Crafts and Hobbies: A DIY Project That'll Have You 'Spinning' A Wreath in No Time!
A while back, I came home with a hamster wheel and 3 little babies stole it.
Well, at some point, they tired of spinning the thing, and I swooped in to make my project. What kind of project did I want to do with an old metal hamster wheel? A 3D living wreath, of course!
It took quite a bit of time to get it completed, but the actual process is quite simple. The first thing you must do is make a base for the plants. I used sphagnum moss (not spanish moss!) as the base for the plants to grow in. Basically, you have to soak the bejeebers out of the moss until it is thick and dripping wet and then attach it to both sides of the frame with fishing line or a thin, but strong plastic thread.
After you have the entire frame covered in moss, you should take the fishing line and wrap it around and around and around again over the entire frame to secure it. Once you feel the base in solid, it is now time to do the fun part! Pick a variety of succulents and start designing! Some succulents with longer stems can actually be woven int the wire framework of the hamster wheel. You have to make sure that they are woven loosely as to not break or crush the stem and the bottom of the stem needs to be firmly in moss, not in the air. Shorter stemmed succulents can be attached into the moss with a bobby pin.
What makes this wreath particularly interesting is the 3D quality. Since the form of the hamster wheel is "thicker", there is more planting space and the entire circle, top, bottom, inside and out can be planted. This is the underside of the wreath when it is placed on a banister. You can even stand it up! you know how hamster wheels are normally oriented vertically? Just use the stand and place your wreath vertically for a 3d centerpiece.
Related: How to Grow Your Own Window Garden
So the moral of the story is, choose your succulents wisely!
One other great thing about using the hamster wheel instead of a traditional wreath form is that the bar in the middle of the wheel makes an absolutely perfect carrying handle so that you can easily transport your wreath without damaging it.
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