Because there are people who can kill even the most low-maintenance of plants.
Looking to update your home for the new year? Bringing in plants and greenery is a foolproof route to a refresh — but if you don’t have a green thumb, trying to maintain a lush container garden can get expensive (and a little sad). Not to worry: There’s always a DIY way. We've collected three whimsical cactus- and succulent-themed craft projects that are just as cute as the real things — without any of the horticultural heartbreak. Which one suits your space?
Difficulty level: Easy
Put the packaging from your Blue Apron habit to good use and transform cardboard boxes into 3-D sculptures with this easy notch-and-connect technique. Paint the pieces green for a (more) natural effect, or go wild with pink, blue, or any other color that fits your scheme.
Difficulty level: Easy
With a stitched felt cactus that doubles as a pincushion, you'll never get poked by a stray sewing needle again — and the more pins you add, the more realistic it looks.
Difficulty level: Medium
Armed with the right template, you can turn any ol' sheet of paper into a pseudo-succulent. Use this garden box as a centerpiece for a table — or to brighten up a light-challenged ledge that looks out on an air shaft. (Tip: Thick, textured papers heighten the project's appeal.)
Rachel Mae Smith loves doable DIYS and strives to make life colorful and fun on her blog, The Crafted Life. Named by the Huffington Post as one of the top ten DIY Instagrammers to follow, her work has also been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple and more. When she's not brushing glitter out of her hair, you can find her exploring and Instagramming in her current home of Philadelphia, PA.
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