Welcome to what I’ve affectionately dubbed the “Summer of the Olive Topiary Tree.” These delightful creations are quickly becoming the charming, sophisticated younger sibling to the ever-popular boxwood. We’ve seen trends come and go in home decor, from the grand presence of fiddle leaf figs taking center stage to the rustic charm of magnolia wreaths popularized by shows like Fixer Upper. Now, the understated elegance of olive branches is making a graceful entrance into our homes, capturing hearts with their serene beauty.
And honestly, I think they might just be my favorite trend yet. After pouring countless hours into various home improvement projects lately, our house has been a whirlwind of activity. I’m more than ready to invite a sense of calm and tranquility back into our living space, and there’s something inherently peaceful about the subtle, natural beauty of olive foliage. Their gentle green hues and delicate leaves offer a refreshing aesthetic that complements almost any decor style, from modern farmhouse to minimalist.
Today, I’m thrilled to be participating in a vibrant DIY Summer Decor Hop alongside my talented friend Taryn from Design, Dining, and Diapers, and a host of 11 other incredibly creative bloggers. If you’re joining us from Lucy’s inspiring blog at Craftberry Bush, a warm welcome to you! If you haven’t yet explored her extraordinary talents, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a moment to see what craft she’s shared today – she truly never disappoints with her impeccable style and innovative ideas.
This collaborative decor hop presented the perfect opportunity to finally tackle a project I’ve been dreaming about: creating my very own DIY olive topiary. My goal was to craft a designer-inspired version that looks sophisticated and expensive, but without the hefty price tag. The best part? I sourced all my supplies from Walmart, proving that beautiful, on-trend home decor can absolutely be achieved on a budget. This simple, elegant olive topiary brings a touch of Mediterranean charm and a breath of fresh air to any space, making it an ideal addition to your summer styling.
Crafting Your Own Designer-Look Olive Topiary: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before we dive into the simple steps, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer realism of these artificial olive branches! The quality of faux greenery has come so far, making it incredibly easy to achieve a lush, lifelike look that will fool even the keenest eye. When selecting your branches, always prioritize those with varied leaf tones and subtle imperfections, mimicking nature’s own artistry. This attention to detail is what elevates a DIY project from looking homemade to custom-crafted.
Gather Your Essential Supplies for a Budget-Friendly Olive Topiary
Supplies Used: (Please note that some affiliate links are provided below for your convenience, allowing you to easily find the exact products I used or similar alternatives.)
- Faux Olive Branches: I used three artificial olive branches for a full, dense look. I managed to snag mine during a fantastic sale for just $6.26 each, proving that patience can pay off! If olive branches are out of stock or you simply wish to explore other charming options, you could create equally beautiful topiaries with these lifelike lemon branches for a cheerful Mediterranean vibe, elegant cypress branches for a more traditional aesthetic, or classic boxwood branches for timeless appeal. The choice of greenery truly allows you to customize your topiary to suit your personal style and existing decor.
- Planter Pot: The right pot can make all the difference. I opted for this antique-style terracotta pot, which I found for a mere $10. Its rustic charm perfectly complements the natural feel of the olive branches. When selecting your pot, consider its size, material, and color to ensure it harmonizes with your chosen branches and the room where the topiary will reside.
- Wire Cutters: Essential for snipping through sturdy artificial stems. A good quality pair will make this step quick and effortless, ensuring clean cuts without damaging your branches.
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: Your secret weapon for securing elements and covering any visible mechanics. Hot glue provides a strong, instant bond, making the assembly process smooth and efficient.
- Dry Floral Foam Blocks: These are crucial for anchoring your branches firmly in the pot. I recommend using dry floral foam as it’s designed for artificial arrangements and provides excellent stability.
- Spanish Moss: To achieve that polished, natural finish, Spanish moss is perfect for covering the floral foam and creating an organic base around your branches. Other options include decorative pebbles, river rocks, or even small bark chips for varied textures.
- Floral Tape: This pliable, self-adhesive tape is ideal for bundling your branch stems together, providing a neat and secure base before insertion into the foam.
Step 1: Customize Your Topiary’s Height by Trimming Stems
The first step in creating your personalized olive topiary is to determine its desired height. If you envision a shorter, more compact topiary, now is the time to snip the branch stems. Using your wire cutters, carefully trim the bottom of the artificial stems to the length you prefer. Think about where your topiary will be placed – on a bookshelf, a console table, or a mantelpiece – and adjust the height accordingly. Remember, it’s easier to cut more off than to add length back on, so measure twice and cut once!
