My rusty rake has a new life as a succulent plant rake wreath. You guys know I have a thing for succulents…..faux succulents, and this succulent wreath is pretty darn classy considering the backdrop is a rusty rake.
I think this wreath could be used for any season of the year except for Winter. The faux succulents are so colorful and the bold earth tone colors are definitely my thing.
The rake head is a multi-project piece that’s good to have in the junk stash. I’ve used it to make a Fall wreath and a Christmas or Winter wreath. The rake wreaths I make always have the tines hanging down but I’ve seen some really pretty ones hung the opposite way. Hanging the tines down just seems more logical to me.
I looked through all the shelves in the workshop and found these faux succulents from past projects. I’ve made succulent displays using martini glasses, vintage movie reels, and even a wood billiard ball rack. You would think I had enough succulents from these past projects but no.
I headed to the Dollar Tree and picked up a few more just in case I ran short. The succulent display on the rake needed to be really full or it would look inexpensive and tacky. My thinking anyway.
The reddish orange succulent in the pot was a pretty color so I grabbed it too. All I had to do was pull the succulent out of the pot and remove the stem before gluing it to the rake.
Find faux succulents on Amazon here.
The rake wreath needed a cool hanger and I thought this belt would be perfect. Plus it was the only whole belt I had in my stash. I got it at the thrift store a while ago for 50% off.
I removed the stems from the succulents and put them in a baggie in case I wanted to put them back together later.
Some of the succulents had clips instead of stems and I removed those too. Just needed a pair of pliers.
Next I pulled a piece of wire through the two screw holes at the top of the rake head and twisted the wire together so the belt wouldn’t slip through the open area.
{Find my favorite furniture paints, spray paints, brushes, tools, etc. on the Petticoat Junktion Amazon page here.}
Then I pulled the belt through and buckled it. Now it’s time to hot glue the succulents to the rake.
This is the part where you just have to wing it. I laid out the succulents in a pattern I thought looked okay then I grabbed the glue gun. I started with the top left succulent and then went down. The succulents got shifted or moved completely during this process. I eye-balled the overall look as I went trying to place the succulents in a pleasing arrangement.
Maybe I did a good job? I think so. Patting myself on the back. I hung the rake on our front door but the blue door in my reclaimed door stash makes the colors of the succulents really pop so that’s where I took the photos, mostly.
A shabby chic white door makes a good backdrop for the succulent plant rake wreath too.
I had a few sheets of moss and tried using that under the succulents but it wasn’t a good look. I used the little green plant thingies as filler. Don’t know what this type plant is called. Someone help me out.
What do you think of the belt as a hanger? It adds a bit of character and looks much better than a plain old metal wreath hanger.
I enjoyed putting this project together. Junk DIY’s are my favorite thing.
Leave a note if you have time. The JTS and I are looking at paint samples on the master bedroom wall. We might need a little help. I’ll let you know. Thanks for being here, Kathy
Cecilia from Georgia says
Just too cute for words! I gotta do this and have faux succulents from a wedding I did and I’m sure here at the beginning of Spring I can find a rake in a trash pile! I love the blue door!
Naomi S says
Kathy, you are so clever! Such a good idea to use a rusty old rake and save it from the junk pile. And the belt hanger is perfect. You could also use a heavy natural-colored twine, I think if you didn’t have an old belt handy. Guess I’ll have to go looking for an old rake! Thanks for the inspiration!
Rebecca Payne says
I love this.
gwen says
Living in snow country (Wyoming) I’m a huge fan of faux succulents and Dollar Tree happens to be one of the few national stores we have! I received a heart-shaped succulent holder and filled it from Dollar Tree succulents. I also have a vintage rake and I’ve never been satisfied with the baby’s breath and lily of the valley I wove through the tines. My only ‘problem’ is my rake has its original long handle and I can’t get myself to cut it off, so mine is on a French door hanging with the rake up. But I love the belt you used to hang yours! Thanks for your ideas Kathy! It took me a long time to get through this one since I was also watching all your videos on the side!
Becky says
Love this! You did a great job.
Julie Squillante says
LOVE succulents! I have them all over my house and have sold several at my booth. The belt was a great idea!
Alice Mullis says
Cute idea. When my old rake wears out and I need a new one, I’m going to make one of these to hang on my She Shed. Thanks for the inspiration and detailed instructions. I enjoy your daily postings. Stay safe everyone. Wash your hands and stay home. We are all in this together.
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Lori says
Love the leather belt with the metal of the rake!. Well done!. I always look forward to your emails in my box and can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with.
Kaz says
It is really lovely..well done to u 😀