Question
I would like to know how to make a standard...two ball silk topiary. Can I make it with chickenwire?  If so, how do I make the perfect round shape? Also, what could I use and how could I attach the center pole for the two balls? What would I use to anchor the topiary into the base unit (large weaved basket or faux terra cotta pot? Plaster of Paris or cement?to keep it from topling over? I would really appreciate some detailed instructions on how to accomplish this project. I am retired and can't afford the prices I've seen for the topiary I like....start at $150.00 each!!! The topiary would be 3 1/2ft.in height...with two balls....the bottom one being slightly larger than the top ball. I want to put miniature xmas lights on them and put them on either side of my fireplace. I would use a silk ivy or boxwood to cover the topiary with, plus I could stick different flowers or berries (artificial) according to the particular holiday or season.
Thank you in advance for further information.  J.B.

Answer
Dear JB,

I'd firstly find a couple of interesting branches, similar in formation to each other as you are after making a matching pair. Look for a branch that will give you two places to position your balls.

Plaster of Paris is usually the best method of fixing the pole into the pot but make sure to plug the holes or else it'll all flood out. (so maybe a basket weave is not good for this method.

Once you've got your branches firmly fixed, you can then attach your spheres. For this I personally would use the 'Oasis' dried foam balls. These come in lots of sizes, so you could have two sizes on each one.(as you said, a larger one to the bottom and smaller one at the top) These spheres once you have your materials on them, come up a lot bigger than you think.  When attaching the balls to the sticks, I tend to push the ball onto a very glued up stick and push it home firmly but not too far (you don't want the stick to come all the way through)Then for added strength, you could place some chicken wire around it, but I'd tend not to.

You can then cover with moss, using little hooks of wire, then begin to put your other materials.  By covering it with moss first, you hide all the unsightly oasis. This moss could also be used to cover the top of the pot, to hide the plaster.

I hope this has been of some help and good luck with them. Most of all, enjoy making then.

Regards

Sue