DIY Succulents: From Placecards to Wreaths, 35+ Ideas for Creative Projects with Succulents

by Tawni Daigle

As featured in The Washington Post

Dig into dozens of stunning succulent creations!

Go beyond the garden to create succulent projects that take center stage in any space. DIY Succulents shows you how to use beautiful and resilient plants like echeveria, sedum, and graptopetalum to craft nature-inspired home decor like rustic tabletop centerpieces and breathtaking wall art. Each page offers details on selecting the right plants and containers for the project, assembling a gorgeous arrangement, and maintaining the garden as it grows. With step-by-step instructions, gardening tips, and dozens of ideas to choose from, anyone can create imaginative succulent crafts
Complete with photos and plenty of inspiration, DIY Succulents will help you add creativity, color, and personality to every room in your home.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Crafts

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2015

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book I really wanted to read about succulents was checked out, so I decided to give this one a try in the mean time. Some really useful info in the front about caring for succulents, but mostly the projects in this book were too fancy/impractical for me, although I do really like the Succulent Kokedama and the Cinderblock Garden--those are more my speed. I have had a pallet laying around for over a year now so maybe I should try for the Potted Pallet Garden, except for I kind of think the one in this book is ugly, so maybe not. Anyway, I am probably not the intended audience for this book--I don't entertain, I'm super picky about jewelry, I don't do centerpieces or wreathes, I'm not getting married or helping with anyone else's wedding... I just like succulents is all. I probably just need a boring book about them and then I'll be happy!

[Heather ***Has Moved To StoryGraph*** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dunno why I thought this book would have more about the actual plants; I’m going to blame the tiny photo of the book cover on my library’s online catalog. It had lots of cool DIY projects, but many too “extra” for me (i.e, I’m not the kind of girl to make a succulent flower crown, and I’m not getting married or dedicating a patio), but there were definitely a few projects that were my aesthetic. I’m glad I checked this out from the library. I read the entire plant care section and thumbed through the projects in about an hour.

[Lauren A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic DIY book

This book has all the information needed to begin growing succulents. What they are, where to buy them, how to grow and care for them. It's clear and easy to follow. All the projects have supply lists, step by step instructions, and great photos. I read 3 other books on succulents before this and it was be far the best. It answered all the questions I had. I feel confident about starting a terrarium after reading this!

[Beronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the various types of succulents and how I can take care of plants that do not require much upkeeping. The part about propagating succulents was useful and will allow me to continue breeding them (and using them as future gifts). The projects were understandable and exciting to try. I prepared a succulent in a terrarium. It was a lot of fun decorating the top layer with various pebbles and sand colors.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love succulents and are crafty, this is a must read for you. Clever new ideas for personal embellishment, i.e. headbands, lockets, rings, bouquets, napkin rings. I was more interested in the steps for propagation and a couple of the projects for indoor and outdoor arrangements. Some of it was more work than I was willing to take. These books are great for the apartment dweller or person who has little room for landscape gardening.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a useful guide to growing and displaying succulents. I was able to determine which ones will grow in coastal New England weather conditions, and am planning a couple of pots for our balcony.

Definitely worth a look for small-space gardeners and craft ideas with these intriguing plants.

[NebulousGloom (FK) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents a good summary of what what you need to know about growing succulents, along with a bunch of projects. For me, the coolest project was the kokedama, a plant growing in a ball of soil that is wrapped in moss and bound with string.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative Yet Simple Idea’s

This was a very simple yet creative book. It gave great ideas for your succulent plants, real or fake. The book also provided some care tips along the way for those who are new to this type of plant. Pictures were very helpful.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely creative projects from the ultra-practical to impractical (but whimsical). Great photography and explanation.

I really enjoyed this little book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring.

Lots decorative projects, step by step, that are easy to follow, using easy to find materials and practical. Very helpful

[Viet Dung Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a very simple handbook about succulent and easy design to arrange succulent for a beginner like me.
Highly recommend it for newbie succulent gardeners.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Lots of great project ideas, short and to the point. Everything felt very approachable and appealing. Only discussed plants good for beginners

[Kaaren Delzer brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, several fun ideas I want to try!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Popsugar Book with a plant in the name on on the cover

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more on the how-to-craft with succulents side instead of the how-to-care-for succulents side.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book with great photos of easy-to-make projects. The directions were clear and I wanted to make every project. The book's tone is enthusiastic and encouraging, the author never talks down to the reader. She has a website which has several of the same ideas as the book: needlesandleaves This book would make a great gift, too.

[Sydney Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned how to better care for my succulents. I'm' hoping that they will begin to grow better after reading this. I also hope to complete a couple of the creative projects listed in this book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some great information about propagating succulents. I'm really excited for my succulents to grow so I can make the wreath.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great projects, will borrow this from the library again - soon!

[Jitka Egressy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! So many great ideas. I'm novice with succulents, so this give me a great starting point Thank you!!

[Jenn]

Interesting ideas for the use of succulents. I never thought of using them in a wedding bouquet.

[lk714 · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's okay. it does a lot of "look up your environment to see what works best" which is what i thought i was doing by getting this book...

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the brief informational chapter of propagation. I'm already giving it try now.

[Shani Rashid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, crafty book for beginners

I liked this book because it contains simple instructions as well as photographs of modern, easy craft projects involving succulents.

[nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear concise instructions on the basics of succulent care! Just what I wanted.

Note to future self: take this out again in the future if possible when you wanna branch out and try some projects. Good clear instructions

[Michelle]

This is a creative book! I love all the fun ideas...