9. Realistic Paper Succulent Garden
If you love the look of fresh greenery but struggle to keep houseplants alive, a realistic paper succulent garden is the ultimate solution. These faux plants require zero watering, sunlight, or soil, and they look incredibly lifelike when styled in a rustic wooden planter box, a geometric terrarium, or a simple terracotta pot filled with real river pebbles.
To craft these succulents, choose cardstock in various shades of sage green, dusty plum, and soft teal. Cut out concentric layers of star-shaped petal templates, graduating from large to small. To mimic the plump, fleshy look of real succulents, use a bone folder or the edge of a pen to gently curl the edges of each paper petal upward. Layer the pieces on top of one another, rotating them slightly so the petals nestle in the gaps of the layer below, and secure them with a drop of hot glue. For an ultra-realistic touch, use a soft pastel chalk and a dry paintbrush to blend a hint of dusty pink or deep red onto the very tips of the paper leaves.