Use What You Have Advent Wreath

Advent starts today.  We started using an advent wreath last year.  I was raised as a Lutheran but we are nondenominational.  I have missed some of the traditions that I grew up with so I added advent to our celebration of Christmas last year. 

I came up with this wreath out of desperation and lack of money last year.  I didn't have a candle holder wreath or even short taper holders so I looked around the house and used what I had.

2009 Wreath

This year I searched for a candle holder wreath and didn't find one so I made the same wreath I made last year and took step by step pictures this time.  I found the candles at Hobby Lobby, they were 1/2 price.  I should have bought extras for my other candle holders but I didn't think of it 'till I got home.

Supplies: candles, greenery, pie plate, something to raise a short pillar- nothing for a tall one, and play dough(clay would work better if you have some).

Step 1: Divide the play dough into four pieces and shape them into balls.  Place playdough balls at equal distances in pie plate and push candles into them.  Place pillar in center.  Muster up lots of patience for the next step.

Step 2: Add greenery.  I use my largest pieces first. 

Step 3: Move wreath to your final location and continue adding greenery.  Don't panic if your candles fall over.  Just keep working with everything until you have the greenery placed and then tighten the playdough around the candles.

Step 4:Enjoy!  Last year I added water to the pie plate to help the greenery stay fresh this year I didn't.  I might refresh the wreath with fresh cutting in a few weeks.

We will be setting up our Nativity set Monday night as one of our countdown activities.  I found a plaster paint it yourself set last year and we painted it together as one of our advent gifts last year.  Please excuse my toddlers lovely artwork on the wall.  I've never had a toddler enjoy coloring the walls more than this one!

Right before bedtime I noticed that the toddler had taken all of the candles and a piece of playdough out of the wreath!  I quickly fixed it and will have a talk with him about not touching it again!