I absolutely LOVE the look of a topiary, but not in love with their price tags. I searched for the high-end look with a much lower end cost, but no luck was to be found. I then decided that until Restoration Hardware or Ballard Designs offers 70% clearance on their already 30% off sale items, I would make this one myself.
(Since these have become very popular in current design, you will find less expensive options more readily accessible ~ beware: plastic foliage can really cheapen the look). Supplies Needed:
- Styrofoam spheres
- Green foliage - I used boxwood
- Craft glue (clear drying)
- Pot
- Stick from outside...
- Fake moss
Wall Art - "E A T"
My favorite wall in the house is the green accent wall that tuns from the kitchen to the lover family room. It's a gorgeous shade - somewhere in between avocado and a vintage olive... I digress. The wall screamed for something to adorn it and I was adamant about a unique and whimsical piece of work that gave a glimpse into my personality.
The letters were purchased from a local craft store and are made out of cardboard (Sample).
Supplies Needed:
- Letters - spelling out whatever you want (some ideas below for different rooms)
- Paint
- Accessories (other materials to decorate)
- Light hardware or 3M adhesive
Paint your letters.
My vision was to have the letters appear as though they were a part of the wall... almost beveled in appearance. - I used the same paint color as the wall.
Step 2:
Let dry
Step 3:
At this point, you have the option to end here and add your hardware, or continue to create a masterpiece uniquely your own.
My son and I choose to continue on with the project and add some additional details. We grabbed silver craft paint and stencils, small paint brushes and a touch
of glitter. The add was a wonderful touch that created texture and a great conversation piece.
Have fun with it!
Hanging/Displaying Plates
Years ago I was gifted beautiful china-style tea cups and saucers. Vintage in style, but impractical for daily use - I always loved the beauty of these cups, but displaying options have been limited. I am not a fan of the plate wall holders... Often they are metal or plastic and the hardware is visible when hung.
Blending a modern style of design with vintage materials takes a little creativity. My goal was to enjoy the beauty of the dishes and to display in a way that is complementary to a more modern design. Below are steps that I took to accomplished the look.
 |
| Start of project |
- Plates/saucers
- Gorilla Glue
- Hanging hooks
- Med nails
- Cup hooks (screw style)
- Template for layout
- Add hooks to the back of plates and cups (can also hang cups from cup hooks) by gluing on with a very secure adhesive (I used Gorilla Glue)
- Layout your wall design by creating a template - or - you can place on the floor for a visual
- Once hardware is dry, nail into place
