From Head Scratchers to Head-Turners: Displaying Air Plants
Let’s talk about air plants for a bit, shall we? There are so many different ways to put these beauties on display. They can be used to create minimalistic 3D landscape art or as a focal point of a boho wall hanging. They even look great hanging from a fork. I’m always game for new ideas to showcase these unique epiphytes. In today’s tutorial, I’d like to show you how to upcycle head scratchers into a head-turning air plant display.
They’re quick, easy and, IMHO, add a touch of tranquil greenery to our wall.
I popped the unusual Tillandsia Kirchoffiana in my head scratchers. She loves growing in trees and the base of her leaves have this gorgeous purple tinge that contrasts so beautifully with the greenery.
Like most Tillies, she’s easy to maintain and only needs a good spritz of water 2 or 3 times a week and some light to stay happy.
If air plants aren’t your thing you can use faux greenery to create something similar. But, before I show you how to upcycle head scratchers into Zen-like head-turners, do me a favour and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need
- Clean head scratcher (not copper)
- Embroidery hoop
- Glue gun
- Twine
- Small elastic bands
- Coconut fiber
Making a head scratcher air plant display
There are two parts to this tutorial; giving the head scratchers a mini makeover with twine and adding an embroidery hoop frame. We’ll start with the makeover and then move onto mounting and framing.
Head scratcher makeover
If you have fancy head scratchers you can skip this step. I used el-cheapo head scratchers with bright metallic handles that didn’t live up to the Zen vibe I was after. To hide the blingy colors, put a small dollop of glue on the handle and wrap them in twine. You can paint them too if you prefer.
After wrapping, it still felt like something was missing. The head scratcher looked to head scratchy, if that makes any sense whatsoever. I wanted something calm and tranquil, almost spa-like. Anyhoos, nothing a few tassels wouldn’t cure. Cut the twine into roughly equal pieces about 1 ½ times the length of the handle. Separate the twine threads…….
….and tie them around the top of the handle with an elastic band. Flip the excess twine threads over and tie everything together with another piece of twine.
Adding a hoop to frame the air plant display
To frame the revamped head scratchers, I used an embroidery hoop. The round shape is powerful metaphor for the eternal circle of life, death, and rebirth. To attach the head scratchers to the hoop I used a “loopy” knot. I have no idea what the knot is actually called, but if you know, pop it in the comments for me. Anyhoos, this sketch gives you a rough idea of how it’s done.
You basically fold a long piece of twine in half and place it behind the hoop. Flip the fold over itself to form two loops.
Put a dollop of glue on the hoop and then place the tasseled head scratcher on top. Thread the top two ends of the twine downwards through the loops. Pull tight and wrap the ends around the tassel to secure.
It should look something like this. The top image is the front and the second image is the back.
If you find the head scratcher is a little big for the hoop, you can trim the scratchy metal bits with side cutters.
To prevent the cut metal from injuring your air plant, put a small drop of glue on the ends.
Adding the air plant and hanging
To add the air plant to the head scratchers, wrap the roots in coconut fiber to form a ball. The roots are just there to attach the air plant to their host and this Kirchoffiana can be mounted or potted, so she’s definitely not going to mind. Working from the back, pop the fiber ball inside the head scratcher and wrap twine around 3 or 4 of the wire scratchers to secure. Cut a long piece of twine and tie one end around the hoop connectors, then thread it through the twine that holds the fiber ball together, and up to the top of the hoop as shown below.
If you prefer an invisible look, you can use fishing line instead of twine. And that’s all there is to it.
An easy, budget-friendly way to turn a home into a serene oasis. Pssst, you can get the tutorial to make those whimsical wire sheep here.
Do you enjoy finding unique ways to display your air plant collection?
So, if you’re scratching your head (no pun intended) on how to put your air plants on display, pin the tutorial for later.
Sharing is caring
Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, I wish you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
I love the air plant hangers; they have a high-end look. Your instructions are easy to follow. You’re very creativeww!
Thanks so much, Carol. They do add a classy, relaxing vibe to the wall.
You got me Michelle! I thought this was the kind of project that would have me scratching my head but in a roundabout way, it is! Love your hanging air plants and yeah, those scratchers add an additional whimsical touch that makes you wonder what they are! LOVE it!
I just love the way they look and I’m always looking for new ways to put our growing collection of air plants on display. They’re such a amazing plants and deserve something special.
I absolutely love this. I think air plants are delightful! The way you have them displayed here is gorgeous. Wow. Pinning to share and save, too. 🙂
I agree and thank you for sharing, Jennifer