Fruit Bouquet

The Crafting Chicks are moms and we know that crafting isn't always picture perfect. And sometimes it is downright hectic and doesn't go as planned--especially when you are in a hurry!

I was asked to make a fruit topiary for a mother/daughter tea party and honestly when I bit that hook I could not visualize what a fruit topiary was. But I thought I could figure it out - with a little help from my friend Google of course :).

After consulting Google I sat off to the produce section and came home with the smallest head of cabbage I could find (it was still rather large), cantaloupe, grapes, and a box of toothpicks.

I had read that places like Edible Arrangements use cabbage as their base. I don't know if it is true but gave it a try. Number one, it is cheaper than a foam ball. And number two, I didn't have to make another stop at the craft store for a foam ball.

As soon as my boys were occupied with their lunch I set about creating the topiary. First, I pounded a 1/2" dowel into the bottom of the cabbage with a hammer. And then ran around looking for the floral foam I thought I had. Turns out I didn't have any, and I was running out of time. So my topiary really wasn't a topiary. I pulled the dowel out and sat my cabbage right on the pot. The cabbage was solid and held the toothpicks secure and heavy enough that I didn't attach it to the pot.

Borrowing a tip from my days as a floral designer, I started with my largest fruit--the strawberries and randomly stuck them in the cabbage.  See that cute boy eating lunch in the background? He waited patiently for me to finish before wanting down.

I then filled in with the grapes and cantaloupe. By staggering the heights of the fruit you are able to cover up more of the cabbage.

It turned out great! I was on time and no one even cared that it wasn't on a dowel! Next time I'm planning on attempting the pineapple flowers with melon balls. It wouldn't be hard to appear super professional.