I have always been fascinated by miniatures. Every year, I like to create little fairy and gnome gardens in my backyard. Living in the Northeast, I usually have to wait until May to dig in the garden. An indoor fairy wreath is just what I needed to get me in the mood for spring.
melissa caughey
Gather your supplies. On a secure work surface, I started by attaching sphagnum moss to the bottom of the wreath with floral wire.
melissa caughey
I picked up a small hanging birdhouse along with an oval shape made of balsa wood. I gently pulled the little chicken coop out of the house. Then I cut the rope off the top. Next, I cut the oval shape to look like a miniature door and glued it in place.
melissa caughey
Next, I glued the dried lichen to the house siding. I applied raffia in strips to decorate the door. For the roof I used pineapple pieces to look like shingles and moss to cover the roof. An acorn cap and airplant combination completes the look on top.
A low temperature glue gun is safe to use on air plants and will not cause damage.
melissa caughey
Next, I cut a length of small white picket fence the size of a fairy and glued it along the back just above the moss.
melissa caughey
I then glued the fairy house in place. She had imagined what a fairy house would look like hidden among the moss on the forest floor. I didn't necessarily want the fairies to be present in the crown because I wanted my imagination to ponder who could reside in such a tiny house and garden.
The fence can provide additional support for the fairy house, as well as extra moss strategically glued into nooks and crannies.
To create the fairy garden, I took a variety of succulent cuttings. With the low temperature hot glue gun I glued them in place. I also glued on a variety of air plants as well. A sweet pink butterfly adds a final touch of whimsy.
Hot glue will not damage succulents when applied to the stem, but it does not cover the cut end of the succulent.
This wreath can be enjoyed outside, but should be protected from freezing temperatures and direct weather. It can do well in a bright and sunny place. Spray planes and succulents once a week.
