Throughout its existence, mankind has been stretching towards beauty: the evidence of material and spiritual culture is indisputable evidence of that. People decorated their life with drawings, paintings, stucco, embroidery and many other available means that have a magical purpose.
The custom of decorating trees, including giving them a specific shape, the interlacing of branches in a special way, arose as a cult practice. At festivals dedicated to the forces of nature and its life cycles, trees played a significant role.
The transformation of ritual action in the art of garden architecture dates back to ancient Rome. Among researchers there is an opinion that Rome, in turn, took it from Ancient Egypt. Medieval Europe, the successor of the Roman Empire, did not neglect the art of topiary, it developed in parallel in the East. Garden architecture penetrated into Russia and began to spread steadily in Petrovsky times.
Tree of happiness
Nowadays the art of topiary has received another embodiment - hand-made crafts of small size in the form of a tree. This direction is called Handmade Topiary.
Topiary is designed to decorate the interior, to serve as a gift decoration, to be a gift, to carry a semantic and decorative load and to please the eye. Depending on the purpose and the material from which it is made, it can still be called the "tree of happiness" or "money tree."
Did you know? The origin of the word "topiary" has both Greek and Roman roots, the use of this art in ancient times is not questioned, especially given the mention in Roman written sources.The tree of happiness must be done by all means with your own hands, it is advisable to keep proportions, unless the design concept suggests otherwise, materials are allowed to be used whatever you want, only your imagination and taste are limited.
Turning to Eastern traditions and fashionable Feng Shui system, we see that a tree in the house is necessary. And how else? After all, it is the embodiment of the unity of worlds, a model of all forms of being and, in fact, of the Universe. According to eastern teachings, it should be located in the eastern part of the house to attract health and in the north-east - material well-being. 
Important! It is desirable to make a handmade topiary no more than half a meter high for the convenience of its location in the interior.Topiary - This is a handmade tree, preserving from the tree, perhaps, only its constituent parts: the crown, trunk and capacity in which it is "planted." It is not necessary to observe their natural ratio, it is advisable to pay attention to the stability of the structure.
Crown Topiary - its main part, bearing the semantic and decorative load and attracting the main attention. Most often, its base is in the form of a ball, the material for which is foam, papier-mâché, newsprint crumpled into a ball, or anything else that can meet the requirements of crafts. It can be made in the shape of a heart, some kind of a geometric figure or any other object in accordance with the design. 
"Heart" crown is recommended to be made of cardboard covered with cotton or paper. The topiary trunk is made of any suitable object that can depict it in accordance with the proportions, technical capabilities and the concept of crafts. It can be made of sticks, twigs, pencil, wire, pipe, interconnected wooden skewers and so on. More often the trunk is decorated with paper, paint, ribbons, twine and other materials.
Important! The barrel should be made in such a way that it can withstand the crafts, because it is a link between the crown and the base.Of course, the trunk should not be too thick or thin, coarse or fragile, it should fit harmoniously into the composition.
Topiary stand can be made of foam or foam with additional weighting, putty, plaster or other material that meets the requirements. Its purpose is to keep the whole structure in a stable position and not distract attention from the crown. As a rule, the stand is always decorated in order to make it invisible. It is placed in a pot, cup, glass or other container, which is decorated in the general framework of the design. 
Handmade Topiary - This is a great gift or souvenir, it carries the warmth of the hands that created it, being at the same time a stylish element of decor.
Almost never manages to make crafts in accordance with the original design. Topiary, like any creative work, in the process of creation dictates its own conditions. As a result, after finishing work, he may turn out to be not at all what he was thinking. This makes the work more alive, as they say, "with the soul."
Did you know? In the East, the art of garden architecture, like other Eastern traditions, followed its own path of development and turned into the art of bonsai.
