Last Updated on December 21, 2013 by Kristi Linauer
I’ve had this idea bouncing around in my head to make a winter wreath out of “snowballs” that consist of Styrofoam balls covered in Epsom salt ever since I made the cute little mini pumpkin vase with Epsom salt. Remember that? That project was so easy. I fully expected this one to be easy as well. Not so much.
But before we get to that, here’s how it turned out…
I love the way it turned out. I really do. In fact, it looks just like it did when I pictured it in my mind. I only wish my photo would show how the salt glistens and sparkles in the light!
But while I’m happy with how it turned out, I admit that I’d never make one of these again, for one reason alone…
THE COST!
Oh my gosh…have you priced Styrofoam lately?! It’s obscenely expensive. I mean, I strutted right into Michael’s, knowing fully what I wanted to purchase, and gave little or no attention to the prices. So when I got to the register, and the cashier told me the total, I nearly fell over in shock. I’m sure it showed on my face, but I was too embarrassed to tell him to cancel the purchase, so I went ahead with it.
Seriously…obscenely expensive. I did notice a few days later that the very same Styrofoam is cheaper at Hobby Lobby, so if you decide to make one of these, definitely go there, and USE THOSE COUPONS!!!!
The process is pretty simple, as long as you’re willing to wait patiently while the little balls dry before assembling the wreath. If you’re anxious and impatient like I am, and refuse to wait for the balls to dry completely before trying to hot glue them onto the wreath, then it’s a complete headache because the glue won’t stick, the balls will fall off, you’ll burn your fingers and curse your glue gun, and your “simple” project will end up being not quite so simple.
If you’d like to make your own (after purchasing the Styrofoam using coupons) 🙂 here are the details:
Tools & Supplies:
- Styrofoam balls (I used 2” and 1.5” balls for mine),
- Styrofoam wreath form (I used a 12” form),
- Epsom salt,
- Mod Podge,
- Large bowl for Epsom salt,
- Small bowl for Mod Podge,
- Paint brush,
- Fork or skewer,
- Cookie sheet (or something to place balls on while drying),
- Hot glue gun,
- Long toothpicks or wood skewers.
Instructions:
1. Using a fork or a sewer to hold the Styrfoam ball, brush the entire thing with Mod Podge.
2. Next, do a little move I like to call The Dunk & Swirl (patent pending). 🙂 Be sure that the whole thing is covered with Epsom salt.
3. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove any excess Epsom salt, and then place it on the cookie sheet. Repeat this process approximately 750 times (that might be a slight exaggeration) until you have all of the Styrofoam balls completely coated with Epsom salt. Leave them overnight to dry completely.
Now I know you might be wondering why I went to the trouble of covering these in Epsom salt when Styrofoam is already white and a little sparkly. I hope you can tell the difference in this photo, but the Epsom salt really did make a big difference. The plain Styrofoam ball on the left has lots of holes and “pores” in it, which gives it a very light and airy look. The Epsom salt-covered ball on the right looks more dense and icy, like a real snowball (at least, like the few snowballs this Texas girl has seen).
4. When all of the Styrofoam balls are completely dry, use long toothpicks or pieces of wood skewers to attach them to the foam wreath form. I also used hot glue to attach some of the pieces.
5. When they’re all attached, hang the wreath, and enjoy!
I’m already thinking of more ways to use Epsom salt. I just love the way it glistens and sparkles, and it adds such a pretty touch to fall and winter projects.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
73 Comments
Renewed Upon a Dream
November 17, 2011 at 9:36 pmThis turned out really cute! Weird that it was so expensive. Love the use of the salt though!
Jgreen198
November 17, 2011 at 9:57 pmLove that is a winter wreath and can stay out after Christmas. We will be making this during break. Thanks for sharing.
Barb Tilton
November 17, 2011 at 10:13 pmFinally! I have something I can do with the bags and bags of styrofoam balls that my poor husband was asked to pick up last year when I thought my gal pals and I were going to create TONS of ornaments at a crafting session and I thought we were going to run out. (HA! We each did two. But we had fun and talked a LOT!)
Barb Tilton
November 17, 2011 at 10:14 pmAny chance you've tried these with borax?
