I have seen a lot of tutorials to make a topiary around lately, so I thought that I would give it a try. A lot of them involved Styrofoam balls and I can’t handle the sound of Styrofoam, so I went a different route.
This is what you are going to need:
-balloon
-newspaper
-school glue
-glue gun
-stick
-flowers
This is how I made it:
1) I blew up a balloon to the right size. I then taped the ends to make it look more like a circle and not an egg or oval
2) Using school glue, I combined it with water. I don’t remember how much of glue to water, but you need more glue than water. Then soak strips of newspaper in the mixture and put onto the balloon. I did about 3 layers. Sorry that I don’t have a picture, it’s a pretty messy step and I did it outside without the camera
3) This is what it will look like when the glue has dried. Surprisingly, it’s really hard (I’ve actually made pinatas doing this).
4) Now take whatever you are going to cover it with and glue it to the ball
5) I cut a small hole in the ball, this popped the balloon, and then glued the stick into the hole. I did spray paint the stick brown, just to give it a better color.
6) Stick it into a vase or pot. I used rocks to hold the stick.
I ran out of flowers or I would have done another layer of flowers to make it look fuller. A cute ribbon would look good too, maybe I’ll add that π
I plan on using this technique to make some fun decor balls, so watch for those in the future π
I’m linking this post to these parties
Diana by Lagoa Design Studio
Very, very nice idea!!
Blessings,
Diana
Creations By Cindy
How adorable. Be blessed. Cindy
Meg the Grand
Thank you thank you thank you for showing how to make a topiary without styrofoam! I cannot stand the sound, and so, have always avoided a project like this. Great work!
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage
Love that!! I have used the balloon trick on a few of my decor balls. Balloon are cheaper than styrofoam too!!!
Laura
So pretty!
I would love it if you joined my "Saturday is Crafty Day" party on April 24th! Stop by my blog for details.
Katie
Cute idea!
Shayna Mills
So pretty, love your topiary, I've done a few with the ribbon and balls but haven't done the flowers and since I too hate the styr balls I'll have to try a balloon, thank you for positing it. Here's the link to mine if you'd like to see.
http://texasmonkey.blogspot.com/2009/08/texas-monkey-boutique-and-craft.html
Lee
I love the papermache idea. It's one of those, "Why didn't I think of that?" kind of things.
AlMcLeary
I just did a topiary today, but yours is more fun http://almcleary.com/blog/
Pati @ A Crafty Escape
Very cute and easy enough for me to handle!
Meet Virginia
This is too stinking cute! I love how it turned out great work!!
Check out my new
GIVEAWAY!!!
~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Jessica
Love it! I've always wanted to make one of these. Great job.
Kara@ Creations by Kara
Love it! I'm with you on the styrofoam thing. π
Lanie Ree
Whoa, great idea! I love how it turned out. And your tutorial was great, even if you didn't get pictures of each step. I definitely understand the "it's too messy to even think of touching my camera" thing. Been there.
Thank you for linking this to A Little Craft Therapy with Life in the Pitts.
Katie
Cute! I've also seen people just wad up newspapers and tape it with duct tape or packing tape to make their ball.
michelle@somedaycrafts
Looks great! A new form of paper mache! The little flowers are so beautiful!
Jill from Women Who Do It All
What a fun centerpiece, love it! Thanks for joining the party!
-Jill
Fawnda
Great idea! And fun flowers! π
too Blessed to Stress
so sweet! and a great way to avoid the sound and cost of styrofoam!
~ Emily N. from "too Blessed to Stress"
LuckyStarErin
I love this alternantive to using the styrofoam ball. It turned out really cute!
Thanks for linking at LSL!
Sherri @ Design2Shine
Turned out great!
Lori
Very cool! I love the flowers.
Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thursday! Please join me next week for another great party!
Claire
Adorable!
simplydesigning.blogspot.com
Great idea! Very creative to make a paper mΓ’chΓ© ball and glue flowers on it!
Thanks for linking up!
Stephanie Lynn
Super cute! I've made pinatas before but never thought of making small objects! Great idea! Stop by the Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance. Your topiary is just lovely!
The DIY Show Off
Very clever and so pretty! Love it! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity in the DIY Project Parade! π
Roeshel
Ginger
Super cute and clever…even made a pinata? Neato! Thanks for linking this up to Mad Skills Monday! Link up as much as you want…I know you got some great projects to share…and see you next week!
Blessings,
Ginger
SSB
Bobbie
That looks great. Thanks for sharing at check me out saturday http://www.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com