Catch these ideas LIVE on Seattle’s KOMO TV, Channel 4 at 4pm on Monday February 24th.

 It’s not quite Spring yet but that doesn’t mean you can’t brighten up your home with plants. Succulents and cacti are both easy to care for and fun to create arrangements with. If live plants aren’t your thing, no problem, I’ve got some fabulous faux plant projects to share with you! Here are some sensational succulent and cactus ideas.

 Succulents in a Distressed Pot

Succulents are inexpensive, easy to care for and lovely to look at! Transform a plain clay plot into an “aged” version to highlight the beauty of these simple plants.

 Supplies: Clay pot, Americana Acrylic Paint in Ebony and Snow, Moss from The Moss Collection, hot glue, succulents and dirt. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Instructions: Paint pot white, let it dry. Load small amount of black paint on paintbrush, and dab all over white pot. After it dries, give pot one more coat of white paint. Use hot glue to add moss to pot. Add dirt and succulents.

 Lighted Woodland Scene

Add a touch of whimsy to your decor or dining room table with this Lighted Woodland Scene.

Supplies: Large faux moss covered piece, faux mushrooms, faux flowers, faux rocks, small model insects from Darice, birds, set of firefly lights, scissors and hot glue. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Instructions:  Use hot glue to add items to the large moss covered piece. Weave firefly lights through bottom of moss piece. Add pot of succulents if you want.

 Mason Jar Succulent

Mason Jars and succulents, the perfect combination.

Supplies: Mason Jar (with a smooth side), dirt, rocks, moss, succulent, colored burlap ribbon. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Instructions: Add dirt to Mason Jar. Gently add plant, rocks and miss. Tie ribbon around rim of jar.

Faux Succulent Garden

Ever wonder how to get the “weathered” look on brand new wood? Here’s how!

 Supplies: Plain wooden “windowpane” frame, Americana Acrylic Paint in Ebony and Snow, two sets of  small faux succulents, chicken wire, sheets of moss. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Instructions: Mix black and white paint and add water to thin (this is how you get the “weathered” look). Paint water all over the frame. Add paint mixture and wipe off with a paper towel until you can see the wood. Do the same for to the back of the frame. Let it dry. Trace glass from frame to get the right size of the moss and cut with scissors. Do the same for the chicken wire and cut out. Add moss moss and chicken wire to frame and put the back back in. Snip off small pieces of the faux succulents and use hot glue to adhere to frame.

Hedgehog Faux Succulent Arrangement 

 Hedgehogs are HOT right now. This sweet arrangement is made with faux succulents but they look so real.

Supplies: Large square container, four large faux succulents, large rocks, moss, hedgehog figurine, small clay pot, Americana Acrylic Paint in Ebony and Snow. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Instructions: Paint the pot white, let it dry. Add some black paint. Paint the pot white again. Add rocks to container. Stick four large faux succulents in. Tuck moss on top. Place small pot in center and add hedgehog. Tuck some moss around the pot.

 Whimsical Gnome Garden

What’s more fun than a gnome? Assemble this Whimsical Gnome Garden… no plants required! 

Supplies: Round metal container, faux circular moss, gnome, rock arch, bbq, rocks, faux flowers. mushrooms, flamingo and hot glue. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Directions: Place circular faux moss to container. Arrange items in container.

Cactus Garden

Cacti are great alternatives to plants– and they’re so easy to care for! 

Supplies: Glass container, cacti, dirt, class pebbles and fish, faux tea lights. All plants and supplies available from Ben Franklin Crafts and Frames in Redmond.

Directions: Add dirt and cacti. Sprinkle glass pieces on top. Add battery powered lights.