I love succulents but have a really hard time taking care of them. I never know when to water them or how much water to give them, and since I live in the north the lack of sunshine during winter always forces them to get leggy searching for more sun.

I'm not going to give up on the real thing because I love plants, but I decided to add some easy-to-care-for faux fabric cactus to my home decor. By easy to care for I mean REALLY easy to care for - no watering or sunshine needed! I had a lot of fun making this fabric cactus so I put this tutorial together so you could make a few too!

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The cactus is made from cotton fabric but honestly, you could use almost any kind of fabric. I don't recommend knit, jersey, or super light or delicate fabrics though. You don't even need green-colored fabric if you want a colorful faux succulent. I chose to make mine from some olive green cotton fabric that I had on hand.

How to Make a Cactus Pattern

Before I get to the tutorial I also want to mention that the shape of your cactus is totally up to you! I wanted a tall(ish) elongated cactus-shaped plant so I folded a piece of white printer paper in half, and just drew the shape I wanted, cut it out, and used it for my pattern. Since you are making a faux succulent the shape doesn't have to be perfect. Actually the more unique the shape the more real it will look! You just can't mess this part up (yeah!).

You will need the following supplies to make your own DIY fabric cactus succulent:

Supply list

Paper (8.5" x 11)
Cotton fabric
Scissors (I prefer these PINKING SHEARS)
Fiber-fill stuffing
Wood skewers
Flower pot (ceramic or terra cotta)
Floral foam block
Decorative stones
Ribbon
Sewing machine & notions

Faux Fabric Cactus & Succulent Tutorial

Step 1

Draw a cactus shape on the paper and cut it out.

- optional - you could trace the pattern with chalk or lightly with a pencil if you prefer.

Step 2

Next fold your fabric in half to double the layer, pin the paper template to it then sew around the perimeter of your template. Repeat this step two more times. Use your pinking shears (or scissors) to cut around each of the sewn cactus shapes making sure to leave a 1/4" seam allowance around the perimeter of each shape.

Step 3

Lay all three sewn cacti pieces on top of each other. Mark the center and fold it in half pressing it with your hand. Open the stack back up then sew down the creased center line. (My favorite pinking shears in the pic below! I love those scissors!!)

Step 4

Stuff each of the six sections making sure to shove the stuff all the way to the top of each section.

- hint - use the wood skewers to help push the stuffing into the sections

Step 5

Gently insert a wood skewer into three or four of the cactus sections pushing it to the top. You may have to adjust the fabric and stuffing so the wood skewer doesn't show through the fabric.

Cut a block of the floral foam slightly larger than the inside of the flower pot. Then press the skewers into the center of the cut piece of floral foam. Trim any extra length of the wood skewers so that the base of the cactus is flush with the floral foam.

Step 6

Carefully press the floral foam + cactus into the pot. It should fit snugly. Then spread decorative stones over the top of the floral foam to cover it completely.

- optional - you can hot glue the stones together inside the pot to prevent them from falling out if you plan to move the pot around a lot.

Step 7

Tie a small piece of ribbon into a knot, then hot glue or stitch it to the top of your fabric cactus or along the edge to create cactus flowers.

Congratulations you just made your very own low-maintenance succulent! Your new little faux cactus will thrive in any environment - sunny, dark, hot or cold!

More Fun Faux Cactus Crafts -

If you enjoyed this tutorial check out my other cactus & succulent tutorial No-Sew Mini Plastic Egg Cactus Craft that requires no sewing and instead uses a mini clay pot and a plastic egg! This is the perfect craft for older kids, teens, and adults.

Here is another cactus craft project you will love too!

For more great online arts/crafts classes checkout Craftsy - discount code below:

Balancing work, family, and personal time demands can be challenging for busy parents. One way to ease the daily stress of meal planning and ensure your family eats healthy is through meal prepping. Preparing meals in advance saves time during the week, reduces food waste, and makes nutritious choices easier.

In addition to meal prepping another big help is having the right containers to keep your pre-made homecooked meals in so they are ready to feed your family.

