Gotta Make It: Easter Topiary

"Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you...."

I've had some requests to post some Easter ideas, and to be honest I just haven't had any 'aha'! moments. I'm going through one of those creative dry spells for this holiday (I'm sure I'll snap out of it soon).  Plus, it just snuck up on me!  I always think of Easter as being in April.

This weekend I started on one project and I really like half it, but I am still trying to figure out something for the other half.  So until I finish that project (hopefully tonight), I thought I would share this quick, inexpensive idea that would be a great Easter gift for teachers, Sunday school teachers, babysitters, neighbors, etc.  You could easily make a handful of these for under $10 if you buy a lot of the materials at the DollarTree.  Even if purchased at your craft store, its still an inexpensive and darling gift. 

MATERIALS:

Terra Cotta Pot ( I used a 2 in tall one sold in a pack of 5 for $1 at the DollarTree)
Floral Styrofoam (sold in a pack of 5 squares at the DollarTree for $1)
Wood Skewer
Artificial Flowers
Large wood bead  or circle Styrofoam (I used a 1.5 in wooden bead.  Sold in a pack of 6 for $3)
Flowers
Ribbon
Paper
Glue

HOW-TO:

1.  Take your wood bead (or circle Styrofoam) and start gluing the flowers to the bead starting at the top and filling them in where needed.  If using the large wooden bead be careful not to glue over the hole. NOTE:  Depending on the type of arificial flowers you buy, you may need to cut off the wire stem.
2.  Stick wooden skewer through the wooden bead (or insert into Styrofoam). Add a couple more flowers if needed.
3.  Decorate pot.  I used ribbon and cut out a simple "Happy Easter" square.  You could paint or decoupage the pot as well. 
4.  Cut floral Styrofoam to size to put in Terra cotta pot.  Insert into pot.  Insert other end of wooden skewer into styrofoam in pot.  NOTE:  You may need to shorten wooden skewer depending on the size of pot and bead/circle styrofoam you use.  I was able to break mine just using my hands.  Superwoman!
5.  Tie a knot with the ribbon right underneath where the topiary and skewer meet.
6.  Add some sort of material to cover the styrofoam in the pot.  I used some Easter shreddings found at the DollarTree.  You could also use glass beads, jelly beans, etc.

There you go!  I chose to use smaller materials for this project.  Mine stands about 6 inches tall which makes it perfect for gifts, but you could also make this on a larger scale to make quite the statement in your home. They would also look great grouped together in three on a mantle or shelf!  This project is great for Easter, but you could also use it for weddings, baby showers, Mother's Day, Grandparent's Day, home decor, etc.  Have fun and stay tuned for some more Easter projects...I know my creative mind will have that 'aha' moment soon!  If you have any ideas or materials that you would like me to try and use for the projects please leave a comment or email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!