Last summer we took a stroll down Yarn Bombing lane, and now I'm back to show you the eco-friendly graffiti movement using moss that has been growing strong for the past few years.
I love the idea of this art form on the streets, but what I like even better is all of the potential it has to spice up plain and boring backyard walls and walkways.
All you need is moss, sugar, buttermilk, water, a container, a paint brush, a blender, a great idea and you're off. Pick your favorite word, quote or create a fabulous stencil or drawing and get painting.
You can get step-by-step instructions here. It does seem to work best in wetter climates but it's easy enough of a project to try anywhere and see what results you can muster up.
Well, I hope this gets your brains buzzing with incredible moss inspired decor ideas. May the moss be with you, enjoy!
(Images: 1. Regina Urban Ecology 2. Yatzer 3. Art Electronic Media 4. Keluarga Audisie 5. Yatzer 6. Edina Tokodi for Inhabitat 7. Anna Garforth 8. Edina Todoki via Daily Obsessional)
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Very cool.
Does anyone know if the moss will eventually do damage to the wall (create cracks, etc..)? Also, do you think it would grow on a wood fence? I live in central Mississippi (extremely hot and humid summer), will it survive here? It's such an interesting project!
Very interesting. Love the first one.
We are trying this recipe (we used yogurt instead of buttermilk) on a shaded wall in kansas city. We are posting progress shots weekly to show if the moss is indeed growing. Check it out @ http://www.jarboeinitiative.com/2012/03/moss-graffiti.html
Very creative, but moss grosses me out. Maybe that's just one of my quirks though...
I can tell you that the moss will NOT injure a brick wall. Ivy and creeping fig can lead to the demise of brick and Mortar for sure. I often use this slurry to start moss between pavers and also I do the outsides of clay pots. Try soaking terra cotta pavers in water and then starting your moss there. I used these at a party for chargers on a table. Recently I am experimenting with moss growing on wet burlap. I live in SUNNY San Diego and miss the quiet grace of a space made dark and cool by moss.
Anyone know if you can do this wish "pseudo-buttermilk" (milk and vinegar)? I don't have buttermilk on hand and I wanna do this NOW! Also, as someone else asked, will you have to redo it every season, and how would it hold up to a heavy rain?
with* not wish
thanks!
Very, very cool.
The first "photo" is very poorly photoshopped. Did no one see the highlight on the upper mid part of the tree trunk? I then Ctrl +'d to inspect more. Couldn't even bring the "green" all the way behind the lady "walking by." You would think you would have just left that out. Pretty horrible idea anyway.