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A topiary tree is a small decorative tree, used to decorate rooms. They are often used in corners (or arch-ways), of halls or rooms, to help "finish off" the room. They are frequently used at special occasions, because they add a lot of glitz and glamour to the room. (In particular, topiary trees are very common at weddings).
Topiary trees don't have to be a plant- you can often make them based on a theme. For example, at my wedding, I used two candy topiary trees, and placed them near the bridal party.
These were a lot of fun to make, and doubled up as my wedding favors as well! I did this to make things easier on myself- it saved me wrapping up 93 gifts for people!
Topiary trees are simple and easy to make, and are great for almost any event. In the past, I've used topiary trees at childrens parties, birthday parties, dinner parties, and other special events.
To make a topiary tree, you will need:
- A foam ball.
- Some candy of your choice.
- A pot (the size you need will be based on the size of foam ball you use).
- A piece of dowel.
- Colored patty-pans.
- Some plaster-of-paris (for filling the pot).
- Some pebbles (for decoration).
- Curling ribbon.
To get started on the topiary tree, push the foam ball on the piece of dowel, so that it makes a hole in the ball. Make sure that you push on it enough, so it will stay once the candy and other things are added.
Once you have made the hole, remove the foam ball as it is easier to work with ball on a table, rather than when it is on the dowel.
If you are using chocolates or hard lollies, then wire them, or attach them to a skewer.
Turn your patty-pans inside out, so that you have the colored sides showing. Push your lollipop sticks through the patty-pans, and then into the ball. Continue this process until the whole ball is covered with candy.
Then take some pieces of curling ribbon and tie them around the lollipop, near the head. Use medium-length ribbon so that it will hang down nicely.
If you have gaps in-between the patty-pans, then fill them in with some wired curling ribbon. If you have any gaps near the hole in the ball, you can cover these in the same way.
The next step in making the topiary tree, is to wrap some of the curling ribbon down the piece of dowel. (Or you could paint the dowel).
Place the dowel in the pot, and set it there with the plaster-of-paris.
Slide the ball on top of the dowel.
Place some pebbles in the top of the topiary pot to cover the plaster-of-paris.
That's it! You've made a topiary tree!
As you can see, they are really quite simple to make. You'll find that children will love to help out, and even if they don't, you can guarantee they will help with eating the topiary tree afterwards!
Peta Fletcher has been making bouquets for over 14 years. Her website has lots of free information on bouquets, including how to make a wedding bouquet, and articles on candy bouquets
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