DIY Projects - All Winter Decorating & DIY Winter DIY Projects

Winter Snowball Wreath

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…

Winter snowball wreath made from Styrofoam balls covered in Epsom salt

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!!!!

winter-snowball-wreath-1e
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:

  1. Styrofoam balls (I used 2” and 1.5” balls for mine),
  2. Styrofoam wreath form (I used a 12” form),
  3. Epsom salt,
  4. Mod Podge,
  5. Large bowl for Epsom salt,
  6. Small bowl for Mod Podge,
  7. Paint brush,
  8. Fork or skewer,
  9. Cookie sheet (or something to place balls on while drying),
  10. Hot glue gun,
  11. 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.

winter-snowball-wreath-2
 
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.

winter-snowball-wreath-4
 
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.

winter-snowball-wreath-5

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).

winter-snowball-wreath-1f
 
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.

winter-snowball-wreath-6
winter-snowball-wreath-7 

5.  When they’re all attached, hang the wreath, and enjoy!

winter-snowball-wreath-1a
winter-snowball-wreath-1c
winter-snowball-wreath-1d

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.

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73 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Renewed Upon a Dream
    November 17, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    This turned out really cute!  Weird that it was so expensive.  Love the use of the salt though!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jgreen198
    November 17, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Love that is a winter wreath and can stay out after Christmas.  We will be making this during break.  Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barb Tilton
    November 17, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    Finally!  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!)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barb Tilton
    November 17, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    Any chance you've tried these with borax?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
    November 17, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    No, I sure haven't.  Does it shimmer like Epsom salt does?  If so, I'm sure it would work!

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      wendy
      August 23, 2017 at 1:06 pm

      Have you thought about Mod Podge, ping-pong balls, and Epsom Salt? I wonder how that would go?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jen
    November 17, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    The 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…

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
    November 17, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    Thanks 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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Vivienne @ The V Spot
    November 17, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Oh, 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.) 

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Heidi @ Decor & More
    November 17, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I love this project and yes, the salt makes such a difference!  Just the right texture and sparkle.  Awesome. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kate Ramseur
    November 18, 2011 at 12:30 am

    This is so adorable! Love it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ashley
    November 18, 2011 at 12:42 am

    I 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!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laura Richard
    November 18, 2011 at 12:55 am

    LOVE 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. 

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Anita
      December 2, 2012 at 8:37 pm

      Oh, 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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Socorro Adolfo Auguis
    November 18, 2011 at 1:40 am

    i love it! i wanted to do this soon. but i wonder if this kind of salt is available here in the phillipines.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    ablondesdiylife
    November 18, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Love 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!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog
    November 18, 2011 at 3:47 am

    I love this wreath!  It came out great, what a fun idea!
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa
    November 18, 2011 at 4:26 am

    What 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).  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Trish and Bonnie
    November 18, 2011 at 4:31 am

    OK…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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Projectqueen
    November 18, 2011 at 6:19 am

    I 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Diana
    November 18, 2011 at 6:20 am

    Love, love, love the simplicity of this wreath. It is so beautiful! This could be fun to do with elementary age kids!  Great job!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    [email protected] My Favorite Finds
    November 18, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I 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.  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Maury Kilgo
    November 18, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I'm featuring this on my blog today! It's too cute not to spread around!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim @ Sand & Sisal
    November 18, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    Pretty! 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!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina Waters-Hernandez
    November 18, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    Yes, 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Vanessa R
    November 19, 2011 at 1:39 am

    Great 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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Christina at I Gotta Create!
    November 19, 2011 at 1:50 am

    I know what you mean….I had no idea styrofoam had become so expensive, either. BUT….your wreath is SPECTACULAR!!!!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Samantha Conner
    November 19, 2011 at 2:32 am

    Beautiful! And yes those balls are pricey- coupons are the way to go.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Monica Lim
    November 19, 2011 at 3:00 am

    It looks AMAZING! any idea how many 1.5" and 2" styrofoam balls u used approximately? 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    BeingBrook
    November 19, 2011 at 3:19 am

    Love the wreath Kristi.  The zigzag bow is the perfect touch!  You are right that it is crazy how expensive styrofoam is.  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    {Junk in their Trunk}
    November 19, 2011 at 4:11 am

    This 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    eva_13
    November 19, 2011 at 7:04 am

    very very creative! i love the glitter on the balls! look beautiful and fancy, love it! yay following along:)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kathy Brenden
    November 19, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    This is really cute!  Will have to remember to pick up some epsom salt.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Trish @ Uncommon
    November 19, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    This 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mallori Jarman
    November 19, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Love this idea, so cute!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sarabu
    November 20, 2011 at 5:04 am

    My 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 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Inspire Me Heather
    November 20, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Well, how cute is that? You've done a lovely job, it looks great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jaime
    November 20, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    This is really gorgeous!! I hate it when the cost gets in the way. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    juNxtaposition
    November 21, 2011 at 1:51 am

    absolutely gorgeous !!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    sladkins238
    November 21, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Kristi, 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Loveofhomes
    November 21, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    I love it!!! So cute!  Your whole blog is wonderful…newest follower!
    Sally
    loveofhomes.blogspot.com

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Tricia
    November 22, 2011 at 3:12 am

    So fun!  And I love your bow, too!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jennifer Turpen
    November 22, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I 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!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kelly Moore
    November 23, 2011 at 3:39 am

    So 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

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Elizabeth Mindemann
    November 23, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I love love love this wreath – the ribbon is perfect!  Great job!!  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alisa
    December 27, 2011 at 12:14 am

    Love love love the chevron ribbon!! Where did you get it?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jennifer
    December 31, 2011 at 9:49 am

    About how many styrofoam balls did you use?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 31, 2011 at 10:15 am

      I 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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alex
    January 3, 2012 at 6:38 am

    The bow is absolutely wonderful, thanks for your ideas.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Telisa Van Leeuwen
    January 12, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful!!!! I am always in need of winter decor.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pat
    August 21, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    Will this work on the outside of a door?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      August 21, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      I 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.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Linda
        December 19, 2014 at 3:54 pm

        I 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?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jennifer Maier
    October 25, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    <3<3<3 it!!! How many balls do you think you used???

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    dorothy gyuran
    November 6, 2012 at 9:35 am

    You can get the small styrofoam balls at the dollar stores!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    gina
    November 15, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    Love 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!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barbara @ DIY Home Staging Tips
    November 25, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Kristi — 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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kathy
    January 7, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    Wondering how these hold up in the weather? Will the salt dissolve when it gets wet? Love this idea …

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      January 7, 2013 at 7:53 pm

      Kathy, 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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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Peggy
    January 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Just stopping by to let you know I featured this project on this round-up
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    Feel free to grab a featured button from my side bar.

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Teki
    November 30, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    Have 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?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      November 30, 2013 at 10:32 pm

      That’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.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debbie
    December 21, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    I 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!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Veronica
    December 21, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    You have such great ideas! Love this! I might try this for valentines day using pink Himalayan salt.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Regina Partain
    December 22, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    Very 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 pm

    Can 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???