Holiday How-To: Technicolor Ornament Wreath

I've always loved colorful things and making collages, so this wreath makes me happy on multiple levels. Martha Stewart has a fancy how-to on her website for making a similar ball wreath, but 1) using glass balls all wrapped together seems like a terrible idea to me (what if one breaks, Martha?), and 2) her version is a little obsessive in its use of floral tape and seam binding for my level of patience. So basically mine is the shortcut, cheap-o version. (And don't tell Martha but I like mine better!)

What you'll need:

• Wreath Form (I used an 18" straw version, but you could use styrofoam)
  
• At least 200 plastic balls/ornaments of all sizes and shapes for an 18" wreath (I bought lots of silver and gold balls at the "Everything's a Dollar" store for cheap, plus a couple tubs of colorful ones at Target. Multiple sizes are recommended for filling in gaps. The crazier the better.)
• Fabric or paint of your choice to cover the wreath form
• Craft wire
• Hot glue gun or fast-drying clear craft glue
• Twine or heavy ribbon for hanging

How To:

This is the easiest thing ever, so I probably don't need to write out the steps... but here goes anyway:

1. Wrap the wreath form in fabric and secure the ends with glue, or spray paint it so the form doesn't show through any gaps. (I didn't do either of these, but if you want it to look extra good you might want to.) Let dry.
2. Tie a large loop of twine or ribbon around the wreath now so you can hang it when it's done. Trust me -- it will be way too hard to do it once the balls are on it!
3. With the wreath lying flat, secure the first few balls at various points all over the form with wire and glue so that you have a solid base. I don't think there's any real technique to this part. I start with some of the duller silver and gold balls first to save the prettiest ones for the top layers.
4. Once you have the first one or two dozen firmly secured, start gluing the rest and filling in gaps. I work in various places all over the wreath at once to make sure it's laid out with relative symmetry and evenness. My advice for this: don't place the balls on the first layer too close together -- you'll be filling in gaps with second and third layers, so leave space for them to nestle in.
5. Let dry thoroughly, and hang it someplace where it won't take a beating (i.e. not on a high-traffic door.) Stare at it regularly to let Christmas cheer fill your soul.

Some tidbits of advice: Always think ahead regarding groupings of color and size. Also consider that your wreath has a top and bottom since you've already tied the twine. And be sure not to glue any balls in a way that would obstruct the twine, because they'll pop off when you hang it.

Word of Caution: Transport and store your wreath carefully. Mine has survived a few moves, but not without having to reattach some ornaments along the way. It's a labor of love, having a wreath this cool and festive.