This is a lovely gem of a project that looks wonderful in a snowy window. Small birds, mushrooms, and other woodland creatures sit amongst dried moss on a small log to bring the forest into your home on a winter's eve! One of my favorites.
Materials and Equipment:
- a large plastic bag or several sheets of newspaper
- one small cylindrical log, a foot-long section cut off the base of a Christmas tree or a thick tree branch works well
- several handfuls of sphagnum moss (available at any garden center)
- small foam woodland figurines such as birds or mushrooms, dyed in natural colors (available at most craft centers)
- dried rosehips or other dried berries/seedpods
- one cinnamon stick
- one or more small pinecones
- craft glue
Instructions:
- Clean and dry the log before starting. Clear the table and cover it with newspaper or a large garbage bag to avoid getting glue on the table.
- Begin by creating a 'practice log' before applying any glue. Drape moss across the top of the log. Next, arrange figurines, pinecones, and dried berries/seedpods on top of the moss. There are lots of possible arrangements, although I found the cinnamon stick made a good 'log' for the birds to sit on.
- When you are satisfied with your arrangement, remove all the items from the log. Apply craft glue to the log in the places where you want to apply the moss. Place the moss on top of the log and allow it to dry for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- When the glued moss is dry, glue the figurines, rosehips, pinecones, and cinnamon stick (whatever you are using) to the log or the moss, recreating the "practice log" you designed earlier. Press objects against the log or moss and hold them there until they are glued fast and can stand upright on their own.
- Store in a dark box for the rest of the year to preserve the colors for next season.
