Whilst browsing in the haberdashery shop at "Sovereign Hill" the other day I came across a simple but effective gift idea. They (at Sovereign Hill) called it an "Elizabethan Kissing Ball". It was simply a doily tied around a polystyrene ball with bits of ribbon added. How easy is that? But it had no scent or flowers or anything to make it look at all attractive.
"I can do better than that" I said.
So, on my return home I googled "Kissing Ball" and its' history.
You can read about the history here
So, out came the polystyrene balls, the doilies in the cupboard and the ribbons and roses, et voila! 
It is, I think, a prettier version of what they had at Sovereign Hill and it smells of lavender. It took 5 minutes to make!
Traditionally these were made at Christmas time with Mistletoe, perhaps these would be great Christmas gift ideas?
Only 11 months to go.....anyone got any more doilies?
Kathryn. XX
16 comments:
Kathryn, what a great idea! It is such a simple yet stunning gift you could make for someone. Beautiful. Kind regards, Anita.
Oh Kathryn,
That is so beautiful,i have bags of those doilies i may make some today to hang on my wardrobe door,i was thinking too of filling a muslin bag with lavender instead of the ball could be nice too to hang inside the wardrobe too.
Super post very inspiring!
Love Kristina XxX
You always make such pretty things, Kathryn!
What a wonderful idea.... I really only thought of a kissing ball for the Christmas Holidays!!
**Smile**
Marilyn
xxoo
Those donuts look great Shabs, and so does that kissing ball!! Missed you yesterday at Kate's - do you have her box for the strip quilt??
Hey Kathryn,
Your kissing ball is just gorgeous! I must have missed them when we were there last year...or maybe I was put off by all the rain they had the day we went!!!
When we get moved, I am going to have a go at making one, thanks for the inspiration!
Sarah
That is so pretty!xx
So pretty Kathryn. I've made something similar but used fluffy stuffing instead of the polystyrene balls. I like the idea of the balls instead and love the bit of lavender.
HERMOSA LA IDEA ,MUY DELICADOS,GRACIAS POR COMPARTIRLO CON NOSOTRAS, TE MANDO UN BESOTE GRANDE SANDRI DE TUTEN DE ARGENTINA
Firstly you braved sovereign hill in school holidays??? Crazy gal!
I had one something similar but never knew what it was,Made from a hanky it was beautiful looking.
Glad the lavender has come to use....The hedge does'nt look touched! lol!
As for doilies....Our awesome 1/4acre op shop here has tonnes of them Packs of like 3-4 for $1-$2.
Been buying the needle worked ones for my Sister to make her skirt out of....Which she did and it look gorgeous!
I love it! what a great and simple idea to dress up a door or wherever!
might try and make one out of my little girls newborn baby bonnet (not sure how it will go, it was knitted by a family friend) as an heirloom!
Vic xxxx
WOW!! how utterly Gorgeous!! Ive heaps of doilies I may have a go at making one of those, along with a zillion other things I gotta do!!
Have an AWESOME weekend!!
Mands
everything you make is beautiful, you have that creative gene that i seem to be missing :)
i have finally caught up on your previous posts...happy new year. hopes its a great one.
xxxrosey
HI Kathryn, how pretty! I'd never heard of a kissing ball before! It's funny how you said to yourself "I can do better than that" as that was EXACTLY what I said when walking past a store with a made over vintage floor lamp in the windowfront 5 yrs ago. The rest is history! Keep up the good work, take care, Maryann
How very pretty! I can see something like this with tatting, although it would take much longer to make, LOL! I love Lavender and it smells so nice. That looks like a lovely thing to have in your home.
Kathryn this is so cute love it,how clever
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