How to make a Planted Ampersand

INSIDE : 

How to make a simple Planted Ampersand decor item! Delineate Your Dwelling

Last week I shared my fabulous Tiny Prints inspired Garden Party.  It was so fun to collaborate with TP (that’s what you call them when you’re buds like we are).   I filled that party to the brim with fun and easy garden DIY’s so I wanted to share a few of them with you!  Today, I will be sharing How to make a Planted Ampersand.

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What supplies do I need to make a Paper Mache Ampersand plant?

Paper Mache Ampersand 
Moss
String
Hot Glue

What are the steps to creating a planted Ampersand?

I bought a plain chipboard Ampersand from my local craft shop.  Using a box knife, I VERY GINGERLY cut the top off.   Please be careful with those fingers!!

Planted Ampersand Step 1

Once the top was off, this what was inside.  So interesting, right?

Planted Ampersand Step 2

As you can see, I did my best but some areas I just had to hack a bit and the edges became quite mangled.  So, I used a high bit sandpaper and smoothed all the rough edges down.

Planted Ampersand Step 3
 
After the ampersand was smooth, I painted the outside edges with a lovely soft peach acrylic paint color and let it dry.
 
Now my entire “Plan A” was to install real plants in this ampersand.  I knew this would not be a long term planter, but long enough for my party and hopefully a few weeks of light watering after that.  Well…. it just didn’t quite go according to my grand plans.
 
1. I covered the bottom of the ampersand in aluminum foil.

2. I used sweet little white Alysum plants and started filling in the planter.

Planted Ampersand Step 4

3. The plants are a little more “wild” than I had intended and you completely lose the shape.
4. It’s a great mix of hard and soft… but I’m just not sure.
 

Planted Ampersand Step 5
From underneath, I loved the little plants peeking out.

How to make a simple Planted Ampersand decor item! Delineate Your Dwelling
Sadly, the day before my garden party, I had to throw my sweet Alysum into the trashcan.  They took a turn for the worse and were looking like wimpy pancake Alysum.  Certainly not party worthy.

So, “Plan B” was put into action… a Moss filled Ampersand wrapped with blue twine!

 
How to make a simple Planted Ampersand decor item! Delineate Your Dwelling
How to make a simple Planted Ampersand decor item! Delineate Your Dwelling
 

Even though this project took a turn for the worse since the plants died and I had to start over, I am so pleased with how it turned out in the end.  Now I have this Planted Ampersand displayed on my mantel and don’t need to worry about watering it!

If you liked this plant related post, you will definitely like my easy checklist to help Keep Your Plants Alive?  Sign up for my newsletter to get your FREE copy today and access to my how-to care for plants ebook coming soon!

How to make a simple Planted Ampersand decor item! Delineate Your Dwelling

 

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21 thoughts on “How to make a Planted Ampersand”

  1. Wow! I wish my craft fails would turn out like yours did! Such a cute idea as a little planter, but even better with the moss. Now you’ll be able to enjoy indefinitely! Thanks for sharing at my Creative Ways Link Party!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply

    1. Madison, thanks for stopping by! I just added a little bit of hot glue to the bottom of my ampersand and then wrapped it with fun blue string. I’ve got mine sitting upright on the mantle and not a single piece has fallen out.

      Reply

  6. I love moss your project turned out gorgeous Amy! Thanks for sharing it with us at the My Favorite Things Party & Inspiration Spotlight. Theresa @DearCreatives Hope your having a great week.

    Reply

  10. This is so cute, Amy! Great Project!

    We would love for you to come and link up with us at Your Designs This Time, Mondays 8:00am EST. htttp://www.elizabethjoandesigns.com

    Reply

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