Moss Urns: A Simple How-to
Call me crazy, but I love a good urn of moss. There’s something so English Garden-esque about it, and I’m a fool for English Garden-esque. I realize this picture has already been posted by home bloggers across the world, but there are so many things I love in it, so I’m sharing it again.
{source}
I can’t even list all the things I love about this entry, but for today’s post, notice the moss in the urns. {Mmmmmm!} And the turquoise velvet settee makes me want to take off on a cross-country search for one just like it. But, back to the urns. The understated simplicity of them is so captivatingly complex, don’t you agree?
And the same with this one…love it!
{source: Better Homes and Gardens}
So, if you’re like me, the question, of course, is how to replicate the look for ourselves. If money is no object, you could simply click here to order this little beauty from Ethan Allen (only $349).
But if that price tag makes you go “Eeeek!”, then maybe you’ll like this option…
I found a great little urn at Hobby Lobby for around $10 several weeks ago, and decided to make my own moss urn.
Since I wanted a gray one, I gave it a quick coat of gray acrylic paint and then brushed a little black over the details for a little more definition.
Then, I used my basic newspaper and tape method that I have used to make topiaries in the past to create a big ball. I just kept layering and taping the paper until I had the size I wanted.
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Then, I stuck it in the urn and started hot-gluing on the moss. I used Reindeer Moss for this one and just covered all the exposed newspaper.
Let me just take this opportunity to remind you to be careful when using hot glue because you can seriously hurt yourself as I did while making this urn.
Warning: Gross Picture Below!
Yep, that hurt.
So, anyway, on with the urn. After it was covered, I wrapped a few flexible branches around it as well because I just wanted to.
And then I made a second little moss ball for this metal urn, also from Hobby Lobby, and also 50% off. For this one, I used the dried floral moss and covered the ball once again using the hot glue.
I’m loving these. Hope you like them, too!
Linking up with a few of these friends. Check them out!
NanaDiana
April 30, 2012 @ 11:55 am
Julie- Those are BOTH darlng! You did a great job and thanks for the tutorial. What a great idea to start with a newspaper base instead of a Styrofoam ball. Love it! xo Diana
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
April 30, 2012 @ 12:06 pm
I LOVE these, Julie! I'm thinking a larger floor urn with a moss ball may be the piece I need by our front entry. I've been trying to decide what to put on the wall opposite the hall tree and this might just be it! I've burned myself pretty bad a few months ago with hot glue. It really hurt and for a few days afterward, too. I try and use the craft popsicle sticks I have now to avoid that ever happening again!
Maria
April 30, 2012 @ 1:39 pm
Wow this is absolutely beautiful!!! I just love what you did! I love the English garden look too, and this fits it perfectly! Your hot glue gun injury looks painful, I get those all the time too, and it hurts so bad! But what you made is beautiful! :o)
Kelly
April 30, 2012 @ 1:52 pm
Love both of them. great job. Love Hobby Lobby…have a great day
Jenny
April 30, 2012 @ 2:16 pm
Looks great! Love this idea – such a classic look.
Jordan G.
April 30, 2012 @ 2:21 pm
I really like this! I may have to try one for myself. It is officially "pinned" to my to-do list.
Lisa Scibilia
April 30, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
What a great idea – I am so copying you Julie! Thanks for the inspiration.
Holly @ abakershouse.com
April 30, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
Love this! Found you through Skip to My lou and so glad I did. This is a must-do project at my house. I don't have to water it, keep it alive or hope that it keeps growing– it's perfect!!
Jennifer L. Griffin
April 30, 2012 @ 3:04 pm
Love, love, love moss covered topiaries! They are such a great alternative to all of that silk greenery that I'm trying to steer clear of. I have that exact stone urn, I have moss, I have newspaper…I must make one of these!
Rach
April 30, 2012 @ 4:46 pm
Beautiful….you have such good taste.
Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate
May 1, 2012 @ 1:39 am
So pretty! You did a great job!
Elizabeth
May 1, 2012 @ 7:33 pm
Beautiful job!
Celeste
May 2, 2012 @ 8:45 pm
Love these! Thanks for the easy tutorial…this is now on my to-do list! PS: your living room is gorgeous!
Ruby and Arthur
May 2, 2012 @ 10:26 pm
Such a cute idea, and you made it look so easy! Thanks for sharing, Jean
Susan @ homeroad.net
May 3, 2012 @ 12:32 am
Julie I love the one in the urn! Great job and an easy project. The vine around the outside made it perfect!
Susan
Homeroad
Lina - Fancy Frugal Life
May 3, 2012 @ 4:29 am
This is so fantastic! Great idea! Ha $349 that made me laugh. yours is perfect!
Lina
Claudine from CondensedLoveHome
May 3, 2012 @ 5:01 am
I loooove it!
And yours is the first project like that I see!!!
So you never know, there are lots of "new" readers out there!!!
Definitely I will make one for my entrance!!!
Maryann - Interior Salvage
May 3, 2012 @ 11:42 am
What a great idea! I love moss urns too. This would look great outside on the front porch too. Found you via The Shabby Creek Cottage. What a great project! pinning it!
Vanessa
May 3, 2012 @ 11:33 pm
Hi, Julia
What a great idea. I just love what you did and how you created the moss balls. Have a great weekend.
Vanessa
Tausha
May 4, 2012 @ 2:34 am
Hey Julia-
This is a fantastic tutorial on how to make topiary's. I would have never thought to use newspaper. genius, pure genius! Great tutorial! Thanks so much for the idea. Have a happy weekend!
Tausha
sassystyleredesign.com
Bety
February 2, 2015 @ 6:25 pm
What a great, lovely idea – I love moss and often use it for decoration of photos. If you're interested and have time-post here on my blog. http://vkusnosbety.blogspot.com/2014/04/parmesan-herb-muffins.html
Will make such decor! I saw a picture of your publication in Pinterest and so I came to your wonderful blog! Thanks for the inspiration.