Pretty-as-a-Package Topiary
Designed by Annabelle Keller - Project Courtesy of The Dow Chemical Company

MATERIALS NEEDED
STYROFOAM* Brand Foam: 2 Sheets, 1" x 12" x 36"
Note: Smaller sheets can be used. If different sizes are used, see Step 1 to determine quantities.

Other Materials:
Clay pot, 5"
Gift wrap, bridal
Acrylic craft paint: white wash, white pearl, gold
Spray paint, gold glitter
Ribbon, 1-1/2" x 4 yds, wired
Silk bridal sprays, 11 small
Pearl & floral streamers, four
Floral wire, 6", cloth-covered
Sea sponge, small
Yardstick
Sharp pencil
Serrated knife
Old candle
Paintbrush, 3/4" flat
Scissors
Low temperature glue gun and glue sticks

1. Wax knife blade with an old candle. Cut from sheets of STYROFOAM brand foam three squares in each of the following sizes: 9", 8", 3". Cut two 5" squares. Stack and glue foam squares together, creating "packages". Sand rough edges with a scrap of foam.

2. Wrap packages. Stack and glue packages together, turning packages on an angle (refer to photograph).

3. Paint pot with two coats of white wash; let dry. Lightly sponge with white pearl and gold paints.

4. Using 3 yds of ribbon, make a six-loop bow with 12" loops and 18" tails; secure with wire. Using remaining ribbon, add two more 18" tails. (Click here for instructions on how to make bows)

5. Center and glue packages to rim of flowerpot. Glue bow to top. Glue three floral sprays to center of bow and four pearl/floral streamers under bow. Glue floral sprays on corners of middle and bottom packages.

6. Spray completed topiary with gold glitter.

CAUTION: Handle assembled topiary by pot only.

Project reprinted courtesy of the Dow Chemical Company, Manufacturer of Genuine STYROFOAM^(R) Brand Foam. For more free project ideas, please visit www.styrofoamcrafts.com.