I wanted to make fun of this at first — particularly after seeing some of the trolling on reddit about the idea — but after taking a closer look, I just want to make it. Who knew a pool noodle could be such a cute faux-cactus?!
There are just five steps in total, so you don’t need to be an expert do-it-yourselfer to complete the project. Simply cut a green pool noodle into three equal-sized pieces for variation. Next, to achieve the desired texture, shape the styrofoam and round out the top of the noodles using a craft knife. Next, you can make each noodle appear like needles by inserting toothpicks into it. You’re done if you glue them to a pot and add some rocks.
You must try this craft this summer: turn a pool noodle into a cactus. I can’t believe I’m saying this. It’s so simple to make and surprisingly cute that even though I want to hate it, I really can’t.
Blogger Ribbons and Glue made hers entirely out of items from the 99 Cents Only Store, saying it only cost $5 to make. She added fake flowers to the top too, which is completely optional. If youre not convinced that its a DIY beginner-level activity, heres a video of another blogger doing the craft:
The pool noodles will stay in place if the faux cactus plant is leveled and securely fastened with dowels and sealant. It’s useful to first mark out where to place the dowels with tape. After leveling the dowels, pour sealant into half of the pot and leave it to dry overnight. If sealant is not being used, arrange the noodles inside the pot, add big rocks to hold them in place, and then fill it with plastic bottles. When the noodles are dry, remove the tape and place them over the dowels. Next, pour sealant into the noodles from the top so that they will adhere to the dowels. Using the foam sealant, you can make cactus hands by misting tiny blobs onto plastic wrap.
The stars of HGTV’s “Good Bones” adore cacti plants as a go-to finishing touch and as a distinctive piece of home décor. They’re frequently disregarded when people decorate their spaces with greenery because they usually stick to houseplants that are simpler to care for. DIYing faux cacti can fulfill your desire for a prickly plant in your home even if you don’t have the greenest thumb. This project uses pool noodles, everyone’s favorite do-it-yourself item. The height of the foam noodles makes them perfect for a fake cactus.
The DIY comes from YouTuber @diylilyardor3435, who claims the faux cactus project is more challenging than it seems. If youre a DIY beginner, you might find this project a lot harder than an intermediate or advanced skilled DIYer. Nonetheless, its a fun DIY that will elevate your room. Plus, well walk you through the process to achieve the perfect pool noodle cactus plant and give you a few tips to make the process easier.
First, youll need adequate tools and materials to give your foam noodles a more realistic cactus look. Youll need two pool noodles of different lengths, a terracotta pot, foam sealant spray, Plaster of Paris, two dowels, dark green paint, light green paint, a mixing bowl, and two paintbrushes. If youve never worked with sealant or plaster, swap out those materials for plastic bottles and rocks to place in your pot. In addition, skip the paint for toothpicks for the prickly effect.
Remove all of the noodles’ vertical ridges to give them the appearance of a cactus. When cutting pool noodles, a utility knife works best. Repeat on the hands. Then, cover the entire surface with plaster. Paint the entire cactus dark green after it dries, then highlight the edges with light green to create contrast. Apply Modge Podge to paintbrush bristles to give them a prickly appearance. When the hands are finally hot glued to the cacti, you’re done! If you don’t want to use a paintbrush to create the prickling effect, you can also use toothpicks. Toothpicks can be harmful, so keep them away from children. Lastly, add faux flowers to enhance the look.
