Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Reindeer Moss Topiary DIY



This handcrafted topiary is unlike any other.  It's made of reindeer moss which is not a moss at all, but lichen.  And what is lichen, you say?  It's a combination of fungus and algae plants that's a winter food for deer (caribou).   I've always admired regular topiaries but thought they were too expensive and making one really wasn't that appealing to me - until I saw a bag of preserved reindeer moss in a nice rich fuchsia color.  Yes, fuchsia - how cool is that? 

So, I easily put my topiary together, using a 10 inch flora craft foam ball for the top,  a  small branch that I found in the woods,  a half of a Styrofoam ball for the base that was from a previous project,  wine color acrylic paint to color the balls so the white wouldn't show through, tacky glue and a urn that I purchased on clearance a few years ago.


To begin, after inserting the stick branch into the ball base, I painted the Styrofoam balls.


Next, I glued the moss on both balls using quick grab tacky glue.  I found this better than using hot glue which made the moss hard and my fingers HOT! Ouch!




Once finished gluing on the moss, I had fun deciding where my topiary would go. It looks perfect in the foyer, by the front door .  .  .


or by the fireplace, near the tv .  .  .



or in that hard to decorate corner  .  .  .


I have so many of .  .  .


or maybe in the living room, where there's always an open space  .  .  .


Oh, and I did add a bow!

Now that's so much better!



No matter where I put it, I know that it makes for a timeless decorative accent piece, for now, the holidays, or whenever, year after year.

And if you're considering this topiary for the holidays,  just add LED battery lights to the reindeer moss and you're all set!

With it's lovely fuchsia color, this topiary is sure to be a show stopper in any décor!





Take a little time to enjoy

and

Happy Crafting!





12 comments:

  1. Reindeer moss in fuchsia! Just up your alley. :-) It sure makes a pretty topiary, Gail and looks great no matter where you put it.
    Hope you are having a great week!
    Hugs,
    Cecilia

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  2. Leave it to Gail to find fuchsia reindeer moss! I think I will go out and gather some. I like to decorate with it during the holidays. Might just make a topiary!

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  3. I love the color and of course another fantastic idea Gail! Cheers.

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  4. Where I live the cliffs are covered in reindeer moss, but of course it's all white. I gather it up when it washes off the cliffs and use it for mulch in my garden pots. It looks nice, but still gives the soil space to breathe. - Margy

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  5. Obviously I have small children. I thought it looked like a Truffela tree from The Lorax. I LOVE IT!!!

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  6. It looks wonderful in your house, Gail. Hope you are enjoying the Fall. Linda @Crafts a la mode

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  7. Gorgeous topiary Gail. Love the color.

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  8. so cute! Makes me thing of dr. suess a bit! Love the color - so you! and the bow perfecto!

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  9. Another lovely project, Gail! The bow really does add a great finishing touch to it.

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  10. What a great way to add color! Your ideas are amazing.

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  11. Another stunning project! And it's in one of my favorite colors.

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  12. It is a proficient article that you have shared here about reindeer moss. I got some unique and valuable information from your article. Thankful to you for sharing this article here. preserved reideer moss

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