I absolutely LOVE succulents but have a knack for killing almost any plants-including succulents. On another recent trip to Hobby Lobby I ran across their fake succulent arrangements, and gawked at the price! I was not about to drop $40 on a smaller arrangement of flowers. Lucky for me, they carried a variety of picks for next to nothing.
Each succulent pick only cost $2-$5 and I bought a 3 pound bag of river rocks for $2.
To start off with, find a unique container- I had this lying bowl lying around with nothing to use it for, so it was an easy pick.
I also had a foam floral block that I cut up and glued to the bottom of the bowl to stick the picks in.
For the picks I purchased (try saying that 5 times fast) I needed some heavy duty wire cutters to get through to them.
The best way to create a nice arrangement is to make sure you use a desk that is already crowded with other items so you have the smallest workspace possible (kidding).
Once the foam block is glued down and your picks are picked apart start arranging the succulents how you would like. For more visual appeal, I’d recommend any taller succulents in the back and shorter in the front.
Once you like how it looks, start gluing everything down for a snug fit.
Afterwards, pour the river rocks into your container to fill any empty spots.
More mess making!
Last, but not least, find a great spot to display your new un-killable succulent garden!
I do wish these looked a little more “life like” but I enjoy the touch of green these bring to my bedroom.
Also, anyone have any tricks to get rid of the spider web of hot glue? I always seem to miss chunks and strings until after I photograph and finish my projects.
Linking Up With:
A Night Owl Blog,Carrie This Home, Love Grows Wild, Boogie Board Cottage, Coastal Charm, Dwelling In Happiness, The Dedicated House, Confessions of a Plate Addict, A Stroll Thru Life, House on the Way, Tiny Sidekick, The Official Blog Guide, Enjoy the View, Oh My Creative, Just a Girl and Her Blog, Happy Kids Inc, Living Well Spending Less, Someday Crafts, The Blissful Bee, The Kitchen and Beyond, Ruffles and Rainboots, Hymns and Verses, The 36th Avenue, Practically Functional, Domestic Superhero, Coffee With Us 3, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Nifty Thrifty Things, Our Rosey Life, Flamingo Toes,
fishtail cottage says
so cute! would love to have you share at Fishtail Cottage’s garden party this upcoming Thursday!!! xoox, tracie
fishtail cottage recently posted…Fishtail Cottage’s Garden 8/25/14…
Kristina Barbee says
Thanks for the invite! I sure will
Meaghan says
I always kill live plants too! I have lots of fake flowers around the house because of it. Although my basil and cilantro in my coffee mug herb garden are going pretty strong.
~Meaghan from DIYfaerie
Kristina Barbee says
I have a million fake flowers and arrangements in my house. So much easier to deal with.
Christine says
That looks really nice!…and I am loving the blue and white bowl you used.
Christine recently posted…Table It Link Party 16
Elizabeth says
I’m going to keep trying to keep real plants alive, but I may have to resort to your version. So cute and smart!
Elizabeth recently posted…20 More Tips for College
Kristina Barbee says
Thanks! I have some real succulents that are constantly on the edge of dying, but they’re still kickin’!
JaneEllen says
Now that’s what I call a great succulent arrangement, no kill and it’s looks great. Your pretty blue/white bowl sets it off quite lovely. I’m not good with plants either. I have a few annuals I bought first part of summer that are still alive by some miracle on our front porch. I forget to water them most of time but they keep on blooming and spreading, go figure. I bought couple real succulents on sale this summer but think they need to be transplanted so will stick them with the hens/chicks out below the front porch. Had them forever, brought a bunch with us when we moved to CO from KY in 2004.
I’ll have to get more succulent picks, I have 3 now I’ve got in mini birdcages that will be looking for new homes for Fall. Like to switch things out or refresh when I get tired of things. Great post and tutorial. Happy days
Kristina Barbee says
Thanks! I always have to switch things around, especially my floral arrangements.
Brandi says
Pretty arrangement! They looked so real to me. As for the hot glue strings, I heard a hair dryer works!
Kristina Barbee says
A hairdryer?! I’ve got to try that. Thanks for the tip!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
This looks great, Kristina! I too kill most plants. I’m actually shocked my zucchini plants are doing as well as they are! Ha! I really love succulents too, I love their green colors! Great job! Visiting ya from Thank Goodness It’s Thursday
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness recently posted…DIY Chalk Painted Candle Holders
Kristina Barbee says
I have a zucchini plant as well, it is doing marvelous! Maybe zucchini plants are immune to the curse of the black thumb? 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Miss M says
I love this! This is SO cute! I love the idea of using fake succulents… I seem to kill EVERYTHING, including real life ones.
Miss M recently posted…September Goals: What a Month it Will Be!
Patti says
Hi Kristina,
These look like the real thing. I do love succulents and fallen for them like everyone else. You color choices are great too. Wish I had Hobby Lobby near me. I’ll have to check out Michaels.
Have a great weekend!
Patti recently posted…Drying Hydrangea - Ever Lasting Decor
Kristina Barbee says
Thanks! I think Michaels has some, I know they used to a lot during summer.
Sarah Nenni Daher says
I love your placement - they look really well together! I’m going to have to make one of these because we have a bookshelf that is calling out for something organic. I like this idea because a) I don’t have to water it and b) even if it is artificial, most people won’t be that close to tell!
As for the hot glue: a hair dryer will help you to identify the spider web things and isopropyl alchohol (yep, that stuff you have around the house) applied with a q-tip will get the big globs off. You don’t need a lot and be sure to apply it directly to the glue.
Keep these nifty tricks coming, Kristina and thank you for linking up at Thank Goodness It’s Thursday!
Sarah Nenni Daher recently posted…Princess Toss Game
Kristina Barbee says
Wow, thank you so much Sarah! That hot glue tip is so helpful, you’re amazing!