The Ribbon Topiary: How To

Since we both love children and there are many of them in the family, we have decided to have 2 activity tables set up for the children to help keep them busy. Because candles and children do not mix, I wanted a kid-friendly centerpiece that can serve the purpose of "cutesy-ing" up the tables. So, in comes the Ribbon Topiary. This was a tedious project but the end result is fab! Thanks to Bee, Bari516 for the inspiration and instructions!

Supplies (for 2 Topiaries):

• 1 dowel cut in half (I used 2 and cut to my specifications)


• 2 Terra cotta clay pots


• 2 Styrofoam floral Balls


• 2 Styrofoam floral cubes


• 1 Tube of paint made for clay pots


• 1 Sponge paint brush
  
• 2 Spools of each ribbon cut into 4 inch pieces (I used about 6 different ribbons and needed approx. 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 of each spool)


• Pins


• Glue (hot glue gun or crafter's glue)
  
• Moss, Rocks or any other decor to add to the flower pot to cover the floral cube
  
• Music to keep you entertained =)

Step 1: Using the sponge paint brush, paint the Terra cotta pots. Let the paint dry completely.

Step 2: While the paint dries, cut the spools of ribbon into 4 inch pieces. You might want to put the music on now =)

Step 3: Take a piece of the ribbon and create a partial loop where the two ends meet, allowing the ends to skew outwards... Think octopus or a hill shape. Pin the ends of the ribbon to the Styrofoam ball.

Step 4: Continue to pin the ribbon pieces until the ball is fully covered.

Step 5: When the ball is covered, stick one of the dowel halves in the ball until the dowel is the correct length. Be sure to not go too far or the dowel will come out the top of the ball. Remove the dowel and add glue inside the hole. Put the dowel back in the hole. Give it a few minutes to dry.

Step 6: Glue the floral cube to the inside of the clay pot. You may have to cut the cube to make it fit inside the pot.

Step 7: Create a hole in the center of the floral cube by sticking the other end of the dowel in the cube. Remove dowel and add glue in the newly created hole. Re-stick the dowel in the hole of the cube. I used hot glue here so it took a minute or two to dry.

Step 8: Add the moss, rocks or other decor in the clay pot to cover the floral cube entirely. I have yet to do this part so please excuse the unfinished topiary.

Voila! You now have made a ribbon topiary!

**Finished Product Pics coming soon!