How to Make DIY Moss Art to Bring in Lush Greenery

By
Jane Kim
Jane Kim
Jane Kim

Jane Kim (she/her) is an Associate Editor at The Spruce and MyDomaine. Her writing has been featured in the Odyssey Online, Trill! Magazine, and Byrdie.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/28/22
DIY moss art styled on a bookshelf

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr - 1 day
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $15-25

Calling all plant and DIY lovers—say hello to your next new project: framed moss art. This adorable and fun project will give you complete artistic freedom in choosing the kind of plants you want to include and what kind of design you want to create. With just a few supplies, you will be able to make your own moss art that can be kept for years and hung in your own home. From displaying the finished product on an art easel to hanging it as a statement piece in a room—it will be the definition of one-of-a-kind. Additionally, if you're looking for a gift, this can make the perfect present for anyone that loves plants or needs a bit of greenery within their space to cheer them up.

Follow this easy guide to get started on your own moss art.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Pencil
  • Craft knife
  • Spray adhesive

Materials

  • Picture frame
  • Foam board
  • Sheet moss
  • Reindeer moss
  • Faux sedum plants
  • Spanish moss
  • Air plants
  • Faux amaranthus
  • Frame easel (Optional)

Instructions

Materials needed to make DIY moss art

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  1. Remove Materials From Frame

    When you've chosen the frame you want to use, remove all of the materials such as the back, glass, and paper. Feel free to choose any size, material, and style frame that will match your home's ambiance.

    Removing glass from a picture frame

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  2. Trace Your Frame

    Grab your foam board and place your frame on the board. Use a pencil to sketch out an outline of the frame—the sketch will help you cut the foam board precisely so it fits your frame.

    Tracing the inside of a picture frame

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  3. Cut It Out

    Using a craft knife, firmly cut along the lines you've drawn and push out the foam board once it's been cut. This will be placed on the back of the frame.

    Cutting the picture frame with an xacto knife

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  4. Add Spray Adhesive

    Generously spray your adhesive onto one side of the foam board and attach it to the frame. Be sure to firmly press it down, so it's secure.

    Using spray adhesive on the back of the paper

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  5. Begin With a Base

    Cut out your sheet moss to fit the inside of the frame, then add it to the foam board—it'll create a base for the rest of your other moss and plants to be placed on securely.

    Laying down a base of moss

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  6. Spray the Sheet Moss

    Spray adhesive to your sheet moss and then place it onto the board, so it fits snugly into the frame.

    Using spray adhesive on the sheet moss

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  7. Add Your Moss and Plants

    This is where the real fun and creativity come in—start placing your moss around along with your faux plants to create your moss art. Whether it be going the abstract route or following a theme, don't be afraid to add numerous layers of different kinds to create a dimensional look.

    Tip

    Add the flatter kinds of moss and plants on the lower layers, so it can be easily buildable with ones that have a bit more dimension and texture—this will help it stay sturdy over time.

    Incorporating plants into the moss art

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  8. Let It Dry

    Once you've finished your project and are happy with the result, set it to the side to dry for a few hours or even overnight. This way, your art won't fall apart and will stay sturdy throughout.

    Letting the moss art dry

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

  9. Display Your Art

    There are numerous ways to display your newly-created artwork. Whether it be buying an art easel to place your framed moss art or hanging it up on your walls, you can experiment with what looks good within your home.

    Tip

    This framed art moss can also be an easy and thoughtful DIY to gift somebody either for a housewarming or for the holidays. With its endless customizations, you can curate the project in regard to the person's favorite kinds of plants and colors.

    Putting the moss art on display

    The Spruce / Meg MacDonald