Mother's Day Topiary Centerpiece Tutorial

Mother's Day is fast approaching. If you are having a gathering for your mother (or any fun spring-themed gathering), this little project is for you. It was inspired by several Pinterest pics I saw recently. You can find some here. Here is what I created.

Let's get started!
Choose a patterned paper and several coordinating card stocks. I chose a flowered print (8x8") and added Pop Tones Cotton Candy, Sour Apple and Basis Light Yellow and Light Blue.

Twist the dowel into the bottom of the ball, adding a small amount of liquid glue. Set it aside to dry.

Stamp onto the card stocks using embossing ink, sprinkle with clear embossing powder and heat set. (For each one, I stamped slightly over half the vertical 8-1/2x11" paper.

Cut into as many 3/4x4" strips as you can. I used every single one I made.

Curl each strips into a small tube and adhere the ends with a glue dot.

Starting at the top of the ball, pin each of the paper tubes onto it until the entire ball is covered. HINTS:

Use pins to allow you to move any loop that seems out of place.
Try not to pin through the glue dot...it's too sticky.
Position loops in a basket weave pattern, alternating the direction of the loops. It helps insure that the entire surface of the ball is covered.

Find a small basket, bucket or vase to make a stand for the topiary. Add marbles, rice, sand or a Styrofoam block to it and stand the topiary in it.

Embellish with curly ribbons as I did around the bottom and around the dowel. Add a heart charm to finish it up. Place on the table for the grand event.