“Project designed and pictures owned by Kathryn Depew of Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC (www.cottonridge.com). Used by permission.”

Free Project: Tall Topiary Trees

Miniatures & Supplies needed to complete this project:
2 Large Terra Cotta Urns or Pots & Saucers
Green landscaping material
Crayola Model Magic clay
Soil Material (used coffee grounds dried in the microwave or in the sun work great)
Bumpy Chenille Stems (2)
Tacky glue
Pen or pencil
Spray adhesive
Toothpick
Shoe or small box top
Wax Paper
Matte Sealer

Instructions
** It is highly recommended that you use the spray adhesive and matte sealer outside or in a very well-ventilated room due to the fumes. **

Place some glue in each pot. Fill with Model Magic clay almost to top of pot.

Cut a piece of wax paper to fit the bottom of your shoe or small box top. Empty bag of green landscaping material on wax paper in box top.

Cut each bumpy chenille stem in half. Twist ½" of each end of 2 halves together. Wrap the chenille around the pen or pencil (see picture). Slide off of pen or pencil, and shape to please, leaving about ½" of one end straight.

Spray chenille thoroughly with spray adhesive, and immediately coat with green landscaping material. Make sure you reach all parts of the topiary with spray adhesive and green material. Set aside to dry; repeat with other 2 halves of chenille stem for second topiary.

Spread a thick layer of tacky glue on top of clay in each pot. Spread coffee grounds on top of glue, pressing down with thumb, then shake off excess. Repeat for full coverage. Set aside to dry.

Check topiaries after they are dry to see if chenille was completely covered with green material. If not, spot-spray with adhesive and cover again with green material. Set aside to dry.

Once the topiaries are completely dry, spray thoroughly with matte sealer. Set aside to dry.

Punch a small hole in the top of the dirt and clay in each pot with toothpick. Place a small bead of tacky glue in each hole. Insert straight end of topiary in each hole, making sure topiary is straight. Glue pots to saucers with tacky glue. Set aside to dry. You're finished! :)