrong.

Just yesterday, I shared a link about a California tree grower experiencing a huge loss of holiday grown trees due to drought. Christmas trees take many years to reach the perfect stage for sale during the holidays, so image his disappointment when 500 trees were so badly affected by lack of rain fall, they could not be offered for sale this season. This is something he really had no control over because his trees were suffering from the forces of Mother Nature.

But, most people in the horticulture trade learn how to roll with the punches, solve any unanticipated – or unwanted bumps in the road and move on quickly. And usually, they never give up either.

On the day I drove to my suppliers to finally pick up my order of fresh mixed evergreens  – a day highly anticipated and enjoyed every year around this time – a blip happened.

When I arrived at their door, they told me a big portion of my evergreens order was not in yet.

Cathy yelling "something is missing here!" Photo Source: Bitstrips

Cathy T is surprised to learn not all is in yet. (Photo Source: Bitstrips)

My reaction was not pure panic, because it was one of those – here we go moments, but disappointment set in. I have things to do and get done, and this would be a slight delay to deal with.

I thought, “I guess this is my unexpected storm this go around?”

As I questioned why and how quickly they could resolve this blip, suddenly, out of no where, a very pleasant gentleman showed up by my side.

I had never seen him before and he reassured me all would be fine. He promised to make a special delivery to my house the very next morning.

When I questioned him on the time of the delivery, he said they would be there by 8:30 am.

Timing was important to me, just like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a great deal of planning goes into my special day – so I didn’t want this little storm to delay the gift of greens used in my class by all the Kissing Ball Makers.

Thankfully, the next morning, one of his elves did show up, as promised — on time.

“Phew.” I thought.  All looked great and it was onto my next to do’s to prepare for the class activities.

As I was working, I started thinking, “Who was “that guy” yesterday?”

As I mentioned, I had never seen him before in all the five years I have driven to their place to pickup my evergreens. Was he an owner? Is he a new worker?

He certainly was very attentive and saved the day.

Was he my Rudolph?

Perhaps!! To me he was at that moment – he made sure the delivery took place no matter what it took – typical of horticulture people – especially this time of year.

So, long story short —

Making beautiful holiday kissing balls with fresh evergreens will happen yet again, despite those fears or blips which may happen from time to time in the plant world.

Snowmen Wine Stoppers - You know what these are for!

Snowmen Wine Stoppers – You know what these are for!

We will be surrounded by holiday decor, warmed by appetizers and holiday cheer, and share our day with enthusiastic kissing ball makers.

Dark and Classic Boxwood Used in KBs

Dark and Classic Boxwood Used in KBs

You may search the question: “How to make kissing balls?” via Google on the Internet, and you will find many videos and information on the how to’s, but you don’t get the holiday magic which happens in Container Crazy CT’s holiday workshop each year, unless of course, you are a fortunate attendee.

See you all soon new and advanced Kissing Ball Makers!

Ho, Ho, Ho…

Affectionately,

Your Pseudo Mrs. Claus

Cathy T - Photo by Bitstrips

Cathy T – Photo by Bitstrips

Open Studio Days – Making an Evergreen Creation – by Appointment

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Photos by Cathy Testa

Photos by Cathy Testa

A Reminder.

Open Studio Days are available this week.

By appointment, over the next three days, you can make your own Evergreen Creation and take it home for the holidays.

You pick the time – After work or during the day.

Just Call to Inquire for your individual time slot.

This is a great opportunity and will be your last chance this week to make an Evergreen Creation and

Take it Home

Just in Time for the Holidays.

See this flyer for more details:

OPEN STUDIO DAYS Evergreens

Feel free to contact Cathy Testa at 860-977-9473 for questions

containercathy@gmail.com

FOUR YEARS AND COUNTING

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It is truly amazing how fast time flies by, especially as we get older. My mother always says, “Wait til you get my age! It goes sooo fast.”

I read somewhere the reason it feels like life is moving so fast sometimes is because of our “routines” and if we change them, things won’t feel so fast, but routines and traditions are inevitable, plus we enjoy them.

AN AWARD

Source: WordPress

Source: WordPress

Today I saw an “award” on my WordPress Blog message board.

It says today is the 4th year anniversary of my blog – geesh!  I can not believe I started this blog 4 years ago – where did the time go?  And I have 224 posts to date.  Stats continue to rise and I truly appreciate all the visitors to my blog.  It is incredible the other bloggers you can meet just by being a blogger.

Nowadays, I don’t bother searching for something via websites, I always go to blogs when I want to find something creative or when I need information.

But other things that seem to creep up quickly – are the months.  My husband always says, “Wow, it’s xx month already – like October – its here – and then he will follow with, “Next thing you know it is Christmas, and then New Years, and then time to open the pool, then time to close the pool, then time to take stuff off the deck…”  I usually stop him with, “Cut THAT out!”  LOL.  He’s right now, we barely swam in our pool and just closed it up recently, how does that happen so fast?

A CLASS IN DECEMBER

Source: Bitstrips

Source: Bitstrips

It may seem early to be talking about December, but I just posted more information regarding my annual holiday class called “Evergreen Kissing Ball & Holiday Creations“.

The planning for this event starts in October for me.  You see, I have to place orders to my growers and suppliers now to ensure I will receive my batches of fresh quality evergreens for my attendees.  They don’t get cut now but they need to know what to expect from their clients, so yesterday I had the pleasure of selecting the greens and creating my advance documentation about the class.  Some folks did ask recently if I’m holding the class again – and the answer is YES!  So click on my Cathy T Class page from my menu if you wish to get on board early.

That’s it for now – just a quick post.  Onto planning for my October class, being held this Sunday, October 13th, on how to overwinter tropical plants. The weather this year is warm compared to last year this time – I remember, because I setup a fire pit outside last year when I did this class, and this year, it is still warm and even humid.

Last night, I had my slider door open to allow the fresh air – amazing for October. But it could change with a snap of your fingers.  I’m starting to do some container garden clean-up this week – thinking tomorrow because the sun is suppose to be out, so it will be enjoyable.

The take down of my tropical plants for storage over the winter will be held off for Sunday.  So if you want to join me to learn the process, please contact me by Friday, October 11th, of this week.  It will be here before you know it.

Thanks for dropping in again – so enjoy your visits.

Cathy Testa