This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Do you dream of greening your interior, of having the feeling of living in a small urban jungle, while personalizing your decor as much as possible? We have the perfect project for you: create your own frame using preserved plants. A work that will enhance your space.
What is a preserved plant environment?
It is a wall work that integrates various plants amalgamated in a frame or on a panel to create a decorative piece. The species used are generally treated with non-toxic substances, such as glycerin, in order to keep their natural appearance. The plant is therefore no longer alive, but it will retain its appearance, flexibility, texture and color. We thus obtain a pretty plant composition to hang and which requires practically no maintenance. A very nice addition to a decor already adorned with magnificent plants.
Everything you need to know
To create an ornamental piece that will make you proud, all you need is a few materials, a little time and imagination!
What you will need
• A frame or panel: choose the one that goes with your decor or according to your personal taste. Big, small, rectangle, square — it’s time to express yourself!
• A sheet of Styrofoam approximately ¾” to 1” thick (consider the depth of your frame).
• A type knife Exacto
• Cutting pliers
• Pin or horticultural wire, cut into approximately 1 ½” segments bent into a “U” shape. These staples will be used to attach the plants to the Styrofoam base. Horticultural wire is usually green in color, making it easier to hide in arrangements. Choose one that is malleable, but strong enough that it won’t flex when you press it into the Styrofoam.
• A pair of scissors
• Preserved plants: they are the heart of your work. Opt for a diversity of mosses and ferns with varied textures and colors for a look rich and natural. The moss is sold in “sheet” form or in small mounds.
• A hot glue gun: your best friend in this creative adventure. It is very useful because it sticks quickly and securely.
Where to get preserved plants?
You can sometimes find them at certain florists. They are also seen in hobby and craft stores. These stores offer assortments of preserved plants, but also most of the items you will need to carry out your project.
My thing
When I walk in the forest or near the sea, I am always on the lookout and looking for beautiful natural elements, like twisted pieces of wood, bark, lichen or branches. These are all materials that could be incorporated into my arrangements. These add expression and uniqueness to the compositions.
Step by step
1. Prepare the ground. Make sure your surface is clean and dry to promote glue adhesion.
2. Using the knife, cut the Styrofoam plate to the size of the frame, then attach it to the inside with hot glue.
3. Arrange your plants. Start by lining the Styrofoam board with a sheet of preserved foam. Then, arrange the moss balls by varying the colors, volumes and textures to recreate the natural look of an undergrowth. Secure the foam using staples by pushing it into the Styrofoam base. It is important to completely cover the plaque until it is no longer visible.
4. Magnify your composition by adding some preserved ferns. They will add volume and a “cascading” effect when your frame hangs on the wall.
5. Now is the time to add the final details to the composition. Those who will bring realism and character. Pieces of wood and bark and, if you wish, a few dried flowers for an accent of color. Attach the natural elements to a wire rod using hot glue, then press them into the Styrofoam base.
Nature at home
Your work will require very little maintenance other than occasional light dusting. You will therefore be able to develop a new passion and make several.
If you like the concept of the plant frame, you can apply the same principle to different supports or containers. You can thus design a mini-vivarium in a vase or a glass cookie jar. The possibilities are limitless.
Imagining a work of wall art made from preserved moss means giving free rein to your creativity while bringing a piece of nature into your home. So, gather your materials and embark on the adventure. A little moss, a few elements, a touch of madness, and voilà, you have your own corner of plant paradise!
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.