How to Fake a Green Thumb 101

As we get busier outdoors this time of year, we tend to spend less time indoors and less time with our plants. But I know you still want to have that home decor arrangement that says, “summer”. I have an easy solution for you. How about any easy DIY craft cactus to complete your summer display for your living room? So follow along and I will show you how to fake a green thumb 101.

It is really simple to create a potted cactus, prickles not included. And trust me, if you have any left over felt from another DIY craft, then you will have all the supplies needed for this. If you don’t happen to have any left over green felt then here is a great bundle of different greens perfect for this project.

Supplies for Tall Cactus

Felt in the colour of your choosing.
white thread
needle
clay pot (3-4″ in width) or a container/planter that you have sitting around
craft paint or spray paint (if you wish to paint your pot)
white rock
rice (raw white or brown)
pom pom (1/2 ” size or less)
glue gun

scissor

I have to give credit where it is due for this home decor project. The inspiration and pattern for this DIY is Better Homes & Gardens Make It Yourself Magazine Spring/Summer Edition. The designer is SAH-RAH: sah-rah.com. You can find this Magazine on store shelves now or go to MakeitYourselfMagazine.com

Let’s Get Started

Cut six of the pattern pieces for the cactus. Sew two pieces together around the curved outer edge using a blanket stitch (find the blanket stitch tutorial HERE) and tying off the end, leaving the bottom open. Do the same for two more pairs.

2. Then sew the three pairs together down the middle. Once this is tied off at the bottom, fill up each area with rice, using a small skewer to push the rice down to the bottom.

3. Sew the bottom of the cactus up using a whip stitch (find a whip stitch tutorial HERE).

4. Paint your clay pot (if desired) with spray paint or craft paint. One pot I painted with craft paint and the other I sprayed gold (as I couldn’t decide which colour to use and then I did another cactus).

5. If your pot is too deep place some of the white rock in the pot (I filled mine half way up). Then I put in the cactus and added the rest of the white rock up to the top while holding the top of the cactus. The cactus isn’t secured to the bottom of the pot in this case so if you want to have it adhered to the bottom of the pot, then use a glue gun to do so.

And that’s it, it looks almost realistic and requires no tending or watering. I decided to do an additional round cactus to make a more complete display.

Supplies for Small Round Cactus:

round circle of felt in a minumum of 6″ in diameter
dental floss (waxed) 35″ long
polyester fill
clay pot
white rock
needle
scissors
glass head straight pins

Sew a 1/4 inch around the edge of the circle with the floss.
Tighten the floss at both ends and then fill with polyester fill. Tie the two ends together.
Then take one of the ends and bring it up through the top middle and through to the back side.
Repeat this four times with one thread and then four times with the other thread so that you get eight equal sections.
I just placed the cactus on top of the white rock that I filled the clay pot with. Add the glass head straight pins for the spikes.
Check out my other felt tutorial as pictured below in the Twinings vintage tin called “Not Sew Succulent“.
Even though I share a lot of freebies and tutorials, I held back for years sharing my creations because I feared failure. As creatives, you and I can be held back due to negative thinking. It might look like comparing your ability to others or not having the confidence to pursue your creative talent or putting your creations out into the world.
But what if you could change that?
I have just the freebie for you –
Do you want to build a creative business but are struggling to find the answer to “what do I do next?”
I can help you GAIN CONFIDENCE and CLARITY to achieve your goal.
AND
I can help you ACHIEVE your goal and LAUNCH your business. I help take out the overwhelm.
The Freebie is called the Creative Clarity Workbook. This workbook will walk you through the key Preparing and Planning components of successfully launching:
- Core Values
- Changing negative beliefs into Affirmations
- Creating a Vision Board
- Vocalizing and Visualizing your Dream
- Creating Community
- How to take Action
Grab your FREE Workbook HERE.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Are you ready to start something amazing?
Do you desire to take your hobby and start a creative online presence?
Do you want to build a creative business but are struggling to find the answer to “what do I do next?”
I can help you ACHIEVE your goal and LAUNCH your business. I can help take out the overwhelm.
So, go for it! Take that step and book your FREE 15 minute call (I will be so excited for you, it just may turn into 30 minutes) with myself, a Counsellor turned Coach with 17 years experience.
You are going to love the new you!
Watch this quick video below for more information.
https://youtu.be/C08dZQkZCU0
Click HERE to get started.
Remember to pin image to read later or share to Pinterest. Thank you!
Now that you know how to fake a green thumb 101, don’t forget to grab your “Life is like a Cactus: Thorny but Beautiful” printable. If you love FREE, go to the FREE PRINTABLES gallery page to get more goodies (2018 Calendar, gift tags, cards, and quote prints).
Super easy, affordable and quick! Is this a DIY craft project that you would be up for on a rainy day? Let me know if this DIY tutorial finds it’s way into your home. This would be a great activity to do with kids as well!
If you like what you have read, please comment, pin and share! Thank you!
Blessings from my house to yours,
Darlene