DIY This Moody, Mossy Living Dead Succulent Wall Planter
Snag a thrift store frame, some succulents, moss and glue to make this upcycled, scary-meets-stylish succulent wall planter perfect for Halloween — anyone with half a head can make it.

Nikk Alcaraz

If Halloween store decor doesn't send chills down your spine, food artist and content creator Nikk Alcaraz has a DIY that'll have your party guests worried about the origins of this eerie, overgrown succulent wall planter. Round up some dead-or-alive — er, real or artificial succulents and get crafting with this thrift store DIY.

Nikk Alcaraz
Materials + Tools
- foam or plastic skull
- vintage, thrifted frame
- clear plastic cutting boards
- low-temp hot glue gun
- 6 succulents in plastic pots - real or artificial
- clumps of moss - real or artificial
- jumbo craft sticks
- serrated knife
- scissors
- paintbrush
- school glue
1. Prep Thrift Store Frame
First, remove the back from the vintage frame (Image 1). Then place plastic cutting boards over the back of the frame (Image 2). Mark and measure the cutting boards to fit inside the frame, then use scissors to carefully trim the mats. Then, use a low-temp hot glue gun to affix them on top of the old frame artwork (Image 3).

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz
2. Trim + Rebuild Succulent Pots
First, remove succulents from plastic pots. Use scissors to carefully cut the plastic pots in half around the middle (Image 1) and place the plants back inside. Next, place jumbo craft sticks flatly around the top of the plant (Image 2) and use scissors to trim the craft sticks to match (Image 3). Next, use a low-temp hot glue gun to add a circle of glue around the top of the plant; while the glue is hot, place the trimmed craft sticks onto the tops (Image 4). Add a dot of hot glue to the bottom of the pots and place them in groups of three on the frame (Image 5).

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz
3. Add Plants + Moss
With a serrated knife, slice a foam or plastic skull in half (Image 1). Use a low-temp hot glue gun to affix the back of the skull to the center of the frame (Image 2). Then glue in mounds of dried moss around the pots to disguise the clear backing (Image 3); tightly pack the moss in-between the pots and the skull. Make sure every space is completely covered in moss. Use a paintbrush to add a layer of school glue to the front of the skull (Image 4). Rub two pieces of moss together over the glue to create moss dust on the skull (Image 5).

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz
4. Plant Care + Display
To water and care for real plants, remove the frame from the wall, lay down on a table and lightly mist with a spray bottle (Image 1). Or, opt for artificial greenery for a care-free look. Hang the living dead succulent planter on the wall and await guests' gushing compliments (Image 2).

Nikk Alcaraz

Nikk Alcaraz
Peculiar Projects From Nikk Alcaraz
Nikk Alcaraz is a DIY and food artist based in Los Angeles, California and founder of Practical Peculiarities, a creative hub for all peculiar food and crafts.
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