I’ve dubbed this the summer of the olive topiary tree. They’re like the boxwood’s cute little sister. Fiddle leaf figs have had a big moment, magnolia wreaths hit the trend scene thanks to Fixer Upper, and now it seems like olive branches are the new fashionable kids on the block.
And I think maybe they’re my favorite. Because with all of the hustle and bustle we’ve had in working on home improvement projects lately, I’m ready to welcome some peace into our house.
So today, I’m teaming up with Taryn from Design, Dining, and Diapers for a fun DIY Summer Decor Hop along with 11 talented bloggers. If you’re visiting from Lucy’s blog at Craftberry Bush, welcome! (And if you haven’t seen her incredible talents, I highly recommend you see what craft she’s shared because she never disappoints.)
I figured this hop was the perfect time to try out my own DIY (and less expensive) designer inspired version of an olive topiary, all with supplies from Walmart.
Seriously, how realistic looking are these olive branches?!
Supplies Used: (Some affiliate links are provided below for convenience.)
- 3 artificial olive branches (I bought mine when they were on sale for $6.26 each. It looks like they’re out of stock right now, but you could make a similar topiary with these lemon branches, cyprus branches, or boxwood branches.)
- Planter pot (I got this antique style terracotta pot for $10.)
- Wire cutters
- Hot glue gun
- Dry floral foam
- Spanish moss
- Floral tape
If you want a shorter topiary, you can snip the branch stems with wire cutters to the length you want.
Then, bundle the branch stems together with floral tape.
I realized after I made my topiary that I could have probably gotten away with only using two olive branches. Mine ended up being really full. Totally up to you, depending on the look you want.
In the flower pot, I applied some hot glue to the bottom and stacked two dry foam blocks in the center.
And then stuck my olive stems through the center of the stacked foam blocks.
I stuffed my Spanish moss in the gaps all around the dry foam blocks and hot glued more moss on top until the foam was completely covered.
Isn’t it cute?! I almost wish I’d left the stems long without trimming and made it more scraggily with just two branches. But it’s still all kinds of adorable.
I’m very tempted to make several versions of it with different kinds of greenery because it took all of 10 minutes to make. Woo to the hoo! I think it’s found a permanent spot on our foyer table for the rest of the summer. And maybe the fall and the winter and the whole year after that.
The next stop on the DIY Summer Decor Hop is Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe. Her wreath might be my favorite patriotic project ever!
If you want to see the entire decor hop from the beginning, you can start here.
Amanda @ Sincerely, Marie Designs says
June 19, 2017 at 7:46 amSo simple yet so cute! It’s just perfect, Lauren! Have a wonderful summer 🙂
Teddee Grace says
June 19, 2017 at 8:42 amCute! You can also leave the stems long and twist two together and avoid the tape. I’ve done that with two olive branches. They look like braided topiaries. Thanks for the link to the Walmart site. I see they have a lot more interesting floral items than they do in most stores. Helpful!
Kelly S. Rowe says
June 19, 2017 at 10:20 amAbsolute perfection, Lauren! Love it.
Ashley Thurman says
June 19, 2017 at 12:27 pmSuch a great tutorial Lauren! I absolutely adore olive branches, and this is perfect!!
Chelsea @ Making Manzanita says
June 19, 2017 at 3:00 pmI absolutely love this… it’s kind of one of those “Why didn’t I think of that!?” moments.
Julie Blanner says
June 19, 2017 at 4:04 pmI’ll have to resort to this since I have killed 2 olive trees in the last month. It’s pretty, Lauren!
Lauren says
June 20, 2017 at 9:11 amStory of my life, Julie! I kill every green thing that ever dared try to exist in my house. 😉
Janet McKay says
June 19, 2017 at 4:50 pmReally cute! Love it!
Taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says
June 20, 2017 at 1:32 amSuch a great project! I love how easy this is to put together, and I’m with you, I love olive trees!
Lanita Anderson says
June 20, 2017 at 9:42 amLove the topiary….and heading out to get supplies to make my own!! It’s a perfect addition to your foyer table/chest as well. Thanks for sharing… 🙂
Lauren says
June 21, 2017 at 11:50 amGo for it! Hope yours turns out well. Thanks, Lanita!
Megan says
June 22, 2017 at 8:17 amAwesome! So glad I saw your instagram on this! And I never would have thought to look at Walmart for floral pieces. Thanks a bunch for sharing!
Nancy says
June 30, 2017 at 7:24 amLauren, this is GREAT!!! What a fun, easy and frugal way to incorporate greenery in the home….. esp for people like me who LOVE greenery, but have a black thumb!?
Thank you for sharing!
Jolene says
March 26, 2018 at 2:31 pmYour olive leaf topiary looks fantastic! I am going to have to try making one. I love having green plants in our home, but sometimes they die or take a lot of work. This one looks so cute, that it might be a fun alternative to the “real” thing. Thanks for sharing!
Judy says
June 12, 2019 at 6:39 pmJust love your topiary, am going to go right out and get the supplies. Thank you for sharing, it’s absolutely perfect!
Lauren says
June 12, 2019 at 9:30 pmThank you!!