ADVENT CANDLE WREATH 

            Materials~ 10" Styrofoam ring~ burlap strips or ribbon~ 10" square of poster board or card stock~ small amount of natural colored raffia~ 6" grapevine wreath (optional) 

I just happened to have one that fit perfectly.~ box with a 4" dimension (for manger)       When I looked through my boxes, I discovered one from a cell phone purchase that already had a wood grain finish! If yours is a bright color, you can paint or cover it with a wood grain paper. If you don’t have a box, you can also assemble one with craft sticks.~ excelsior straw - just enough for the manger~ craft or popsicle stick ~ ¾” round wooden ball~ 12” X 4” strip of white, ivory, or purple (indicating royalty) fabric for swaddling~ hot glue~ scissors~ knife~ 3 purple candles~ 1 pink candle~ 1 white candle (taper or pillar)~ separate candle stand for white candle

Place wreath on 10” poster board. Draw around outer ring. Cut circle out along line and set aside.Using a knife, carefully dig out holes for candles in Styrofoam ring.Wrap burlap strips or ribbon around the ring, securing as needed with hot glue.Use finger to locate holes. Cut a small slit through burlap over each hole through which you will set your candles.Glue poster board circle to the bottom of wreath. This will hold the raffia and manger in place whenever it’s moved.Place natural raffia strings in center of wreath.Placing a 6” grapevine wreath over this will help secure the raffia so that it doesn’t get too near candles.Cut small box 2” from each corner of the wedge you will be using. If you can’t find a box, cut out a 4” X 4” piece of heavy paper and crease it. Add edges if you wish, but it isn’t necessary. You may also build a manger from craft sticks. Ask God to inspire you. He will. Above all, if you have any children, involve them. This will create a Christmas memory.Add excelsior straw to the manger, leaving plenty of room for Baby Jesus.I simply break my craft stick in half and hot glue the ¾” wooden ball to the finished edge.Wrap the strip of fabric around the craft stick and up over the top of the wooden bead, finishing off in the back and securing with hot glue.Lay the Baby in the manger.Place the manger in the center of the raffia, inside the wreath. Place candles in their holes.

ConnieMy Home, a House of Prayer for All Nations

www.myhomeahouseofprayerforallnations.com