Here are 15 healthy meal prep ideas that are perfect for busy parents

1. Quinoa & Veggie Stir-Fry

Quinoa is a fantastic base for a quick, nutrient-packed meal. Cook a large batch of quinoa and mix it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. If you are really short on time toss a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies into the microwave for 5 minutes to use as your veggie. Add a simple sauce of low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Divide into containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Quinoa freezes well so to save time in the future you can double your batch, add the veggies, and pop it into the freezer to use for another day.

2. Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls

Roast chicken breasts and sweet potatoes together on a sheet pan make my mouth water just thinking about it. Add a side of steamed green beans or spinach. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, and chicken offers lean protein, making this a balanced meal option.

3. Turkey & Veggie Muffins

Mix together cooked ground turkey with finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Prepare a box of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix as directed on the box then stir in the meat and veggie mixture. Grease a muffin tin and divide the mixture evenly into each well. Bake in muffin tins for convenient, protein-packed muffins that are great for snacks or quick meals on the go.

4. Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola in mason jars. Check out this amazing cinnamon orange granola recipe to use in this meal prep plan.

These parfaits are high in protein and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. You can prepare several jars at once for easy grab-and-go options.

5. Chickpea Salad

Combine a can of chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a simple lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner.

6. Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry

Cook lean beef strips with a variety of colorful vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice. This meal is packed with protein and fiber, and it stores well in the fridge.

Did you know that rice freezes well? I always double it when I make rice and freeze half for later. Just another time-saving trick when life gets busy!

7. Egg Muffins

Whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and a bit of shredded cheese, then pour into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. These egg muffins are easy to make in advance and provide a protein-rich breakfast or snack option.

8. Italian Sausage & Lentil Soup

Make a big pot of this Italian sausage and lentil soup with carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Portion the soup into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week. This recipe also freezes well so make sure to double it so you can enjoy it again later on.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked turkey, brown rice, and vegetables. Bake until the peppers are tender. These are great for making ahead and can be easily reheated for a nutritious meal.

10. Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

Season salmon fillets and asparagus with herbs and lemon, then wrap in foil and bake. These foil packs are easy to prepare and clean up, and the salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

11. Overnight Oats

Combine oats with milk or a dairy-free alternative, chia seeds, and your favorite fruit or nuts. Let it sit overnight in the fridge. This easy breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings and can be customized to your taste.

12. Chicken Fajita Bowls

Cook chicken with fajita seasoning and mix with sautéed onions and bell peppers. Serve over brown rice or quinoa with a side of black beans and avocado. These bowls are flavorful and can be portioned for several meals.

13. Vegetable & Hummus Wraps

Spread hummus on whole-wheat tortillas and layer with fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Roll up and slice into pinwheels for a quick, nutritious lunch or snack.

14. Baked Ziti with Spinach

Prepare a batch of whole-wheat ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Bake until bubbly and portion into individual servings. This dish combines whole grains, veggies, and protein in a family-friendly meal.

15. Fruit & Nut Energy Balls

Mix oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit or nuts, then roll into balls. These energy balls are great for a quick snack and can be stored in the fridge for easy access throughout the week. Get the printable recipe here for my no-bake oatmeal peanut butter energy bite recipe!

Tips for Successful Meal Prep

Plan Ahead: Choose a day each week to plan and prepare your meals. Sunday works well for many families.

Batch Cooking: Cook large quantities of staple ingredients like grains, proteins, and vegetables that can be used in multiple dishes. Freeze any extra to use for the next time you meal prep.

Storage: Invest in quality containers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Glass or plastic containers work well.

Variety: Mix up your meals to avoid boredom and ensure you're getting a range of nutrients.

Helpers: Encourage your kids to help with your weekly meal prep! Not only will they get to spend time with you but they can learn how to make healthy meals too!

By incorporating these meal prep ideas into your routine, you’ll find that managing family meals becomes much more manageable. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it's all about preparation and making smart choices. Happy prepping!

The perfect gift for every mom. Extra points if you make her the pancakes.

Monday, November 4, 2024

How To Make An Easy DIY Fabric Cactus Succulent