My grandma is probably one of the hardest people to find presents for, so I start thinking of ideas for her Christmas present way in advance! I was flipping through a magazine and saw these succulent wreaths going for $100+ and thought that is perfect! She lives in Las Vegas, so it's the perfect climate for succulents and it is just so pretty! The price however, was not so much in my budget so this is what I came up with!
Here's my how to - What you'll need:
*Wire Wreath Frame - You could pick any size. I chose a 12" frame that was $2.99 in my local craft store. You could probably find one cheaper at a place like Joanns or Michaels.
*Spagmum Moss - $4.99 for a package at Lowes and comes with enough to make two 12" wreaths.
* Fishing line or floral floss. (I just used fishing line because it's what I had in my garage)
*Succulent clippings - start scavenging! I found quite a bit of my clippings from my friends and relatives yards! The owner of my local nursery also gave me some clippings at a discounted price since I didn't need the whole plant, and then I also found a few on clearance at Lowes for a total of $1.95.
*Optional: Bobby Pins or Floral Pins (I used floral pins that were $1.99 for a pack, which was more then enough at my local craft store.)
*Optional: root growth hormone. You could use this if you want, but everyone I talked to said it wasn't necessary.
What you do:
First you'll need to collect your succulent clippings. Put them in a box or bag and wait a few days until the ends of the clippings become dry. If you want you could try ommitting this step. Several people told me that you don't even need to wait for them to dry. I only waited one day.
Next soak your moss in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes until it is thouroughly wet. Then get your wire frame wreath and start stuffing it with the wet moss from the back side. Wrap fishing line or floral floss to around the moss just to secure it.
You can see that the front part of the wreath is still showing through. You now want to go back over this with more moss and secure it with more line. Once you're done you won't be able to see the wire frame or fishing line for that matter.
Then start arranging your succulents! I used a pen to make little holes in the moss before I stuck my succulent clipping in.
You really can't go wrong with how you arrange it!
If you are planning on hanging your wreath immediately, then you'll want to secure your clippings with the bobby pins or floral pins. If you have patience, you'll need to let your wreath lay flat for 3-6 months so that the succulents can root into the moss. I secured all my succulents, because I want to enjoy the wreath before I have to give it away.
Once you are done, find the perfect place inside or outside to hang it!
Isn't that neat?! This is a real living wreath. All you have to do is spritz it with water and it will continue to grow! Also make sure that you let your succulents get some sun every once in awhile, they'll appreciate that. I think this would even make a great center piece on a table. Just throw a big white candle in the middle of it or something!
