Etsy Journal

Explore ideas and inspiration for creative living

DIY Trend: 3 Fun (Faux) Cactus Projects

Because there are people who can kill even the most low-maintenance of plants.

Photo by: A Beautiful Mess

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?
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DIY cardboard cacti by The House Lars Built

Cardboard cacti

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.  inv_fullxfull.3297875312_9hc7kq39.jpg?version=0
DIY cactus pincushion by A Beautiful Mess

A plush pincushion

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. 
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DIY paper succulent garden by Lia Griffith  

Layers of leaves

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.) 

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Rachel Smith image
Rachel Smith

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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