Today’s post is part of the monthly Cozy Living Series hosted by Jennifer at Town and Country Living! At the end of this post you’ll find links to more inspiring April content! If you liked playing in the dirt or making mud pies when you were little, you are going to love today’s project! We are going to make a Kokedama for Spring and Easter! What’s a Kokedama?
Kokedama is a Japanese word that translates “moss ball”. Often you will see a Kokedama hanging, but you don’t have to hang them. I prefer to sit the Kodedama on a plate or shallow bowl.
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Supplies to Make a Kokedama
Small plant – I am using Violas for my spring Kodedama
Potting soil
Sheet Moss
Jute Twine
Water
Scissors
For my plant, I decided to use these sweet violas, or Johnny-Jump-Ups, as we call them here in Pennsylvania. You’ll be seeing some more violas soon in my Easter tablescape!
How to Make a Kokedama
Once you have all of your supplies, the first thing I do is loosen the soil around the plant, exposing the roots. For a bulb plant, like a tulip, expose the bulb and roots. Next comes the fun part! It’s time to get your hands dirty! You need to wet your potting soil just enough that you can form a ball around the roots of your plant. If the soil isn’t holding, just add a little more water. Once the ball is the size you want it, you should be able to set it down without it falling apart. Next, you need to wet the sheet moss in the same way. If the moss is dry it will break apart and you won’t be able to “form” it to the dirt ball!
Once you have the dirt ball covered with the moss, you wrap the twine around the moss to secure it. There’s really no wrong way to do this. Just make sure you wrap it tight. I usually start and finish wrapping at the bottom and tie the two ends together – that way your tied ends are hidden when your Kokedama is sitting on a plate.
And, to make these super cute, I used pieces of curly willow branches and made little banners to stick into the Kokedama.
Here’s a printable sheet of mini banners that you can print and cut out. I included some blank banners so you can write your own message too. You could also make a viola Kokedama for each place setting at your Easter table and use the banner as a place card!
Taking Care of Your Kokedama
To water your Kokedama, just submerge it in water and it will soak it up! Place the Kokedama where it gets the sun required per the plant instructions! If outside, the plant will dry out more quickly, so you’ll need to water it more often. HERE are some hanging Kokedama made by Kim at Sand and Sisal. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this spring project! Is this the first time you’ve heard about Kokedama?
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Dawn
I’ve never heard this term before, so I learned something new today. I’m so in love with the sweet tags to add to the moss and the twigs are just perfect for displaying them.
Doreen Cagno
Thanks, Dawn! It was my way of making something that is a bit more modern my style!
Amanda Marie
I absolutely love this, Doreen! I’ve seen these in the past and thought they were so pretty. I’m so glad you share how to make them. I’m going to be doing this for sure!
Doreen Cagno
Oh, I’m so glad! They are so fun and easy to make!!!
Bridget
I have never seen this before, thanks so much for a fun new idea! Just curious what the best way to water these would be? Misting or soaking, or just an ice cube on top?
Doreen Cagno
Oh my goodness, Bridget! Thank you for bringing this up! I actually went back and added the instructions to the post! But, you just soak them when they begin to feel light (ie. the soil is drying out).
Lola Smith
I’ve never heard of these before but I love this idea. Yours is so sweet. Thank you for sharing the banners. They are perfect!
Doreen Cagno
You are welcome! I’m glad you like them!!!
Fran
I LUV this idea! Thanks so much for the banner printable too. You are a wonderful decorating blessing!!!
Doreen Cagno
This comment made my day, Fran!!!
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OH my goodness, I’ve never heard this term before! But now, I’m obsessed, it’s so so beautiful and sky is the limit in what plants you’d like to use. Thanks for sharing this!
Danielle
This is so beautiful and makes such a pretty centerpiece!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living
This is so pretty and organic, Doreen! I love Kokedama and you’ve given yours a fresh twist with the violas and little banners. So sweet!
ChrIsTine fuller
Lovely plants & heartwarming idea! Thank-you for sharing! Wish I could post a picture here: they were fun to make & turned out WONDERFULLY! ♥️✝️🌱
Doreen Cagno
Yay! I’m so glad you gave it a try! Mine are still looking great!