Things you can do with paper - Tara's Topiary

I made this cute little topiary for Tara’s birthday last week. It uses a Styrofoam ball, dowel, birds, excelsior (or raffia) and clay pot from a local craft store, and Barely Banana cardstock, Melon Mambo Classic ink, Melon Mambo ribbon, and the scallop circle punch from Stampin’ Up! To put this together, I punched out many scallop circles from the Barely Banana cardstock and then did the faux suede technique with my bone folder to make the cardstock separate. This makes it easier to mold and crinkle because it’s not so thick. Then I put glue on the Styrofoam ball and took the scallop circle, wrapped it around the eraser and pushed it into the ball. Repeat this until the whole ball is covered. Poke a dowel into the bottom of the ball, and put a piece of floral foam or expanding foam into the clay pot and push in other end of the dowel. Use glue on each end for a stronger hold. Take a sponge with Melon Mambo Classic ink and lightly rub all over the petals. Add your birds and excelsior or raffia and finish by tying a bow around the clay pot. Voila! You have a very cute and springy gift for that someone special (or for yourself).