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
November 17, 2011 at 10:15 pmNo, I sure haven't. Does it shimmer like Epsom salt does? If so, I'm sure it would work!
wendy
August 23, 2017 at 1:06 pmHave you thought about Mod Podge, ping-pong balls, and Epsom Salt? I wonder how that would go?
Jen
November 17, 2011 at 10:35 pmThe dollar tree has 1 inch to 2 inch styrofaom balls 8 to a package for, yes, $1. Too late for you ($o $orry about the co$t!), but could help others…
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
November 17, 2011 at 10:38 pmThanks so much for the tip, Jen! I don't know why, but I never, ever, EVER think to go to the dollar store. It's just not on my radar at all! I need to get better about checking out what they have.
Vivienne @ The V Spot
November 17, 2011 at 11:37 pmOh, super cute! I love it!!
I am on an epsom salt kick right now. I just posted a "frosted" pumpkin using it and made a STYRO snowman for Under the Table & Dreaming's Styro series. I have another one coming up next week. I think epsom salt is the new black. 🙂 (Or for me, the new Pumpkin.)
Heidi @ Decor & More
November 17, 2011 at 11:52 pmI love this project and yes, the salt makes such a difference! Just the right texture and sparkle. Awesome. 🙂
Kate Ramseur
November 18, 2011 at 12:30 amThis is so adorable! Love it!
Ashley
November 18, 2011 at 12:42 amI don't think ANYTHING should be bought from Michael's without a coupon – it's outrageous! I bought styrofoam balls there a few weeks ago for when I participated in YHL's Pinterest challenge…it was a very expensive challenge…
I love the wreath, it's great!
Laura Richard
November 18, 2011 at 12:55 amLOVE it! Snow, sparkling in the light, is just the prettiest thing. I wonder if I would be able to get through this project. I get UNbelievable willies, touching..or even thinking of cotton balls, or styrofoam. LOL But I want to try! I have a question though: Once the wreath (or similar projects with Epson salt) are done, are they messy? Does bits of the salt keep falling off? Because I'm dreaming up all kinds of ideas with this.
Anita
December 2, 2012 at 8:37 pmOh, me too. I thought I was the only one. Just the thought of sticking a fork in a styrofoam ball gives me goosebumps. If I actually had to do it, I think I’d die. But maybe I’ll try this with white ornaments or clear glass ornaments. It’s gorgeous, just outside of what my sensitive little nerve endings can take.
Socorro Adolfo Auguis
November 18, 2011 at 1:40 ami love it! i wanted to do this soon. but i wonder if this kind of salt is available here in the phillipines.
ablondesdiylife
November 18, 2011 at 3:19 amLove this!! Umm you are soo right about Styrofoam it is ridiculously expensive! I went to Micheal's the other day looking for some and was floored! I did managed to find bags of various sizes of them at the dollar store….I think it was 3 in a bag for a dollar…something like that!
Also love the fabric you used for your bow!!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
November 18, 2011 at 3:47 amI love this wreath! It came out great, what a fun idea!
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
Lisa
November 18, 2011 at 4:26 amWhat a great project. I want to do it now! Thanks for the heads up about the cost. A Hobby Lobby just opened in our area so I'll check them out (with my coupon in hand).
Trish and Bonnie
November 18, 2011 at 4:31 amOK…seriously stunning! Love how crisp it looks..and the green chevron!! LOVE!!! Would be thrilled for you to link up to our "Home For The Holidays" link party!!
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com
Projectqueen
November 18, 2011 at 6:19 amI love this!!! I would love it if you would share this great idea at my party going on – Christmas Craft Tutorial at Project Queen.
http://www.projectqueen.org
Mandy
Diana
November 18, 2011 at 6:20 amLove, love, love the simplicity of this wreath. It is so beautiful! This could be fun to do with elementary age kids! Great job!
[email protected] My Favorite Finds
November 18, 2011 at 1:38 pmI totally agree with you…styrofoam is CRAZY expensive right now. Although, you can get it on Amazon for slightly less than in craft stores. That wreath is darling, though. I would probably add some glitter, but it's super cute.
Maury Kilgo
November 18, 2011 at 2:44 pmI'm featuring this on my blog today! It's too cute not to spread around!
Kim @ Sand & Sisal
November 18, 2011 at 4:01 pmPretty! It looks soft and fuzzy and I want to touch it though I know it's hard and rough! I'm sure it looks stunning in the sun! This is a project I'd love to get my kids involved with even!
