I love the idea of decorations that can be displayed and then easily stored after the season. I bought myself a Christmas Ribbon Topiary for my kitchen and decided that I would make one myself for Valentine's Day. So after some shopping at the local craft store for cute ribbons and an evening standing at the kitchen island with scissors and pins, I like how my first attempt turned out. It was only after I finished that I found several tutorials online. Here is my quick and easy recipe for a great way to celebrationt the season.
Here are the basic supplies: Styrofoam ball, floral foam, moss, proportional sized pot or container, straight pins, dowel rod or stick, and ribbon (lots of ribbon in different textures and widths)
To begin: Wedge floral foam in container, insert stick, and cover the ugly foam with moss, shredded paper, glass beads, sand (you get the picture)...Set this aside until later
Next: Cut ribbons in about four inch pieces. Make loops and insert ribbons (using the pins on the inside of the loops) into the styrofoam ball in random patterns being sure to hide the foam and pins as you go. I suggest doing half of the ball with ribbons and then inserting this onto your waiting stick. Now you may finish the rest of your ribbon loops to complete your project.
Hints:
- Wider ribbon covers the ball quicker while the skinnier pieces can be used to fill in the gaps.
- I randomly placed my ribbon and found that the bottom is tricky to fill and push the pins in therefore I suggest doing one half of the foam at a time.
- If you don't want a topiary, you can always add a wide looped ribbon and hang from a door or even a seasonal tree.
The possibilities are endless. I may even do a couple of pastel ribbon topiaries my Easter decorations.....I wonder if I could use those plastic eggs.
Now I think I'll use the leftover ribbon to make a cute little wreath to hang in my kitchen.
So my oldest leans over while I am knitting and asks, "Mom, are you EVER (insert drama) going to make me a quilt." My smooth reply, "Sure as soon as you decide what colors you want." After various characters, not colors, we come around to GREEN. OH MY.....I have to find green boyish fabric for his snuggle quilt. .....