Essential DIY materials
In the manufacture of topiariya used materials such as:
- paper;
- various fabrics and tapes;
- natural materials: shells, nutshells, leaves, flowers, and so on;
- coffee, beans, cereals, pasta;
- money;
- specially purchased or themed (for example, Christmas decorations) decor;
- glue, plaster, building mixtures.
You may need to purchase some materials, get some free of charge during a trip to the sea, a walk in the woods or a park, some may already be in your house, it is easy to make something yourself.
Before you do topiary, it is a good idea to conduct an audit at home. It may be that the items found will just inspire a specific design. This is a great way to give a decent life to the things that have served but not lost their attractiveness, and also to find application for materials left over from repair, sewing or some kind of needlework.
In addition, making topiary brings pleasure, develops creativity and makes it possible to say "love" in another way.
Despite the fact that this type of needlework does not require special skills, before starting to do topiary with your own hands, it will be advisable for beginners to learn the technique using the example of a master class or at least see a step-by-step photo of production. 
Paper
Paper is the most affordable material found in every home. This or that type of paper in the craft is likely to be used.
Did you know? Newsprint can be used to make the base, and you can also weave a basket out of it.Colored paper often decorates the container in which the product is placed, make decorations for the crown or paste over the base for subsequent decoration, and also wrap the trunk.
Corrugated paper is a popular and inexpensive material for the manufacture of ornamental trees. Due to its plastic properties, flowers made from it are very plausible. 
Having decided to decorate the topiary with hand-made corrugated paper flowers, you can use a step-by-step photo to learn how to create several types of flowers: roses, poppies, chamomiles, chrysanthemums, carnations, peonies, tulips, irises and others.
Decorations are attached to the base using a glue gun tightly to each other, so that there are no gaps.
Napkins
Modern paper napkins have high decorative properties. They are used in many types of hand-made, including in the manufacture of topiary. Being relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly material, they amaze with a variety of colors, patterns, textures.
By making a napkin topiary, you can:
- make flowers of various shapes and shades, with a composition of which later decorate a crown;
- according to the principle of decoupage, glue the base over to give it the desired color and look that will not spoil the finished composition when a random lumen appears;
- to decorate the trunk of your tree, using napkins of suitable color and texture;
- to decorate the container in which the topiary is located, harmoniously fitting it into the overall composition, for example, using decoupage technique.
Did you know? Christmas trees from napkins in thematic New Year's topiary are especially good.
the cloth
Very interesting crafts using fabric. Felt, cotton, silk and other patches of suitable colors are used. Satin ribbons are quite popular as a decor element. The fabric elements in the crown are complemented with beads, buttons, beads, ready-made figures and natural materials.
Satin ribbons are used in any part of the craft. Flowers and bows made of them decorate the crown, they wrap the trunk, and also decorate the stand.
Having decided to decorate topiary with products from satin ribbons, look at the master class with step-by-step photos of their production, since there are many techniques that allow you to create different types of colors. 
Did you know? Cute look ornaments from tulle, very delicate and docile in the work of the fabric. They are attached to the base with a pin.
Coffee
Topiary using coffee beans is very popular. Being a very decorative material, the grains emit a fragrance that most people like and is associated with comfort. Thus, coffee topiary combines several advantages, according to merit.
The coffee topiary is made both in the form of a tree with a geometric shape with a crown, and in the form of a "floating cup", from which coffee is spilled. Another is the "coffee gentleman" - a tree decorated with a top hat, a butterfly and so on.
Coffee pot can serve Coffee cup.
It is recommended to pre-paint or glue the base with paper to match the coffee so that the gaps are not conspicuous. The grains themselves are glued randomly or in a specific order, for example, depicting a pattern. They can be painted in the finished product with spray paint. 
Important! Chocolate, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla and other spices are excellent as a complement to the coffee topiary.
Money
To attract monetary well-being, the tree of happiness is made from banknotes, coins, or a combination of both. Bills use souvenir, making them flowers, butterflies, rolls and the like. Brilliant coins are a wonderful decoration, symbolizing gold and attracting wealth to the house. 