Guerrina Waters-Hernandez
November 18, 2011 at 5:16 pmYes, I have noticed the cost of Styrofoam anything over the past couple of years! Crazy! The wreath is stunning! Will have to try. I started using Epsom salt last year on some cylinder type candle holders and they were great. When the season was over, I washed the salt and glue all off and used through Spring & Summer in other ways. That might be the only downfall in addition to the cost…the salt will wash off in rain! Aaaargh…I need a protected door!
Ciao!
Guerrina in CT
Vanessa R
November 19, 2011 at 1:39 amGreat idea! I'll have to check the dollar store to see if they have any styrofoam. I never would have thought to use salt. Very neat.
Christina at I Gotta Create!
November 19, 2011 at 1:50 amI know what you mean….I had no idea styrofoam had become so expensive, either. BUT….your wreath is SPECTACULAR!!!!!!
Samantha Conner
November 19, 2011 at 2:32 amBeautiful! And yes those balls are pricey- coupons are the way to go.
Monica Lim
November 19, 2011 at 3:00 amIt looks AMAZING! any idea how many 1.5" and 2" styrofoam balls u used approximately? 🙂
BeingBrook
November 19, 2011 at 3:19 amLove the wreath Kristi. The zigzag bow is the perfect touch! You are right that it is crazy how expensive styrofoam is.
{Junk in their Trunk}
November 19, 2011 at 4:11 amThis turned out amazing. I love the look of it. I would love it if you could link this up to our linky party going on right now.
http://junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com/2011/11/link-it-up-wednesday-3.html
eva_13
November 19, 2011 at 7:04 amvery very creative! i love the glitter on the balls! look beautiful and fancy, love it! yay following along:)
Kathy Brenden
November 19, 2011 at 1:42 pmThis is really cute! Will have to remember to pick up some epsom salt.
Trish @ Uncommon
November 19, 2011 at 4:32 pmThis is an amazing wreath! I think I may get some Epsom Salt the next time I am at the store!
We would love for you to share this at our Home for the Holidays link party!
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/home-for-holidays-link-party-2.html
Mallori Jarman
November 19, 2011 at 7:49 pmLove this idea, so cute!
Sarabu
November 20, 2011 at 5:04 amMy favorite styrofoam tip is to check out after Christmas sales and get ornaments. Forever I was able to find the ones wrapped in tiny threads- satin balls, maybe?- for crazy cheap, and then dethread them. Then one year I did it, and they had- curses!- switched to plastic balls, which still work for spheres, but I always check now. I don't tend to need the scads I did when I had 4 in elementary school, but it is a good cheap way to amass them 12, 24, or 36 at a time 🙂
Inspire Me Heather
November 20, 2011 at 2:56 pmWell, how cute is that? You've done a lovely job, it looks great!
Jaime
November 20, 2011 at 11:20 pmThis is really gorgeous!! I hate it when the cost gets in the way. 🙂
juNxtaposition
November 21, 2011 at 1:51 amabsolutely gorgeous !!
sladkins238
November 21, 2011 at 2:53 pmKristi, this is soooo pretty! Totally {LOVING} the Chevron! Thank you for sharing your tutorial 🙂
Featuring it today: http://polkadotbungalow.blogspot.com/2011/11/marvelous-mondayno-11-and-rustic-poppy.html
Please feel free to come over and check it out! Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
{HUGS} ~ Steph
Loveofhomes
November 21, 2011 at 3:05 pmI love it!!! So cute! Your whole blog is wonderful…newest follower!
Sally
loveofhomes.blogspot.com
Tricia
November 22, 2011 at 3:12 amSo fun! And I love your bow, too!
Jennifer Turpen
November 22, 2011 at 5:54 pmI have looked at styrofoam balls at Joann's and Michael's a few times and yes they are pricey {for styrofoam??}! I just noticed that the Dollar Tree near our house has bags of styrofoam balls in assorted sizes. I will have to give this a whirl! Thank you for sharing!
Kelly Moore
November 23, 2011 at 3:39 amSo pretty! Please come share this at my link party going on until Wed. night.
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2011/11/fabulous-friday-link-party.html
Elizabeth Mindemann
November 23, 2011 at 1:44 pmI love love love this wreath – the ribbon is perfect! Great job!!
