I’m sharing how I made an easy Topiary for my porch Decor last Spring! Because I was unable to find any authentic looking faux topiaries, I decided that I would make my own.
Here are my step by step instructions to create an amazing faux topiary .
It all began as I was walking through Hobby Lobby and spotted these mini greenery stems. Immediately, I saw that they were just what I was looking for. Because they were on sale for 50% off, I selected several to begin my project. As luck would have it, I also spotted some cute pots, also 50% off.
Note: This is a re-post from my previous blog but I felt it was well worth repeating. I’m still using these topiaries all over my house.
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DIY Topiary Tutorial
The supplies
- The green stems – Hobby Lobby had a good selection of mini’s. Note: For an online option that is similar click here.
- Sheet Moss
- Styrofoam balls – I had these white ones at home but if I were buying, I’d probably choose green ones.
- Floral wire
- Hot Glue Gun & Sticks
- Straight sticks – I gathered these from my yard. You can purchase sticks at Hobby Lobby but that will increase the cost effectiveness of the project.
- Clay pots or other container.
If you enjoy DIY tutorials be sure you didn’t miss this super easy one.
Cut stems to apply
I began making my first topiary using a small pot. I cut the stems apart and used 1/2 for each small pot. For the larger pots, I left the stems intact and used one complete stem for each topiary. Since shopping for stems may be an issue at the time, here is another authentic Rosemary Stem available online.
Glue Styrofoam balls to the pot
Cut your stick to the size you want
When making your topiary, be sure to measure from the bottom of the pot up to decide how tall you want your topiary to be. Then just push the stick into the ball, keeping the stick straight up.
Then cut the floral wire approx. 12 inches. Hold the stems at the top of the stick and begin to wrap the stems to the stick. Using the wire, just keep wrapping until the stems are securely attached. If it still feels loose, just apply a little hot glue to the wire to keep it from slipping. (Disclaimer!! This photo isn’t a video. It’s just the only shot of me wrapping the wire that I could find! LOL If you’d like to see the video version, you can check it out on my Instagram Stories Archive.)
Hot glue the moss to the Styrofoam ball.
Add a bead of hot glue to the Styrofoam ball and attach pieces of moss to cover the entire surface of the ball. Be careful to not burn your fingers on the hot glue. I’m speaking from experience here! EEEEKKKKK!
TA-DA
Here are the first two topiaries that I made. The small one cost me approx. $4.50 excluding the wire, stick and hot glue which I already had. The larger one was approx. $8.00 because of the larger pot and I used the full stem.
You may notice that I used another style of stem on the second topiary from the left. I also used one of my faux aged pots and you can see instructions for this here. Please feel free to ask any questions. I hope you enjoy experimenting with different stems and different size pots.
WARNING!! Creating these topiaries may be addictive! I now have them all over my home! I’m trying to resist the urge to make more. LOL
I hope you enjoyed this DIY project. I appreciate any questions or comments. Thanks so much for stopping by.
XOXO, Rachel
Good Morning Rachel
LOVE these gorgeous topiary plants. I am going to make some. I love your projects. I try to make them all. Our Hobby Lobby is closed here but I bet I can get that greenery online. Thanks for a great tutorial on how to make these.
You make the best DIY projects* I enjoy every one of them
deezie
Deezie
After reading your post, I went back and added some online links for similar greenery. Thank you so much for always being so encouraging.
Rachel
How do you hide the floral wire? I wish there was a close up so I could see how that part looks. Thanks!
Kelly,
I used a light weight floral wire and because I’m lazy, just left it exposed. It’s hardly noticeable. However, a professional would suggest covering over the wire with floral tape which is easy to use and can be found anywhere they sell floral supplies such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels and online at Amazon. Hope this helps.
Rachel
OMG, these are so stinkin’ adorable! I love decorating and being creative, but I never thought to make my own topiaries. These are adorable and I certainly will be making some. Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad you like it! 😘 thanks for stopping by!
Rachel
I have never considered purchasing these; the greenery always seems so artificial. But these are perfectly charming. I’m inspired to make a few. Can you give me some idea of the proportions? How long should the stem be compared to the size of the pot?
Debbie,
I’ve seen them all sizes but I’d say at least double!
Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your project.
Rachel
Rachel…these are so adorable…I don’t think I can make just one ;P). Thanks so much for sharing so a doable idea! These would also be super cute doing them in spring/summer florals!
Many blessings!!
Cynthia,
I’m so glad you like these. They are so easy.
Thanks so much.