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.
This post may include affiliate links. See my full disclosure.
Paper Mache Ampersand / Moss
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!!
Once the top was off, this what was inside. So interesting, right?
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.
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.
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.
From underneath, I loved the little plants peeking out.
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!
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!
SaveSave
SaveSave
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
Thanks so much, Nici. This is one of my favorite projects… and fails, ha!
As always, very cute little project, Amy!! Pinned!
The alysum was darling but the moss is too cute too! how is it doing now that it’s been a bit longer?
Honestly, it’s held up perfectly! I have it sitting upright on my fireplace mantle and not an issue!
Love, love, love this! I have been wanting to make one of my own 🙂 just out of curiosity, my husband thinks that the moss will make a mess and kind of fall out, did that happen at all with yours?
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.
This turned out gorgeous! I just wanted to let you know that I am linking to this post on 4/9 at Simply Creative Living if you don’t mind.
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.
I love how this turned out! Looks like now the end version is less maintenance! Thanks for sharing this at the Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop!
Goregous! Want Want Want and pinned http://www.pinterest.com/alicilaly/my-dream-home-but-not-really-my-hubbys/
That is soooo cute! Thanks for linking up at Work it Wednesday!
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
Very creative! I love they way it looks. Thanks for sharing.
Kim ~ This Ole Mom
Hey girl! This is soooo fun and creative and a GREAT save too!
Gotta love a ampersand. 😉
I’d love to see it planted with real moss too.
Thanks so much for sharing it with us a Project Inspire{d}!!
I love this, Amy! I actually prefer the moss, it’s so lovely! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on the Whip It Up Wednesday link up!
Love the moss, Amy! So pretty!
Amy, this is so beautiful! I love how springy it is and that lovely contrast with the chip board 🙂
Amy I absolutely LOVE this, Pinning!!
xo, Tanya
twelveOeight
This is a great idea! I can see what your vision was, with the Alysum. So sad it didn’t turn out that way, but the moss is great too!
I love the moss – that looks great! So creative. Found you on Pinterest!
Karen | a house full of sunshine