DIY Garden: Moss-covered Chair

When I saw this moss-covered chair at Anthropologie, I thought of all the places that it could make anyone happy that springtime is here: in a garden, on a porch, in a foyer, in a sunny room by a window or your favorite place here _______. 

My next thoughts were: “I want one,” and “How?”  So, I reached out to an old designer friend, Kimberlee Paige Hanson of Interior Bliss Design, who is a guru on all things comfort and home.  She shares step-by-step instructions on how to create your own:

Dear spring-time lover:
To make your own moss-covered chair, here are the materials you will need:
-    Chair
-    Newspaper
-    Chicken wire
-    Adhesive spray
-    Moss - Hypnum, Shortia, Fern Moss and Rock Cap Moss
-    Fern - Maidenhair Fern and Jersey Fern (Read on for more info on moss and fern)

Step 1. Find a side chair that has a nice solid seat.  It can be a wood-seat or a cushy upholstered piece.  Something with a great shape and with a vintage flair will really take this chair to the next level.
Step 2. Clean the chair cover. Then cover it in moist newspaper strips. Apply a little spray adhesive down, as well as a thin layer of chicken wire for the moss to have something to grab on to.
Step 3. Section by section, spray a bit of adhesive on the back of each piece of moss, and push it onto the damp newspaper and wire. Tip: Lay down bigger pieces of moss, so it will look like it has grown from the earth rather than pieced together.
Step 4: Incorporate ferns into the mix.  They will grow with just air and sunlight.
Step 5: Once your plantings are in place, make sure to H²O it regularly and keep them damp. Use a spray bottle or a hose with a spray attachment. The newspaper acts as something for the water to soak in to keeping the moss healthy and growing.
Step 6: Sit back and enjoy.  Use this chair as a great sculptural item in a sunroom,  or as a functional chair that doubles as a conversation piece.

Xoxo Kimberlee

PS: For moss, we suggested Hypnum, Shortia and Fern Moss and Rock Cap Moss, which handle partial sunlight.  Click here to read more.  Others will burn with exposure, so be sure to read the care instructions for each type of moss.

Comments

[Renee K.]

This just gives me one more reason to go flea marketing every weekend. Hooray!

[Judi Rottanham]

LOVE thanks for the how to.

[Whitney Ross]

I can't wait to do this.

[Sharon Tulla]

You made this look easier than I thought. Not a bad DIY project to start off Spring!

[Kora Jason]

Sweet project.

[Mala]

This makes me excited to go plant shopping.

[Patricia Rizzi]

This is really terrific, thanks for the post.

[Tara Martin]

I LOVE this!

[Linda]

Oh, love how organic this is. I'm going to hit Goodwill for a comfy chair asap.