Moss Urns: A Simple How-to

Call me crazy, but I love a good urn of moss.  There's something so English Garden-esque about it, and I'm a fool for English Garden-esque.  I realize this picture has already been posted by home bloggers across the world, but there are so many things I love in it, so I'm sharing it again.  

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I can't even list all the things I love about this entry, but for today's post, notice the moss in the urns.  {Mmmmmm!} And the turquoise velvet settee makes me want to take off on a cross-country search for one just like it.  But, back to the urns.  The understated simplicity of them is so captivatingly complex, don't you agree?


And the same with this one...love it!

{source:  Better Homes and Gardens}

So, if you're like me, the question, of course, is how to replicate the look for ourselves.  If money is no object, you could simply click here to order this little beauty from Ethan Allen (only $349).

But if that price tag makes you go "Eeeek!", then maybe you'll like this option...


I found a great little urn at Hobby Lobby for around $10 several weeks ago, and decided to make my own moss urn.  

Since I wanted a gray one, I gave it a quick coat of gray acrylic paint and then brushed a little black over the details for a little more definition.  

Then, I used my basic newspaper and tape method that I have used to make topiaries in the past to create a big ball.  I just kept layering and taping the paper until I had the size I wanted.

Then, I stuck it in the urn and started hot-gluing on the moss.  I used Reindeer Moss for this one and just covered all the exposed newspaper.

Let me just take this opportunity to remind you to be careful when using hot glue because you can seriously hurt yourself as I did while making this urn.

Warning:  Gross Picture Below!

Yep, that hurt.

So, anyway, on with the urn.  After it was covered, I wrapped a few flexible branches around it as well because I just wanted to.

And then I made a second little moss ball for this metal urn, also from Hobby Lobby, and also 50% off.  For this one, I used the dried floral moss and covered the ball once again using the hot glue.

I'm loving these.  Hope you like them, too!


Linking up with a few of these friends.  Check them out!




 

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Greetings from the Carousel!  


It feels more like a hamster wheel, really, but I'm choosing to think of it as a carousel.  It's been a very crazy couple of weeks, consisting of lots of activities, field trips with my kids, and growing to-do lists.  One day soon, everything will slow down enough for me to leap off for a little break, but for now, I'm working on enjoying the ride.  I know some of you are riding along as well, so even if you're head is spinning, don't forget to have fun!


Enjoy your weekend... see you soon, friends!  

My Big Crush on Miniature Gardens (and Winner Announced!)

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed I've been on a little miniature gardening kick lately, oohing and aahing over the tiny and obsessing over the itty bitty.  (Click here to see my Miniature Garden board.)  I am loving the little accessories I've seen to go in the gardens and I'm totally impressed with what some people come up with.


This weekend, I finally pulled together all the little supplies I've been gathering for my first big (or little) attempt at a miniature garden.  


I started with a thrifted metal container I found the other day, and added some gravel to the bottom for drainage.  You can also use packing peanuts or pieces of styrofoam in the bottom of a container if there are no drainage holes.

Then I just added the potting soil & plants.

I found some succulents I loved at Home Depot for only $3 per pot.  These are a couple varieties of Hen and Chicks & they look like gorgeous little flowers.  I also added some Scotch/Irish Moss ground cover for a different look and texture.

The plants will split apart easily for separating into different containers, so I saved some for the next little garden I'm planning to do.


After the plants, I used some little stones to make a pathway for the garden...

And my favorite parts are the little accessories.  I bought the little bench here, and the mini hanging baskets here.  

The little garden hooks can be bought separately here, or you can do like I did and cut a wire dry cleaning hanger to make 2 perfect little garden hooks.  

I couldn't resist putting some little plants into the baskets as well, so I used a little plastic spoon and dug out a couple tiny pieces of the Hen and Chicks to plant in the baskets.  

I've been using a simple spray bottle to spritz the plants every couple of days and, so far, they're doing great.

I had so much fun with that, I also planted a little of the moss in this tiny birdbath I found at a thrift store the other day as well. 

I've already been searching around the house for more tiny containers and planning out my next mini garden, so watch out, world, I'm going Crazy Miniature Garden Lady!


If you've been miniature gardening, I'd love to see your creations.  And visit the Nester's "Show Us Your Planties" Party where I'll be linking up, to see some more great ideas!

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A big thanks to all of you who pinned my canvases for the Pin to Win for Mother's Day Giveaway!  I'm pleased to announce to you that the winner is...

Stephanie Lankford, who pinned an 18x24!  Congrats to her!  

And one more thing--just to thank you all for participating, visit my shop and use coupon code MOTHERSDAY from now through Friday, April 27th to receive 10% off your total order!    

 Get those photos to me and give your Mother a gift she'll never forget!