Even though some of the plants started to root, I reinforced their latching by wrapping the entire thing with floral tape. As this close up shows, the tape isn't noticeable but it really does keep the cuttings in place.
For several months I've seen beautiful succulent wreaths online. It was one of those things that looked pretty easy to do but things are not always as they seem. Thankfully, this was another super simple craft that just took a bit of time to complete.
You will need the following supplies:
- Sphagnum moss
- Wire wreath (I used 12" but they have all different sizes)
- Fishing wire
- Floral pins
- Roottone
- Succulent soil
- Variety of succulent pieces
Here is the how to. First, gather up a bunch of various succulents. Unfortunately, I don't live in an area where there are a lot of succulents growing wild right now (it is early spring). This would be really easy and cost efficient if you live in a place that has succulents growing in park and planters. I had some (the long skinny ones) but bought the others.
You need to take snippets of the succulents and let them dry out for a few days before planting. They need to scab over before planting, so make a pile of them and just let them site on a tray to dry out for a few days.
You will need a bag of sphagnum moss. For this 12" wreath I used about half of a bag. Soak the moss in a bucket for at least half an hour. You want it to be completely soaked. You also need a wire wreath frame. I got mine at Joann Fabrics for less than $5. 
Below are the scabbed over succulents, floral pins and Rootone to give the plants a little booster to develop their roots. (It is a great product if you haven't ever used it).
You start by laying down the soaked moss on the wreath frame. Lay it down and wrap it in place with fishing line. I recommend fishing line over plastic thread because I think the fishing line is stronger and will hold up better. Don't over stuff this first layer of moss because you will be putting a layer of cactus soil and top again with another layer of moss. It's like a soil sandwich!
Here is the final wrapped wreath. This was pretty easy to do but it was really messy! Sometimes you have to get messy to make beauty!
Now you dip the tips of the succulents into water first and then the Roottone. Use the floral pins to keep the pieces in place on the wreath.
I started by placing the long skinny snippets because that is what I had the most of. I was concerned that I wouldn't have enough of the pretty flowerlike pieces. (Sorry, I'm not up on the names of succulents. I just know what I like and what is pretty). Make sure you don't overstuff the wreath. Succulents will grow once they take root. I chose to use put them close together but left plenty of room for growth.
The instructions I found said to keep the wreath horizontal for about 6 weeks so they clippings can take hold and grow roots. For now, it will sit on my outdoor table as a decoration.
What I also like about this project is that succulents don't require a lot of water so maintenance of this should be relatively easy. It will only need watered once a month (by submerging into water for 10 minutes; I'm thinking this would be easy to do using a kiddie pool).
Also, any of the succulent pieces that fall off, you can just stick in the ground and they will eventually grow. I put mine in the planters on my shed, which seems like a perfect place for them. These planters are rain protected because of the roof overhang. This way I don't have to remember to water them but once a month.
If you have any questions on the how to, please let me know. Happy to share and/or clarify.
Happy Crafting!
