Verdant Moss Vase

Instead of browsing online or searching store after store for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, why not explore your creative talents and craft handmade moss vases that will be treasured by your loved one for years to come? Krista Aasen of The Happy Housie fashioned nature-inspired vases from metal cans, which can be dressed up with faux flowers and personalized to suit anyone on your gift list.

All you will need to craft these pretty vessels are a few clean metal food cans, a glue gun and glue sticks, preserved sheet moss, twine, scissors and a marker.

First, lay a sheet of moss on a flat surface, back side facing up. Lay one can on its side on top of the moss sheet, with the open edge of the can slightly overhanging the edge of the moss sheet. (The cut moss will cover up to the edge of the can.) Then, mark the length of the can on the moss sheet using a marker. Measure the circumference of the can by wrapping it with a flexible tape measure, and then mark that measurement on the moss sheet. Cut out the moss rectangle with scissors. Wrap the moss around the can to test the fit, remove the moss, and then apply hot glue along the top and bottom of the can. Roll the moss onto the can and press down while the glue sets. Hot glue the two short ends of the moss onto the can, and trim off any excess bits of moss. Leave the moss-covered cans plain or wrap them with twine or ribbon. Fill the cans with a faux bouquet comprising your loved one’s favorite flowers or succulents as a handmade token of appreciation on Mother’s Day.