Let’s talk about how to make a moss topiary in a pot. Because it’s close to mid-May, this means flowering planting is so close for annuals in our neck of the woods in Northern NJ. I look forward to trying some different plants this year in our containers.
My goal, grow flowers for cutting to bring in the house because I miss gardening, and this is a great option for us. Wish me luck when visiting the garden center. We have lost most of our garden centers that have been in our area since my childhood. It truly makes me sad but life changes, right?
So, we will be looking around the area for new spots to buy flowers. I think this can be a fun adventure to see what we find. I know there are small garden shops around so maybe we’ll find different annuals. Do you have great garden center where you live?
Now back to my post about how to make a DIY moss topiary in a pot. By the way do you love topiary? I do and often wish I could grow real ones but have had no luck. Have you been able to grow a real topiary plant?
These moss topiary in a pot are easy to make and fit any style home decor and bonus, no worries about killing it either.
What is a Topiary?
By the way, this plant is the practice of training plants by clipping the foliage and twigs of trees, shrub to develop and maintain their defined shapes, whether geometric or fancy.
This term also is about plants that have been shaped this way. This term also refers to plants which have been shaped in this way.
The plants used in topiary are evergreen and they are mostly woody. Also, they normally have small leaves, needles and produce dense foliage.
Generally, a topiary has compact growth.
Common Species for These Plant Ideas
For example, the most common species for a topiary include European box, arborvitae, bay laurel, holly, myrtle and yew.
For the most part, the plants shape depends on patience and a steady hand when shaping.
By the way, just because the supply list and steps may be long, I want to assure you this topiary is very easy craft to make.
Supplies Needed for This Simple Faux Plant Craft Idea:
- Topiary form– same for this craft
- spray adhesive
- reindeer moss
- bag, newspaper or large plastic bag
- white acrylic gesso
- 6″ terracotta flowerpot
- avocado craft paint
- brown umber paint
- chip brush
- flat craft brush
- paper towel or rag
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What’s Acrylic Gesso?
Gesso is similar to white acrylic paint, only thinner. It dries hard, making the surface stiffer. Gesso can, prepare or prime a surface for painting, making the surface a bit textured and ready to accept acrylic paint. Gesso isn’t only for preparing a canvas.
Examples of how to use Gesso:
1. Primer
Using Gesso as primer is a great use however, I’m going to share other ways to use this great product. This why I choose Gesso for certain crafts such as flowerpots. Adding this to canvas, wood, sculptures, journals and furniture are other ways this product works in adding texture!
2. Dry brushing
Another example of great uses for Gesso it also adds dimension to painted surfaces. This can be added using a dry brush technique to create some texture with chalk paint.
Dry brushing begins with a dry brush, this can be a chip brush or craft brush. Incidentally this provides the brushstrokes this technique is known for. Dip the very end of the brush into the gesso, remove as much of the excess paint as possible, then using small strokes across your project, the gesso will begin to add texture. When doing this I tend to add several light layers of the Gesso.
If you apply too much paint, try brushing over the same area with an unused dry brush. The dry brush technique truly is less is more. Generally, one of the reasons this product is great to use for this application is because it’s thick which adds the texture to a piece.
3. Whitewashing
As an example, I have done this process to outdoor pots using French Linen Chalk paint and adding a wash using Gesso. This gives the pot a concrete aged appearance. Unfortunately, I can’t find the pictures. However, I will be doing this to a few pots very soon for our flowers so stay tuned to your inboxes very soon!
Beginning This Simple Plant in a Container
Step 1: Begin with Adding Gesso to the Pot
First let’s begin with the flowerpot for this easy DIY moss topiary in a pot. I paint one coat of the acrylic gesso. As an example, I like working with gesso more than craft paint for this project is because I like the way it layers. I believe it adds a different texture to pots.
Dry Brushing with Gesso for Texture
After the gesso dries, I begin adding the white gesso for my DIY moss topiary randomly using a dry brush technique. This time I did use a sponge brush however if this is new to you, I HIGHLY recommend a chip brush or craft brush! This is where the texture begins to build on the flowerpot. Let this dry for a bit.
Notice the texture in the picture above!
Step 2: Adding the Burnt Umber to the Container
Next step for the flowerpot, using a flat craft brush add a bit of burnt umber to a paper bowl with a bit of water. By the way when I say a bit of burnt umber paint, I mean a very small amount. Dip the brush in and add wet streaks in small random sections. Now wipe and blend with a rag or paper towel. The pot together with the burnt umber begins to have an aged look. Let dry for a bit.
Of course, flowerpots need to have a moss look for age don’t you agree? So, now the small brush and dry it on the paper towel/rag. Using a small amount of your avocado paint and the tip of the brush randomly add to the edges of the pot and blend for a moss look. Also, blend it here and there in a few spots on the body of the pot.
By the way, I’m letting it run purposely to add a moss look to other parts of the flowerpot for my Topiary plant.
How to Add the Greenery to This Easy Craft Idea Using Tacky Glue
Step 3: Adding Greens After Applying Spray Adhesive
So, let’s begin putting the moss topiary together. Because this step is pretty messy, I pour the reindeer moss into a brown bag. However, large plastic bag or spread newspaper on the floor will work too.
We are using spray adhesive; so, I suggest opening the garage door or doing this process outside for safety from fumes. Spray the ball with the adhesive letting it sit for a moment to get tacky.
By the way, I wear rubber gloves during this step because it gets very sticky. Grab handfuls of moss and press it on the topiary ball. If there is bare spots spray again with a bit of adhesive and do the same process until the topiary form is covered completely.
Supplies for Simple Fake soil
- non clumping kitty litter
- burnt umber craft paint
- black craft paint
- Elmer’s glue
- paper bowl or plastic container
Making Imitation Soil to Add a Realistic Look to This Easy Craft
Step 4: Making Fake Dirt Quickly
How about making soil to add a realistic look to the DIY moss topiary? Yes, realistic soil, I think this is a great addition. By the way I shared this a while back, but I think it’s such an easy fast craft it’s worth sharing again! When I say easy and fast, you truly will be shocked because it takes minutes to create.
Step 1
So, are you ready to see how to make this real looking dirt? Here we go, grab a paper bowl or container. Pour a decent amount of non-clumping kitty litter to the container. Next add Elmer’s glue and stir together. It’s especially important this be moist. This is important because it dries quickly.
Adding the Imitation Soil to the Bottom of The Pot
Step 5: Adding this Craft to the Bottom of the Pot
Because I am making an extra topiary and the base is cut, adding a bit of moist Kitty litter to the bottom is necessary. This will act like glue and hold it in place. Then I poured in plain kitty litter to fill in the pot.
Step 2
Using a plastic spoon move the kitty litter around the foam to act as a mortar. If the topiary is intact with the bottom this step isn’t necessary. It fits inside the flowerpot perfectly.
Step 3
Finishing with plain kitty litter.
Adding Burnt Umber and Black Paint to Make it Look Like Dirt
Step 6: Burnt Umber Makes This Look Like Real Dirt
I wish I had precise measurements unfortunately I don’t because I sort of winged it when coming up with this idea. But if you follow what I suggest it’s AMAZING!
Now add a squirt of black paint and burnt umber paint and mix with a plastic spoon or a craft stick. After this step simply add it to the moss topiary. While it’s wet sprinkle pieces of moss and let dry for few hours. You will truly be amazed how much this looks like real dirt. It’s a game changer for fake plants to make them appear more realistic.
I also rub the fake soil on the wood dowel of the topiary to add dimension. As you can see, I also add a bit of moss here and there to add to the realistic look.
Adding These Fake Topiaries to a Centerpiece
Step 7: Using These in Many Ways in Home Decorating
These DIY moss topiary in pots is perfect for adding to a gardening crate as I did when sharing styling flowers 5 different ways in the home.
These fake plants also look beautiful as centerpieces. Wouldn’t this be perfect for a gardening party or any spring or summer gathering?
I hope you enjoyed seeing and learning how to make a DIY moss topiary in a pot. As I mention above these are beyond simple to make and add tons of character, elegance and greenery to any home decor.
I’d love to hear what you think and if you will add these to your home. Oh, and what you think about this homemade soil idea too!
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Thanks Cindy for the information on the Gesso paint. I always wondered how to make those cute clay pots look white washed. Your topiary looks great.
This is awesome! Amazing ideas!
That fake soil is so cool! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Topiaries like this are my favorite! Quick, easy and oh so pretty. As always, amazing job. They’re beautiful! Hugs, CoCo
Looks so amazing. You have been a busy girl. So happy we are finally having warmer weather.
This is such a nice way to bring outdoors in. A topiary is so classic and pretty. Seattle area and surrounds have some amazing garden centers. Where I grew up in Southern California, many garden stores and farm stands closed over the years.
I love to make topiaries and yours looks great! Pinning for future reference! Thanks, Donna
Very pretty, Cindy and I love that peek into your kitchen!!
Thank you Kim!
Cindy this looks beautiful! I love the soil!
Thanks Elizabeth!
Cat litter! Who’d have thought?! Love it.
Thanks Rachel!
Kitty litter??? I never would have guessed! What a great idea. The finished product is so pretty.
Thanks so much Crystal
I really love this. I’ve been wanting to make one for such a long time. Your detailed instructions make it so easy to follow – no excuses now.
Got for it. So easy and the realistic dirt us a game changer and takes minutes