Go green with this crafty DIY project!
Last year I shared a really fun DIY project in Chrome Magazine. As the days get warmer, I find myself wanting to do more succulent projects. I’ve managed to grow enough at home that I never need to buy them anymore. Admittedly, I often kill them – so it’s good to have plenty of backups.
For this fun project, you get to shop a real or faux skull with a variety of succulents.
Supplies
Assorted succulents/succulent cuttings
Sphagnum moss (available online or at any gardening store)
Coco liner (available online or at any gardening store)
Scissors
Make It!
Gather materials. Get ready to get a little messy. If you aren’t working outside, lay down some newspaper first.
Select the succulents you want to use. Remove any potted plants from their containers. Gently shake off the dirt, removing it from the roots without damaging them. Place the succulents around the steer skull to get an idea of a layout that you like. I knew my skull was going to hang on the wall. I wanted the plants to fall forward between the horns slightly.
Wrap the succulent stems in moss or coco liner. I used large succulents and wanted the strength of a coco liner for my plants. First I cut the coco liner in small squares large enough to wrap around the bottom stems. Place a succulent (or two) in the middle of the coco liner. Roll this into a bundle, securing it into place with a couple pieces of string. For smaller succulents, tear off small pieces of moss and gently wrap them.
Plant Fact: Succulents don’t need soil to grow. They can establish roots and thrive in sphagnum moss or coco liner. Coco liner is commonly used in hanging baskets. Coco is short for coconut. The brown fiber that comes from the coconut is also called coir; it comes from the husk of a coconut.
Attach the succulent bundles to the skull. Have you ever seen a perfect succulent arrange? A hot glue gun is the secret weapon. The fast drying glue sets almost immediately, securing the bundle in any position you desire permanently. Smaller succulent cuttings can slide into larger bundles to make a professional arrangement.
Hang up and admire! Carefully hang your steer skull in its desired location. A bright and sunny place inside or outside is preferred. Over time the succulents will grow and increase in size, making an even bigger and beautiful statement.
Here is another steer skull arrangement I made. If you don’t feel like creating, Etsy always has some beautiful pieces available.
If you are looking for more succulent projects, be sure to check out this horse head succulent arrangement I made.
Horses & Heels shares thoughtfully selected product recommendations for your viewing and shopping pleasure. You support Horses & Heels through these hand selected links, many of them earn us a commission. If you are searching for a specific product or having a difficult time shopping for a product, please send Raquel an email.
Renee Schellhardt says
How often do you need to water your succulents and how do you do that when skull hanging on wall?
Raquel says
I would advise purchasing a mister. Depending on where you live, every other week should be fine to water them. Overwatering kills succulents, so if you mist them, they are most likely to stay alive.