Things You'll Need:
- Base container (pot, vase, or other sturdy vessel)
- plaster of paris
- sturdy stick for center pole
- styrofoam ball
- sheet moss
- glue (hot glue and white glue)
- large assortment of dried flowers in colors to match your theme
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Step 1
Choose the base.
The base of your topiary should be a beautiful vessel to hold your masterpiece, but, it can be just about anything you like. Traditionally, decorative topiaries have a base of a painted/decorated terra-cotta pot, or some other decorative wide mouthed pot. Since the topiary mimics a potted plant, a home and garden store, or local nursery will have many different options to choose from.
When selecting the base of your topiary, keep in mind the balance of the final piece. The base will support your masterpiece and should be sturdy, and as close in size to the upper ball area as possible. For esthetics, the top ball should be slightly larger than the base. You can experiment with base sizes of your liking.
You may choose to paint the base of your topiary. Depending on the theme of your wedding, you may opt to spray paint the topiary bases in metallic gold, or silver or even in a coordinating theme color. If you do decide to paint your pots, remember to paint the inside, as the inner rim will be visible in the final design. -
Step 2
Add the topiary pole or center support.
Once you have selected and prepared the base of your topiary, the next step is to add the center pole that will support the top ball of the topiary.
When choosing the center support or pole, think outside of the box - most topiaries will use a dowel with smooth sides, but you can also use natural tree branches, bamboo poles, or even construct a pole by lashing together several small diameter twigs. Whichever option you choose, your pole should be three (3) times the height of the base.
For stability, the best option is to anchor your topiary pole in plaster of paris. Prepare the plaster of paris as directed on package instructions. Pour the plaster of paris into your pot, (be sure to seal any drain holes!) and immediately set the pole or stick into the center of the pot. You can hold the pole in place by placing a book on either side of the pole to support it while the plaster of paris dries. -
Step 3
Add the topiary top ball.
Once the plaster of paris is dry, prepare the Styrofoam ball by adding a hole at least 2 inches deep, that will allow you to insert the ball onto the pole once it is decorated.
You can decorate the topiary ball with many different types of natural selections. The easiest method is to roll your topiary ball in white glue and then in birdseed, or crushed dried flowers. If you choose this method, remember to allow the ball to dry fully, and then be sure to spray a fixative on the ball to ensure your decorations remain on your topiaries and not on your guest tables!
Another very lovely option is to cover the ball in sheet moss (apply with hot glue or white glue). Make several mini dried flower nosegays and attach to the ball in a random pattern. You can even group your nosegays at the top of the ball, and let the dried flowers gently hang down.
To attach the topiary ball to the pole, generously coat the top of the pole with hot glue, and immediately push the prepared hole over the stick, to a depth that is esthetically pleasing to you. -
Step 4
Finishing touches.
Use hot glue and sheet moss to cover the plaster of paris in the pot. you can add another nosegay to the sheet moss in the pot to balance those you may have placed on the ball above.
Choose a beautiful ribbon, at least 1 inch wide, in a coordinating color to match your wedding theme. For this purpose, the best type is a wired ribbon, which will hold the shape of the bow that will decorate the center pole.
Cut the ribbon to the length of one yard. Tie the ribbon around the pole, and center it horizontally on the pole. A simple bow, tied by hand can be very simple and elegant. Once the bow has been tied, adjust the bow by manipulating the wired ribbon in the shape you desire. Allow the ends of the ribbon to flow freely to the top of the base of your topiary. Trim any excess. -
Step 5
Decorate your guest tables.
On the day of the reception, have your assistant place sheet moss in the center of each linen covered table. A topiary is placed on top, and 2-3 votive candles can be placed around the topiary for additional interest.
Add the same to each of the guest tables at your wedding reception, and your guests will ooohhh and aaaahhh over your beautiful decorations.
