Having a centuries-old history, the art of topiary is gaining increasing popularity among needlewomen. In this large article from Krestik, we decided to collect the most complete, relevant, useful and interesting information about the Trees of Happiness. It is here that you will find many links to specific master classes, examples of finished work, as well as various video tutorials, thanks to which you will certainly be able to make topiary with your own hands.
- The subtleties of creating topiary
- Topiary made from artificial flowers
- Topiary made from satin ribbons
- Felt topiary
- Topiary made of organza or chiffon
- Sisal topiary
- Coffee topiary
- Festive topiary
- Marine topiary
- Topiary made from napkins
The subtleties of creating topiary
What the topiary will be made of depends only on your imagination. However, there is a basic set of components of a miniature tree:
- the basis
- trunk
- crown
- flowerpot or stand
Photo by Yulia Naidun
A variety of materials can be used to decorate the topiary crown: satin ribbons, chiffon, felt, organza, sisal, paper napkins, natural materials (cones, shells, twigs), coffee beans, candies, nuts, as well as artificial or natural flowers and fruits .
All the details of creating Trees of Happiness can be seen in this video tutorial:
DIY coffee topiary: manufacturing stages
To create a composition you need a base, fabric, a gun with liquid glue, coffee beans, liquid glue.
We prepare the base for the crown: carefully wrap the ball with fabric tape. Threads are wound randomly over the material and the fabric is secured. These preliminary works will help to lay the grains evenly and tightly. Using scissors, carefully make a hole (2-3 cm deep) in the crown for the trunk.
Topiary in the form of roses
Topiary made from napkins
Glue is applied to the area of the ball and coffee is carefully poured. The grains are pressed down and distributed so that a single layer of decor is obtained. Leave for a few minutes to dry the coffee area.
The entire surface of the base is also decorated.
The wooden trunk is painted with brown acrylic paint (if it is wire, it is wrapped in sisal).
Topiary made of pine cones
Sisal topiary
After the decor has dried, the crown is put on the trunk (the top of the trunk is covered with glue from a hot gun).
The surface of the alabaster in the pot is greased with PVA glue and covered with coffee beans. The crown is covered with bronze-colored acrylic paint and the layer of coffee beans acquires a rich color.
A bow is formed from nylon tape and glued to the base of the crown.
Fabric topiary
Felt topiary
Topiary made from artificial flowers
Using artificial flowers to create Trees of Happiness greatly simplifies the process, since you do not first need to make elements for the crown.
Author — kujenya
Cooking crown
The crown of the craft is a sphere decorated with various elements. Less commonly used are a flat, spreading form, reminiscent of decorative ikebana trees. The ball is formed from the middle.
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The following compressed newspapers are glued to the newspaper ball, gradually increasing the diameter of the ball. A ball with a diameter of 15-20 cm is considered optimal. A foam blank of the required size is often used.
You can assemble a homemade sphere, hollow inside, from pasta, thread, papier-mâché. Decorate the craft with any objects, with different effects.
Topiary made from satin ribbons
One of the most popular materials for creating a topiary crown is satin ribbons.
Author — shikolenkova60
However, before you start creating the tree itself, you need to work some magic on the ribbons and create the required number of flowers. The Krestika article Fragrant rosewood will tell you how to “make” topiary made from satin ribbons truly smell fragrant.
Author - Anastasia Smykova
YOU WILL NEED IT
and our master classes on flowers made from satin ribbons:
- Luxurious blooming rose made of ribbons
- Rose "Marquise" made of satin ribbons
- Gorgeous rose made from a wide ribbon
- Volumetric Kanzashi flower
- Beautiful Kanzashi chrysanthemum
- Peony made of satin ribbons
You can also learn how to make roses from ribbons using the video tutorial below:
What is topiary and what are they?
Initially, it was believed that topiary is a decoration that simultaneously acts as a symbol of protection for the home. A little later they began to say that an artificial tree made from precious materials brings wealth. And already in the 20th century they argued that this was simply a “tree of happiness,” a kind of symbol of well-being, like a horseshoe on the front door.
Find out how to make topiary with your own hands and tips for beginners here:
And it should be noted that topiary has different types:
- “indoor” topiary.
- Street.
- Based on a living tree.
Nowadays, topiary means crafts that are an artificial small tree that is located in a flower pot. And they are also divided into many varieties, including: floral topiary, fabric, foam, wood and so on. That is, the difference lies in the material from which they are created.