Important! Such a tree is appropriate to add a gift in the form of a sum of money, for example, for a wedding or a housewarming party.
Flowers
Sometimes topiary is made from fresh flowers to give it as an unusual bouquet. Unfortunately, this option is short-lived, but it is effective and will become an unforgettable gift.
For a longer time, the bouquet will be stored if it is made from dried flowers or those that, drying out, do not lose sight. For example, immortelles.
Flowers such as gaylardiyu, Shabo carnation, feverfew, vatochnik, hibiscus, roses, rudbeckia, kosmeyu, gypsophila, clematis, gazania, dicentre, daisies and asters can be used to make a topiary with your own hands.
Leaves
Autumn leaves, decorated with exuberant wilting paints, are an excellent decorative material used in handicrafts. Roses made from colorful leaves are spectacular. Topiary with their use will look interesting and advantageous.
No less attractive in the craft will be the leaves as they are, selected with taste in color and size, dried properly and made up into a beautiful composition. Such a product is well suited to the thematic autumn holidays, as well as bouquets for birthdays born in the fall. 
Festive option
It is appropriate to make a tree of happiness as a gift or decor for your own home for any holiday.
Christmas topiary in the form of a tree, decorated with Christmas tinsel and Christmas decorations, or in the form of Christmas trees will decorate any room. The decor colors for this occasion should be chosen appropriately: a combination of red and green, white, blue, blue, silver, in general, use the colors of the New Year.
Dedicated to the Valentine's Day trees in the form of a heart in a pink-red-white gamut and complemented with sweets will delight people with the most demanding taste.
Easter trees can be decorated with flowers, painted eggs, figures of rabbits and chickens and other themed decor. They will look original both on the holiday table and in the interior. 
Did you know? The tree of happiness can be dedicated to absolutely any holiday, using thematic or seasonal decorations.
Simple topiary do it yourself: step by step instructions with photos
How to do topiary with their own hands, you can learn by looking at a master class, which step by step demonstrates the sequence of steps.
The algorithm for making such a craft is simple:
- buy foam in a craft shop or make a base for a topiariya in the shape of a ball by yourself from paper;
- decorate the base of the desired color with paper, fix it on the barrel with glue;
- to form a bud or a flower from a ribbon, connecting the edges with a secret seam for durability;
- create the right amount of colors;
- fix them with a hot glue on the base, for durability, you can additionally pin a pin or nail;
- Clearances can mask art;
- gaps can be masked with artificial leaves, placing them in a checkerboard pattern for a neat look;
- to decorate the barrel with green crepe paper;
- the pot will be a plastic cup painted with gold paint;
- from the same ribbon from which the roses were made, you should tie a bow at the base of the trunk right under the crown;
- in order to make the structure heavier, put stones at the bottom of the cup, fasten the barrel in an upright position, pour plaster into the cup diluted to the consistency of sour cream and level the edges;
- after the gypsum has dried, the upper part should be covered with decorative stones to match the composition, glued with hot glue, add beads, sparkles, varnish droplets at its discretion;
- after drying, a beautiful composition can be given or decorated with its interior.
Tips and tricks for making
there is several recommendations to which it is desirable to listen, making your topiary, especially for beginners, not experienced in hand-made matters.
- The general recommendation for any piece of furniture is to use colors that harmoniously fit into the decor, the same applies to size, proportion and style of crafts.
- More than three colors will be difficult to combine in one piece, avoiding any obscenity.
- It is desirable to paint over or paste over the desired color with the base for the crown; the material of the crown peeping into the gaps may impair the finished work.
- Proportions - this is what makes the product elegant, you should avoid heaviness and, conversely, excessive thinning of the structure.
- Jewelry, in addition to gluing, it is desirable to additionally fix something else: a stapler, a pin, a stud, a thread, and so on, depending on the materials used.
