Create traditions (and a Star Wars wreath!) with Hallmark Ornaments #ad #SendHallmark #cbias

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Growing up, there were several traditions I remember fondly. The baking with my mom (and my grandma. To this day, I’ll go to either of their houses for my cookie fix.) Picking out a real Christmas tree before we went the way of the artificial tree. And my mom’s ornament collection. Every year there were new Hallmark Ornaments on the tree, and she would collect a specific line of ornaments. 

I’m now the proud owner of one of the many ornament collections, as well as my own collection of Hallmark Ornaments. Our collection started around the time my husband and I got married, and when our son was born in 2011, we started a new collection (and tradition) for him. It started with monkey ornaments (Curious George or sock monkeys, whichever I could find that year.) Unfortunately I haven’t come across a monkey ornament this year – and our son has his OWN opinions and has chosen ornaments that he prefers. When we were in Walmart last week, I tried to sway him towards some of the snowman ornaments, but he was really determined to get the Spiderman ornament. (And at their prices, I couldn’t really say “no.”)

I also stocked up on several Star Wars ornaments because a couple of guys in my house absolutely love Star Wars and I thought I could do something fun with the Hallmark Ornaments. I was right. I created a fun Star Wars wreath using ornaments, ribbon and couple of light saber toothbrushes!

The beauty of the Hallmark Ornaments is Walmart has 16 exclusive designs (and well more than 16 overall ornaments to choose from.) These were easy to find, too. They’re with the Christmas items near the front of the store. You can even stock up on a few cards, as the store carries Hallmark cards – and we all know the Hallmark card quality is top notch.

To create the wreath you will need:

A wreath (I used a grapevine wreath, but anything that is blank should do.)
One or two spools of ribbon. (My blue ribbon was 30 yards. It would have easily filled the entire wreath. Check the yardage.)
4-6 Hallmark Ornaments
Additional “decorations”
Tacky glue and cotton balls

I use wire edged ribbon, so it’s easy to shape. I started at my top of the wreath (where I wanted to put a bow) and wrapped throughout the wreath. I did the same with the second color. You can secure the ends of the ribbon with tacky glue or by sticking the edges into the grapevine pieces. (Tip with the tacky glue. If you tear pieces of cotton balls apart and glue two sides, it’ll help your material adhere better.)

Walmart had 4 Star Wars Hallmark Ornaments in the particular style I bought, so I needed something else to help decorate. I happened to have two light saber toothbrushes that were not being used. They light up AND make noise, so they’re a fun addition. I tore apart cotton balls, glued one side to the ornament or light saber, and then glued the other side to the wreath (really the ribbon.) Sometimes you have to add more cotton for leverage.

Create the bow for the top. For a fuller bow, I accordion-folded my ribbon several times. I took a smaller piece of ribbon and tied it around the center, making sure I had two longer pieces on each side. (To hang down in the center of the wreath.) I then fluffed the bow out. That small piece of ribbon – if it’s long enough – can be tied around the center of the top of the wreath. No glue necessary! (Though, it is helpful.)

Let the glue dry overnight. I can’t stress this enough.

Then hang it and enjoy!

I had to edit to add this video of the light sabers!

 

A video posted by Jaime M (@jaimemckee) on Nov 24, 2015 at 1:35pm PST

What holiday traditions do you celebrate? Do you have a favorite Hallmark Ornament that you’re planning on getting this year?