Down from DC we are spending this week in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Without access to my normal flower suppliers it had me thinking about what was easy and festive to create. Having just had an opportunity to visit the White House, I was inspired by their long tradition of cranberry topiaries and thought this would be just perfect! If you didn’t have a chance to tune into Suncoast View, ABC 7 here is everything you need to DIY your own holiday topiary.
Step 1: Gather together all of your materials. You are going to need:
Styrofoam Shape
Spanish moss or Tinsel
Scissors
Spray Glue
Toothpicks
Cranberries
Step 2: Coat your shape with spray glue
Hint: It is easier to cover if you cut the moss/tinsel into smaller pieces.
Double Hint: You can make a spray booth out of an Amazon Box by just cutting one side. This helps to contain the mess and makes clean up easy!
Step 3: Re-apply one more coat and roll your shape over the moss/tinsel one more time.
Hint: If you are using Spanish Moss you might want to use Design Master Just for Flowers Spray paint to coat the moss red and create a richer texture.
Step 4: Cut your toothpicks in half
Step 5: Insert your toothpick into the bottom of your shape half way. Pop cranberry on!
Note: It is much easier to put the toothpick in first, rather then putting the toothpick on the cranberry and then trying to push it in. Trust me! Or try it for yourself:)
Step 6: Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!
Place your next toothpick half about 1/3 an inch to the left of your first cranberry.
Note: It looks best if you place the second row in-between the cranberries of the first row, this helps to keep it natural looking.
Step 7: Garnish with a few touches of peppery berry and pepper berry leaves tucked in.
If you still want more cranberry decor, check out my DIY Cranberry Candle!