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Artificial Topiaries 101
by Martha Matthews
Topiaries are very popular theses days. You can make your own topiary
for a lot less than the store bought versions. Try this basic topiary
project to get started.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 2 hours, not including drying times
Supplies:
1 container, such as a terra cotta flower pot measuring 6 inches across
the top
1 small bottle of green craft paint
1 15-inch wooden dowel, one inch in diameter
2 each 6-inch plastic foam balls
1 each 4-inch plastic foam ball
A long screwdriver or knitting needle (for making holes in the foam
balls)
Craft glue or a hot glue gun (test a small area to make sure the foam
won't melt)
Newspaper
1 sponge craft paint applicator
1 bag of floral moss, the type that comes in large pieces (not shredded)
U-shaped craft pins
2 bunches of artificial ivy
Directions:
1. Paint the wooden dowel with the craft paint.
2. Using a long sharp object like a screwdriver, pierce one of the
6-inch balls about 3 inches deep. Work the screwdriver around to
increase the diameter of the hole until it is slightly smaller than the
wooden dowel. Pierce the other 6-inch ball clear through the center and
work the screwdriver to increase the hole's diameter until it is
slightly smaller than the wooden dowel. Pierce the 4-inch ball about 2
inches deep and again work the needle around to increase the size of the
hole until it is slightly smaller in diameter than the wooden dowel.
3. Place the first 6-inch ball inside the container with the hole up.
The ball should form a mound about 2 inches above the top of the pot. If
it drops too far inside, remove the ball and fill the pot with crumpled
newspaper to bring the ball to the correct height. Place the ball inside
the pot and check the height. Glue the ball into the pot.
4. Take the wooden dowel and pierce the remaining 6-inch ball through
the starter hole, pushing it straight down until 5 inches of the dowel
shows on one end. Pierce the smaller ball with the long end of the
dowel, pushing it in place until 2 inches of dowel shows between the
balls. Be careful not to push the dowel all the way through the smaller
ball. Push the end of the dowel into the starter hole of ball inside the
pot until 2 inches of dowel shows between the two larger balls. Place
glue around the holes in the foam balls. If using craft glue, allow the
glue to dry.
5. Cover the work surface with newspapers. Working in small sections,
apply glue to each ball and gently press pieces of moss onto the balls.
Secure the moss with the craft pins. Keep working until all of the foam
balls are covered with moss. If using craft glue, allow the glue to dry.
6. Wind pieces of artificial vines around the topiary by poking one end
into the foam ball at the base of the dowel and use craft pins to hold
them in place. Use wire cutters to shape the ivy as needed. Add as many
vines as you like. You can embellish your topiary with flowers,
artificial fruit, bows or lace. Use your imagination. The possibilities
are endless.
About the author
Martha Matthews is the Editor of Christian-Homemaking.com, a web site
with resources devoted to helping Christian homemakers manage their
home. She also has a popular free monthly newsletter for Christian
homemakers called The Christian Homemaking Newsletter. To subscribe go
to
http://www.christian-homemaking.com/newsletter.html
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