Step 2: Securely Bundle Your Olive Branches
Once your stems are trimmed to the perfect length, gather all your olive branch stems together. Hold them firmly, ensuring the tops create the shape and fullness you desire for your topiary. Then, wrap them tightly with floral tape, starting from just below the lowest leaves and working your way down the stems. This bundling technique creates a unified, sturdy stem that will be much easier to insert and secure into the floral foam. As an aside, after completing my topiary, I realized that for a slightly less dense, more “scraggily” and organic look, two olive branches might have sufficed. However, three branches resulted in a wonderfully full and lush topiary. The beauty of this DIY project is that you can adjust the number of branches to achieve your preferred aesthetic – whether you’re aiming for a sparse, naturalistic look or a rich, dense foliage display.
Step 3: Prepare Your Planter with Floral Foam
Now, let’s prepare the base for your topiary. Take your chosen planter pot and apply a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom interior. This adhesive will firmly secure your floral foam, preventing it from shifting once the topiary is assembled. Next, stack two dry floral foam blocks in the center of the pot, pressing them down firmly onto the hot glue. Ensure the foam blocks are stable and fill the pot sufficiently to provide a secure anchor for your branches. If your pot is particularly wide, you might need to trim the foam to fit snugly or use additional pieces to fill any large gaps. The goal is a solid, immovable foundation for your beautiful olive topiary.
Step 4: Insert the Olive Stems for a Sturdy Foundation
With your floral foam securely in place, it’s time to insert your bundled olive stems. Carefully push the taped bundle directly through the center of the stacked foam blocks. Apply firm, steady pressure until the stems are deeply embedded and feel completely stable. Wiggle the bundle gently to ensure it’s centered and upright, adjusting as needed. This step is critical for the overall stability and appearance of your topiary, so take your time to get it right. You want your topiary to stand tall and proud, without any wobbling or leaning.
Step 5: Conceal the Foam with Natural Spanish Moss
The final touch to give your DIY olive topiary a polished, professional look is to cover the visible floral foam. Take handfuls of Spanish moss and carefully stuff it into all the gaps around the dry foam blocks and the base of your olive stems. Continue adding and gently pressing the moss until the foam is completely covered and no mechanics are visible. For extra security and to prevent the moss from shifting over time, you can apply small dabs of hot glue to strategic spots as you place the moss. This not only enhances the natural aesthetic but also provides a neat, finished appearance that truly elevates your topiary to designer quality.
The Finished Olive Topiary: A Touch of Serenity for Your Home
And just like that, your beautiful DIY olive topiary is complete! Isn’t it utterly charming? Looking at the finished piece, I almost wish I had experimented with leaving the stems longer, embracing a more “scraggily” and untamed natural look with perhaps just two branches. But even with the trimmed, fuller arrangement, it exudes an undeniable cuteness and elegance that makes it incredibly appealing. This project is a testament to how simple steps can lead to stunning results, transforming inexpensive materials into a sophisticated decor statement.
The sheer simplicity and speed of this craft are what make it truly addictive. It took me a mere 10 minutes from start to finish! This incredible efficiency has me incredibly tempted to create several versions, experimenting with different types of faux greenery – perhaps a vibrant lemon leaf topiary for the kitchen, or a more traditional boxwood for a classic living room accent. This particular olive topiary has found its perfect home on our foyer table, adding a welcoming touch of green that feels right for the summer, but honestly, its timeless appeal means it will likely remain a cherished fixture through fall, winter, and indeed, the entire year after that. Its versatility makes it a decor piece that transcends seasons, bringing a consistent sense of calm and natural beauty to your home.
Continue the DIY Summer Decor Hop!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick and satisfying DIY project. The creative journey doesn’t end here! The next exciting stop on our DIY Summer Decor Hop is the incredibly talented Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe. Prepare to be inspired – her farmhouse-inspired patriotic wreath is, in my humble opinion, one of the most charming and creative patriotic projects I’ve ever seen!
If you’re eager to explore all the amazing DIY ideas from the very beginning of this inspiring decor hop, you can simply start your journey here. Each blogger brings their unique touch to summer decor, offering a wealth of ideas to beautify your home on a budget. Happy crafting!
