Our inspiration was the work of Anna Garforth
Since seeing Anna Garforth's use of moss as graffiti we've been keen to try this at home. Turns out it's a very simple process and we had the perfect wall in the backyard so we gave it a go. Cheap, easy and interesting garden decorations, we'd recommend this to anyone who has the space.
Materials:
Moss
Blender
Sugar
Butter Milk
Water
Container
Paint Brush
1. Decide on an image and transfer onto the wall in chalk. You could use a stencil or draw freehand. We use an overhead projector and are using the monogram we designed for our wedding.
2. Collect a handful of moss. Once you start looking for it you'll see it everywhere! We found ours under some big shady trees near our house.
3. Wash as much of the dirt and plant matter off the underside of moss as possible.
4. Place the moss into the blender.
5. Add a table spoon or two of sugar and 1/2 cup of butter milk.
6. Blend to the consistency of a thickshake. Add some water if your mixture is too thick.
7. Pour mixture into a container with a lid.
8. Using a paint brush, paint on the moss mixture onto the wall in the shape of your image.
9. Keep the additional moss mixture in the fridge. We've been reapplying the moss mixture every second day and on the alternative day spritzing the area with water.
Additional Notes: After a week we're already starting to see the moss establish itself on the wall. We expect it will be about a month until it's fully established. We'll keep you posted on the progress. Also, try and choose a wall that isn't exposed to long periods of direct sunlight.
(Images: Image 1 Anna Garforth, images 2-10 Jenny Butler)
© 2010 Apartment Therapy
I love this! Thanks for the tutorial. I have a set of concrete stairs that go no where, in front of my house. I'm going to "moss graffiti" my address on them... staggered down each step!
If it works out, I'll share photos. It might be a while, there's still snow everywhere.
This is why I'm addicted to AT. Thanks!
view roygbiv's profile
That is awesome! Thanks AT!
view Priscatip's profile
wow, this is really inspiring! i wish i had a nice outdoor canvas to paint. curious though - would you have to reapply after a snowy season?
view rebecca_f's profile
oh momma this is wonderful
view alexis's profile
This is absolutely inspiring and totally amazing. I knew about propagating moss but had never thought of using the side of our house as a canvas like this...I love it.
view gundy's profile
Hmmmm, monogram my brick patio? I wonder if this a good idea to do on the ground or if it would be too slippery?
view saragrz's profile
I think, saragrz, moss on a hard walking surface would indeed be too slippery, and would also tend to get ruined by walking on it. (Maybe you could make the area a feet-free zone, barricading it off with a mini brick wall or something??)
view SherryBinNH's profile
This is very creative, but it grosses me out a little.
view StudioStarter's profile
Can't wait to see it fully grown!
view sagekitten85's profile
I wonder if this will help deter graffiti jerks from tagging my wall. Perhaps a lattice design?Hmmm...
view marcellah's profile
wow!
view SpanishOlives's profile
I really hope we get to see some photos once your tag grows in! Pretty please!
view neefall's profile
That is too cool. WA is lousy with the stuff. I so want to do this!
view lilbetty's profile
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs127.snc3/17436_287315412805_758952805_4554939_3617753_n.jpg
This is the sidewalk outside of our house (Portland area) - i love that moss creeps into everything imaginable. This would be an easy project in the Pac NW.
view emilydumphy's profile
I've heard of a recipe for moss graffiti that uses beer. What's the difference between using beer, or using sugar and buttermilk?
view Mrs.Mack's profile
has anyone tried this with success? I pressed the moss mixture into a brick wall (as opposed to painting) and am waiting to see if it works.
anyone with successful images/advice would be appreciated
view kling's profile
follow up pics?
view alinia's profile
This is SO going on my to-do list! I can't believe there is something so awesome.
view puella's profile