As a collector and a crafter, I'm always trying to figure out ways to blend the two hobbies together. That's what happened several years ago when I looked around and saw literally dozens of small Santas that were found at garage sales, flea markets and sent to me as gifts in the early days of Prodigy bulletin boards.

There was no way easy way to display them, but I couldn't stand to leave the smiling faces closed up in a plastic tub. That's when I came up with the idea for the Santa wreath. It was simple, gather all the small Santas I had and start gluing them on a grape vine. It took loads of glue sticks and a couple of yards of floral wire that was used for some of the heavier pieces.

Because there are so many Santas, the wreath was made on a sturdy grapevine wreath form. The result is over 60 Santas on a very colorful wreath that needs no further embellishment.

Since that time, when decorating for the holidays, if I don't hang it on a tree and if it's small and colorful - it's going on a wreath!

So far I've made numerous wreaths including a broken glass ornament wreath, Harry Potter wreath, a YuGiOh Dragon Blue Eyes, and a baby's first Christmas wreath with all the ornaments I could find from the year my grandson was born.

But my pride and joy creation is Jim's Wreath. When Jim went off to college I took all the yearly ornaments given over the years to my son, starting with a dated Hallmark Baby's First Christmas 1980 piece and put them on a wreath. It's a wonderful walk through memory lane, much better than a tree. I gave it to him and his wife last year for their first Christmas together.

I've given a few wreaths away and, although I haven't sold any yet, the cost for many of the wreaths is minimal. It's a case of the sum being worth more than the individual parts. Suggestions would be old action figures, McDonald Happy Meal toys, broken Christmas ornaments, teeny Beanie Babies, dog or cat figurines, cookie cutters or kitchen utensils.

Dig through your old toy chests, look in the bottom of the boxes at garage sales. Pick up those bags of toys offered for a buck or two at the thrift store, look for trading cards and stickers, just about anything can be used. You'll soon have the makings of a fun wreath that doesn't necessarily have to be Christmas, just a great decoration.

The Sesame Street wreath was made entirely of small toys found at the bottom of the toy box (literally) and a few Christmas ornaments that have been in our stash of holiday "junk" (stuff I picked up over the years and don't use anymore). Not counting those pieces, the wreath cost less than $6. Total cost was $3.50 for 16" wreath (on sale at Hobby Lobby), $1.50 for ABC ribbon and .50 for hot glue sticks.

Directions and Supplies
General supplies needed include: Wreaths - either grapevine or artificial (depends on how many pieces you have)
glue gun
floral wire
ribbon
wire cutter
scissors
toys and decorations

Decide on how you want to hang the wreath, attach a ribbon or floral wire loop on the back and start gluing.

There is no right or wrong way to put together a wreath. The most important thing is to make sure ornaments and pieces are securely fastened with glue and for heavier pieces, floral wire. Broken pieces work, just glue with the best side showing.

Most of all have fun, enjoy making and selling your crafty creations!