How to Make Vine Ball Artificial Topiary

Recycle vineyard clippings after pruning.

Vine ball topiaries add height to a buffet or mantle arrangement. Their natural appearance suits many styles of decor. Many types of vines will work for this project. Make these topiaries after you prune your grape vines or hop vines, or use the kudzu vines that grow plentifully along the roadside in the South. Decorate the topiaries with ribbons or silk vines for a traditional look, or leave them plain for a modern room.

Things You'll Need

• Vines
• Large bucket or bathtub
• 1-inch diameter dowel, 10 inches long
• Hot glue gun
• 6-inch diameter flowerpot
• Plaster of Paris
• Books
• Sheet moss
• Sheers

Instructions

1. Select several 3-foot lengths of vine 1/8 inch in diameter. Choose vine that has turned brown, but is not yet brittle.

2. Soak the vine overnight in a bucket of water or a bathtub.

3. Wrap one end of a vine into a 2-inch circle. Continue wrapping the vine, making another circle at a 90-degree angle to the first circle. Wrap the vine as if you were making a ball of yarn until it is 3 inches in diameter.

4. Hot glue the 3-inch ball to the end of a 10-inch-long piece of dowel that is 1 inch in diameter. Continue wrapping the vine, wrapping some rounds on each side of the dowel.

5. Tuck in the final end when you reach the end of the first vine. Stick the end of another vine between the wraps of the ball and wrap this vine in the same way. Continue adding vines and wrapping until you have a ball that is 8 inches in diameter.

6. Mix plaster of Paris according to the package directions. Fill a flowerpot that is 6 inches in diameter with plaster until it is 1 inch from the rim. Stick the end of the dowel in the center of the plaster. Stack books on each side of the topiary. Push the top books against the dowel to hold it upright. Allow the plaster to set overnight.

7. Cut a circle of sheet moss to fit into the top of the flowerpot. Cut a slit from the edge of the circle to the center and cut a circle that is 1 inch in diameter in the center of the moss. Slip the dowel through the slit and cover the plaster with the moss circle.

Tips & Warnings

• Trim the topiary with ribbons or silk vines as desired.

• Use a small basket instead of a flower pot.

• Keep a bowl of ice water nearby when you use a glue gun. Dip your fingers in the water if you get glue on them.