Sunday, November 14, 2010

Deconstructed DIY Advent Wreath



While Christmas is still a month and a half away, the season of Advent starts right after Thanksgiving! Admittedly, I've been guilty about overlooking Advent in years past; I get wrapped up in decorating and stressing out about Christmas shopping just like everyone else (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I meant to get an Advent wreath last year but never got around to it. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the whole history and symbolism of the Advent wreath, I won’t pretend to be some sort of religious expert. Instead, here are a couple good articles:
What is the Advent Wreath? (About.com)
The History of the Advent Wreath (Catholiceducation.org)

This year, I thought it would be fun to try and make my own. Here’s one example of a traditional wreath:
[ image credit: Catholiceducation.org ]

The two purple candles are lit on the first and second Sundays of Advent. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday, and the final purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday. And there’s usually a white candle in the center to be lit on Christmas Eve, too. When you light the candle(s) each week, you should take some time to appreciate this season and its meaning.

I thought about just recreating this look, but then decided to put my own little twist on it. I perused the Christmas and candle aisles at Hobby Lobby for materials and found these:


Candle ring - $3.49 (50% off)
Mirror base - $2.99 (50% off)
White pillar candle - $2.49 (50% off)
Pink and purple(ish) votives - $.99/ea
Votive holders - $.60/ea (from Wal-Mart)

I couldn't find the right colors of pink and purple votives, but got the closest I could. I decided to go with these instead of taper candles because I felt they would look better and not get knocked over. After assembling everything, this is my deconstructed advent “wreath” on our dining table:


If you know me, you know I’m drawn to sparkly things like a moth to light, so I couldn’t resist the temptation to add a glitzy touch with the candle ring. And I like how the mirror adds a reflective quality and helps to ground it. Although I did realize after reading through this article that I’m missing the evergreen element, which is supposed to symbolize life. Oops. It's pretty, but maybe lacking a little meaning.

So, when I was shopping at Home Goods this weekend (while visiting my sister; unfortunately we don't have one where I live!), I found a 12" wreath--complete with berries, pine cones, and ice crystal-tipped garland--for $12.99.  Substitute the mirror for a new charger from Z Gallerie ($2.95), and I now have this:


Which version do you like better?




The garland wreath has a nice, full look to it. And I can always use the other candle ring elsewhere in the house. But since it's not Advent yet, I still have a couple weeks to decide. For now, it's back to my simple fall centerpiece!









NOTE: Little House on the Corner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

15 comments:

Shannon said...

I definitely prefer both your versions over the traditional wreath but the one with the evergreen does look a little more substantial (but less sparkly, boo!) haha great job all-around.

and I send my deepest sympathies for not having a Home Goods by you :)

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

I prefer the evergreen version, too. For the same reason as Shannon. (She's a genius, you know.)

I'm so thankful that you linked up. I love your project and think it's great to get started early.

Tara @ Tara Being Tara said...

Hi Amanda! Thanks for stopping by my blog... I'm surprised we haven't seen each other before since we seem to like all the same things!! =) I'm your newest follower - love your blog!

Michael Wurm Jr said...

i'm like the silver sparkly one better! but i'm a huge fan of anything with glitter during the holidays.

love your modern take on the traditional advent wreath!

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I like the Advent wreath, but I don't own one since all the ones I see look a little cheesy. I don't know why I never thought to try making one!

My personal fav is the more traditional one with greenery. Since that's an important part of the meaning behind the wreath, I think it's important to keep it. Plus, I think it has a slightly softer look.

Wendy said...

Both versions are pretty! I do like the fullness of the evergreen version. We don't have a HomeGood near us either...hoping one day!
Wendy

Unknown said...

I personally like the silver one better, love the sparkles :) but both are beautiful

Jen@Notes From the Heartland said...

Glittery glitterness...stunning centerpiece!

Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst said...

Hmm, I like it both ways! I really like how you put your own interpretation into the candles and wreath! :-)

Lucky Girl said...

I prefer the second version with the evergreen but either way - what a great idea! I love anything that brings the meaning of the season into the home and this is just a beautiful interpretation!

micah said...

I guess the evergreen version is closer to the real thing, but I personally prefer the silver sparkly version! Yay for sparkles!

Oona Johnson said...

I like the sparkly, less meaningful one better. My grandmother has a traditional one that we light every year!

Molly Hammond said...

thanks for stopping by threesisterz! i love your advent wreath - i've been looking for a centerpiece for my kitchen table, so this gives me inspiration! you could use the evergreen display for daytime & then the sparkly display for special occasions or at night! :)

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

HomeGoods is my favorite store! I love what you've done and I like both!

Amanda @ Little House on the Corner said...

Thanks everyone for all of your comments!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails