DIY Moss Topiary Trees for Less Than a Dollar

Happy February!  I sure hope Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow today…I’m so tired of this frigid weather.   I feel like Spring just can’t come soon enough.  To make it feel like Spring inside, I made some DIY moss topiary trees with craft supplies from Dollar Tree.  They look very similar to some I saw advertised by a popular online retailer, but mine cost a fraction of the cost to make!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• foam craft balls
• reindeer moss
• clay flower pots
• off white craft paint
• sand or pebbles
• glue gun and glue sticks
• twigs
• excelsior moss

I found the foam balls and flower pots at Dollar Tree…in packages of three for a dollar!

Step 1.

Paint the flower pots.  I used A Maker’s Studio Rescue Restore Paint in Bella’s Blush.  (You can purchase A Maker’s Studio products through my friend Carol’s website Blue Sky at Home)

I watered it down a little bit, and brushed it on lightly to give it an aged look.  I made sure I didn’t cover all of the terra cotta color.

Step 2.

Poke a hole in the foam balls for the twig tree “trunk”.  I used one of the twigs that had a sharp point.  You could also use a pen or a pencil.  Then squeeze some hot glue into the hole and attach the twig to the foam ball.

I found the twigs in my yard.  I like how natural they look compared to using wooden dowels.  Plus, they’re free!

Step 3.

Using the hot glue gun, glue the moss onto the foam ball.  I prefer using reindeer moss over Spanish moss. I find it easier to work with as it’s spongy and more pliable.  It’s also a rich green color and has an earthy smell.

I had some reindeer moss in my stash from another project, but it’s also available at Dollar Tree.

Completely cover the foam ball with moss until no white spots show through.

Step 4.

Secure the twig base in a flower pot filled with sand or pebbles.  I used sand because I had a pail of sand left over from a summer project.  You can also use dry floral foam, but sand and pebbles are free!

Step 5.

Fill the base of the clay pot with excelsior moss.  I had a bag in my stash, and I like the added color and texture.  But another option is to use more reindeer moss to cover the sand.

And you’re done!  I just love my little DIY Moss Topiary Trees.  These were so fun to make.  I’ll definitely be bringing some to my antique booth!

You can use them in so many ways!

I put one at each place setting at my Welcome Spring Tablescape…

On a shelf in my laundry / mudroom…

And above my front entry door.

The possibilities are endless!  Enjoy 🙂

Rebecca