Topiary Fun!

We're getting married in front of a large, double-sided, stone fireplace. I decided to make two pink peony topiaries to set on the left and right ledges of the fireplace.

I set out, purchased, and gathered the following materials:

• Two 6 inch foam balls (JoAnn Fabric)
  
• Two white pots (Menards)
  
• Silk pink peony sprays (JoAnn Fabric)
• Floral foam (Dollar Tree)
• One bag of Spanish Moss (Michael's)
• Bundle of 5 twisted willow branches (JoAnn Fabric)
• Scotchgard (Walmart)
• Hot glue gun
• Tape measure
  
• Hedge clippers
• Knife

Instructions for how to make one topiary:

1. Take the peony heads off of the stems.

2. Begin placing some of the peonies in the foam ball to determine spacing.

3. After determining spacing, remove the peonies.

4. Begin applying hot glue to the green tip of peony and inserting it in the pre-made hole.

5. Continue step 4 until the entire ball is covered with peonies.

6. Insert 4 floral foam pieces into the pot

7. Determine the center of the pot and insert a bundle of twisted willow branches into the floral foam.

8. Use the remaining 4 floral foam pieces to secure the willow branches in the pot. You may need to use your knife to cut the foam to fit.

9. With your tape measure, measure 16 inches up the willow branches and make a notch with your scissors or knife.

10. With your hedge clippers, chop off the willow branches above your notch.

11. Take your peony ball and insert it on top of the willow branches, making at least a 1 inch hole in the foam.

12. Insert hot glue into hole in foam in peony ball and immediately place on top of willow branches. Hold it in place for a few minutes, allowing the glue to dry.

13. Lay the Spanish moss over the floral foam in the pot, covering it so that the floral foam is not visible. If you wish to secure the moss, glue it to the floral foam using the glue gun.

Here is the breakdown of the expenses:
2 white pots: $12.00
2 stryofoam balls: $5.00
4 bundles of silk pink peonies: $37.52
4 packages of 4 pieces of floral foam: $4.00
1 bag of Spanish moss: $2.50
2 bundles of 4 willow branches: $2.50
TOTAL: $63.52 for two... $31.76 each

Yeah, I know, they were kind of pricey. But I can use them as a decor piece in our home after the wedding, or I can sell them with my other wedding items and hopefully recoup some of the costs. Plus, when my florist mentioned topiaries for our ceremony she quoted me $65-$155 per topiary (although they would be larger), so I think I definitely saved when looking at it from that perspective.

Bargain Shopper

I credit my frugal mother for instilling the value of never paying retail price for items. Love that sweater? Don't worry, it'll be on sale next weekend. That's what she would always tell me and usually she was right.

Obviously I've used this value in my wedding planning abilities when possible (lets face it, I can't use a coupon for all our vendors). My frugality mostly comes into play with my DIY projects. I've frequented various websites and stores to find certain items for my projects.

Craigslist

• I found a former bride selling 28 clear cylinder vases from her wedding for $3. I met her in the parking lot of a local university and made the transaction.
  
• I found another bride selling manzanita branches from her wedding for $4 each. I went with my MOH to the bride's mother's house to pick up the branches.
  
  
• I decided to branch out one night and search the Chicago Craigslist postings since my MOH lives in Chicago, and I try to go up there as much as possible. I ended up finding a bride who was selling $18 table number holders for $15 (these little puppies would have cost me ~$40 from the store). My MOH graciously agreed to meet her at a Starbuck's to make the transaction for me.
  

Michael's

• I LOVE those little 50% off and 40% off regular retail price coupons. I always have them in my car. Seriously.
• I bought all of my votives from Michael's. 50% off, of course. 12 for $3.99.
• Things I've purchased from Michael's: circular hole punches, scrapbook paper, ribbon, styrofoam ball (for topiary), aisle runner ($15! 50% off coupon!).
  

JoAnn Fabric

• I wish JoAnn dished out the 50% off and 40% off coupons like Michael. Prude. Oh well, I still frequent her store... with my 40% off coupon in hand.
• Things I've purchased from JoAnn's: ribbon, paper mache boxes, silk pink peonies.
  

Hobby Lobby

• Love the 40% off regular retail price coupons from Hob Lob. They run good weekly sales as well. Watch the fine print though, today I tried to buy a wooden Halloween sign thinking it was 50% off, but Halloween products made from wood weren't included. Looks like I'll be going back for my "Trick or Treat" sign later...
• Things I've purchased from Hobby Lobby: ribbon, styrofoam ball (for topiary).
  

Target

• Watch those end-cap clearances! I found 8 packs of floating candles for $2.78 each and 6 packs of large unscented tealights for $1.74 each.
  

Goodwill

• I haven't purchased anything for the wedding from Goodwill... yet. Stroll down their glassware and houseware aisles. They usually have great vases for $.99 to $2.99. I see a lot of Mason and Ball jars too.
  
• Watch for their sales too! Today it was 50% off Saturday. Everything in the store was 50% off!
  

Paper Lantern Store www.paperlanternstore.com

• I bought my paper lanterns from here. I think they have pretty good prices.

Dollar Tree

• Where everything costs $1!
  
• I bought some clear, cylinder vases and styrofoam from DT.