There are a whole lot of algorithms for exactly how to create a topiary, but few people mention that in principle there cannot be any rules there. In fact, we are talking about some kind of fantastic tree. Everyone makes it the way they want to see it.
That is, proportions, options, sizes - all this is not limited by any framework. The shape of the crown, compliance with some natural parameters (for example, the height of the tree relative to the thickness) - all this does not matter. Therefore, the projects for each product are purely individual.
Felt topiary
An equally popular material is felt.
We have prepared for you a detailed master class on creating a felt Tree of Happiness.
Author - Anastasia Smykova
The topiary crown can also be decorated with other felt flowers, such as roses, violets, peonies or hydrangeas.
Material for base, barrel
A topiary consists of a pot, a trunk and a base. As a pot, you can use glass and tin jars, plastic cups, flowerpots, vases and much more, the main thing is that the diameter of the container is no larger than the crown.
To imitate a trunk, you can use a plastic plumbing pipe, natural driftwood, thick cable or wire, a roll of pressed cardboard or kebab skewers. Remember that the trunk must be long enough to accommodate the crown.
Let's move on to the most interesting part: what to use as the basis for the crown? Options:
- buy ready-made in a specialized store;
- roll from newspapers - compress the inner ball into a ball and wrap the next layers onto it, tightening them with thread;
- Christmas tree balls, children's balls, and polystyrene foam are suitable.
To decorate the crown, any items are used: paper and artificial flowers, beads, coffee, Christmas tree decorations, colored stones, glitter and much more.
Topiary made of organza or chiffon
Organza topiaries turn out as airy as a cloud, since organza is the most weightless material.
Author - Tatyana Panteeva
Anastasia in her video shows how to make roses from organza. Watch, learn, and then make the most delicate topiaries with these flowers!
Chiffon flowers will also serve as an excellent decoration for the topiary crown.
Author - Nina Anikina
The history of topiary: how this creative idea came about
It is believed that topiary originally appeared in ancient Greece. At that time, the country was known throughout Europe for its sculptors, architects, and decorators. At that time, topiary was real trees, but given a certain shape. And their crowns were decorated in all possible ways, from turned wood to figured cutting of the branches themselves.
The exact history of topiary is currently unknown, but many associate it with:
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
- With the presentation of gifts to the gods of Olympus.
- With other rituals dedicated to celebrations in honor of certain gods.
By the way, it should still be noted that there is a category of historians who claim that the production of topiary in its modern form originates from France in the 17th and 18th centuries. Then the architects of Versailles came up with the idea of creating artificial trees that could serve as decoration even in winter. And already at the beginning of the 20th century, topiary was widely known throughout Europe.
Sisal topiary
Sisal
- natural coarse fiber obtained from the plant of the same name. Despite its roughness, currently sisal is used mainly only for needlework and floristry. This colorful fiber makes very cozy topiaries.
Author — KatyaFlor
Coffee topiary
Coffee topiaries deserve special attention! They bring not only aesthetic beauty, but also an excellent warming aroma!
Coffee topiary is one of the most popular handmade gifts. Therefore, we have selected ideas for decorating a fragrant tree for you and prepared detailed master classes on how to create it!
Author — hmbarabashka
The material is very small, so the work ahead is delicate, like Cinderella. But the finished product will certainly bring comfort to the home and happiness to the family.
Fragrant souvenir
Many people succeed in making coffee topiary wonderfully the first time. It has an attractive appearance, a subtle aroma hangs in the air for a long time, and is an excellent choice as a souvenir. For the craft you will need:
- Scissors;
- Glue gun;
- Coffee beans;
- Foam ball, diameter 10-12 cm;
- Trunk, base;
- Containers for solution, gypsum;
- Acrylic lacquer;
- Decor, burlap, braid.
Festive topiary
By the way, topiaries can be of various shapes and purposes: Easter, for lovers, New Year, etc.
Wedding topiary. Author - Anastasia Smykova
Wedding topiary. Author — Volshebnica
Topiary of lovers
Easter topiary. Author — Volshebnica
New Year's topiary. Author — Volshebnica
YOU'LL LIKE IT
our festive article about New Year's topiaries, which includes master classes on creating topiaries from:
- Christmas balls
- natural materials (spruce and pine cones and branches)
- nuts, sweets, tangerines
- as well as topiary with embroidery, etc.
Marine topiary
A sea topiary made of shells, pebbles, and pearls will help preserve summer memories. You can find out ideas and study the master class in a separate article.
Author — Alexandra (ihandmaderTV)
Author — lelyael
Author — kseniyaart