Alisa
December 27, 2011 at 12:14 amLove love love the chevron ribbon!! Where did you get it?
Kristi
December 27, 2011 at 12:20 amIt’s actually a strip of fabric. 🙂 That’s the fabric I hope to make into curtains for my office someday soon. It came from http://www.fabric.com.
Jennifer
December 31, 2011 at 9:49 amAbout how many styrofoam balls did you use?
Kristi
December 31, 2011 at 10:15 amI think I used one package (6 per package) of 3-inch balls, and then four packages each of the 2″ and the 1.5″ balls.
Alex
January 3, 2012 at 6:38 amThe bow is absolutely wonderful, thanks for your ideas.
Telisa Van Leeuwen
January 12, 2012 at 8:41 pmThis is absolutely beautiful!!!! I am always in need of winter decor.
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Pat
August 21, 2012 at 1:10 pmWill this work on the outside of a door?
Kristi Linauer
August 21, 2012 at 1:17 pmI had mine on my front door, but my door is covered. I wouldn’t put it on a door that’s exposed directly to weather.
Linda
December 19, 2014 at 3:54 pmI would like to use the Styrofoam ball snowballs with the Epsom salt in an outdoor display with a little wooden wagon and snowmen on a covered porch…will the salt ruin the wagon? If it is placed away from the edge of the porch, towards the house, do you feel it would be ok?
Jennifer Maier
October 25, 2012 at 3:12 pm<3<3<3 it!!! How many balls do you think you used???
dorothy gyuran
November 6, 2012 at 9:35 amYou can get the small styrofoam balls at the dollar stores!
gina
November 15, 2012 at 7:23 pmLove it…definitely going to make.Thinking I will stick long toothpicks into the balls first and after coating with salt stick them into scrap foam to “stand” and dry. Keep from double handling. Just a tip I thot I’d share!
Barbara @ DIY Home Staging Tips
November 25, 2012 at 9:30 amKristi — It’s been a year since you posted this. I think that styrofoam is even more expensive now, even in the dollar stores. I would love to find a substitute. I’ve given up styrofoam wreath forms for ones more modestly priced, like straw.
Girl, you need to check prices when you’re loading up your basket, and you need to check the dollar stores, too. I’ll only shop Michael’s with a coupon in hand. If you forget your coupon, sometimes they’ll just punch one in for you — good to know.
Kathy
January 7, 2013 at 7:39 pmWondering how these hold up in the weather? Will the salt dissolve when it gets wet? Love this idea …
Kristi Linauer
January 7, 2013 at 7:53 pmKathy, I would only put it in areas that are protected from the direct weather. Our front door is covered, so it’s never exposed to rain. I think rain would definitely ruin the wreath.
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Peggy
January 14, 2013 at 8:37 pmJust stopping by to let you know I featured this project on this round-up
http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/12/50-beautiful-christmas-wreath-ideas-and-insperation-collection.html 🙂
Feel free to grab a featured button from my side bar.
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Teki
November 30, 2013 at 8:09 pmHave you noticed the salts turning white?? I started this project 3 days ago and overnight my sparkly snowballs were white! Research shows this will happen in drier environments, I’d wondered if you tried to seal yours and if so did they keep their sparkle?
Kristi Linauer
November 30, 2013 at 10:32 pmThat’s very strange. Mine didn’t turn white at all, and I had it hanging on my front door for at least a month. You might be right about the drier environments. It tends to be humid here.
Debbie
December 21, 2013 at 4:09 pmI have some old styrofoam tree forms that I’ve had forever. This might be just the thing! If I can find my ModPodge, I’m going to do it NOW!!!
Veronica
December 21, 2013 at 6:34 pmYou have such great ideas! Love this! I might try this for valentines day using pink Himalayan salt.
Regina Partain
December 22, 2013 at 4:31 pmVery cute. But you are right, styrofoam is expensive. I was just pricing some for wreaths. I think they will have to wait. This is really cute though. Thanks for sharing.
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Melissa
May 10, 2016 at 4:37 pmCan I ask why Epsom salts & not glitter??? Just a random question??? Cost, coverage??? I’m a glitter maniac so just wondered if u could mix the salt & glitter???
Kristi
May 10, 2016 at 11:56 pmEpsom salt actually look like snow/ice. Glitter doesn’t. But you can use whatever you like.