The art of the topiary dates far back to Roman times, but more prominently known in our popular culture as a home decor fixture that never dies in good looks, just revives itself time and time again.
Creating one from scratch for little expense with found items is a breeze and oh so darling. All that is needed is a fun pot of some sort, a bit of styrofoam or something inside the pot to hold the stem, a stick from the yard or dowel rod for the stick itself, a round form for the top {this can be a grapevine ball, moss ball or Styrofoam ball that can be covered with material}, and optional material to cover the ball. With a bit of time, a few pins and some glue, a festive topiary awaits.
First, pick your pot and clean it if needed. Paint is also a fun option for the refresh of the vessel. Try a popular color such as cool blue to add some whimsy to the design. Then hot glue or jam in some Styrofoam inside and cover with moss or other finishing material. Take the stick or dowel, add glue to the end and push into the foam. While that dries, get the orb ready for attachment. If the round orb is a grapevine ball, it might also require a good cleaning or some paint to add a splash. If the orb is a Styrofoam base, any material can be glued or pinned into the surface. Choose a textured material such as burlap to mix with a colorful pot. Or a fun floral or striped print to mix with a plain terracotta base. Make sure there is a hole ready for the stick once complete, and hot glue into place. Items of interest can then be added to the base should you desire, such as fun lotus pods, or material flowers to match. {the how to on the material flowers is coming soon!}
Topiary shine by themselves in a nook or on a shelf, double or triple the design for a mantle or entrance focal point. Duplicate in mass for centerpieces and then give as gifts. This craft depending on your reClaimed finds around the house can be created for as little as nothing to as much as $9 to $15 depending on your shopping decisions.
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