How to Make a Heart-Shaped Topiary

Have you ever bought a beautiful ivy topiary with trailing leaves and put it in the perfect spot in your kitchen only to have the leaves turn brown a week later?Well… you are not alone! Life is busy, and all those good intentions of keeping it well watered and alive suddenly fall short.I am here to show you how easy it is to make an artificial topiary, and in celebration of Valentine’s Day, let’s make a heart-shaped topiary together.

What is a Topiary?

If you’re unsure what a topiary is, let me explain because they really are a beautiful addition to any decor.Topiary is the practice of training, cutting, and trimming trees, shrubs, and plants. It is considered an art form, a living sculpture. It takes time, practice, patience, and knowledge to cultivate a living topiary.Because of the reasons above, they tend to be expensive. If you would like the benefit of enjoying a topiary but don’t have the time and the resources required to care for it, an artificial topiary is a great solution.Follow along to learn how to make this beautiful heart-shaped topiary, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Also, here is another link for a different style topiary made with eucalyptus leaves.In fact, by signing up on my email list and following along, I show you how to make different types of topiaries and other useful and interesting crafts and decorating ideas that can be incorporated into your home.

Supplies

• Heart Shape Structure – Dollar Store or https://amzn.to/2Nu2DN2
• Vase – One you own or – https://amzn.to/2NkMVDK
• Faux Greenery – https://amzn.to/2LP6iVk.. Hobby Lobby Look for greenery that is a trailing bush. I suggest buying 2 of the same.
• Floral Dry Foam – https://amzn.to/2NnQA3D
• Wood Dowel – https://amzn.to/3648sXW
• Embellishments – Optional

How to Make a Heart Shape Topiary

The Heart Shape

Purchase this Heart Shape from the Dollar StoreI found the perfect heart shape at the Dollar Store. This will save you time and money. If you cannot find this at your Dollar Store, a heart-shaped wreath form will also work, which can be found on Amazon or your local craft store.

Remove ConfettiThe red confetti is wired onto the plastic heart shape. Clip the wire and begin unwinding the confetti.

Wrap with Floral TapeOnce the confetti has been removed, cut the nubs with scissors to make the surface as smooth as possible. Next, wrap the heart with floral tape; this will help the red heart form blend with the greenery and make it sturdier.

Add the Dowel to HeartPaint the dowel with brown acrylic paint or use a branch from nature. I hot glued the dowel to the heart to temporarily hold it in place while securing it with the string.

Wrap the Heart to the Dowel using StringI used a figure 8 pattern when wrapping the string to connect the heart to the dowel.

Insert Floral Foam into the Container

Make Sure the Dry Floral Foam is Secure in the ContainerA topiary is relatively tall and, with the added greenery, can be top-heavy, so it is important to have a sturdy base. Notice how I used a solid piece of foam that fit the length of the container.Make sure it fits snuggly, and if there is wiggle room, add extra floral foam or paper around the edges. Hot glue will not successfully hold it in place, so the mechanics must fit snugly and be sturdy.

Insert the Dowel into the Floral FoamInsert the dowel into the dry floral foam to the desired height. Hot glue can be added to the dowel for extra security, but it is not necessary.

Adding the Faux Greenery Insert the stem of the faux greenery into the dry floral foam

Wrap the Greenery Around Heart ShapeI added the first trailing bush into the floral foam and wrapped it around the dowel and to the left side of the heart shape. Next, insert and wrap the second trailing bush around the dowel and up the heart shape’s right side. Make sure to cover the heart form by manipulating the leaves until you are happy with the results.

Add EmbellishmentsI added a couple of faux flowers I had from a previous project for added interest.

Now your topiary is ready to be proudly displayed and just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for other Valentine’s Day suggestions, you may be interested in this up-cycled photo album.For more projects from Designgarnish, sign up for emails to make sure you don’t miss out on upcoming posts.Are you ready to make a topiary? Leave a comment, and if you have any questions, be sure to let me know.