How to Make Preserved Moss Wall Art Like a Biophilic Designer

Photo of Evelyn Long

Written by: Evelyn Long

preserved moss with light

We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sustainable decor has been a trending design element for residential spaces. Preserved moss wall art can be one of the simplest yet most impactful ways you can incorporate it into your home. Plus, you can get very creative with how you build your own piece. 

Benefits of Adding Preserved Moss Wall Art to Your Home

Adding preserved moss art to the home can offer a range of benefits, from championing recycled materials to improving indoor ventilation. Here’s an overview of them. 

Recycles Materials for a Unique Design

Preserved moss wall art can be a great way to give moss new life and prevent it from drying out and disappearing. When processed properly, you can keep its vibrance and form as is. 

 

You can also use recycled material for the frame and foundation of your moss art. Reclaimed wood, sourced from old structures such as buildings and warehouses, is a popular option. However, you can also just get any old piece of plywood for your craft project.  

Promotes Biophilic Design

Moss is a beautiful part of nature and aligns with the rise of biophilic design, which aims to connect people indoors with the great outdoors. Elements like plants can assist natural ventilation and circulate pollutants, while natural light improves visibility and calmness within the space. 

While moss may not exactly help with indoor air quality, especially if it’s enclosed, you still get all the benefits of biophilic design. When you can’t find time to go outside, your preserved moss wall art reminds you of nature and helps minimize stress. 

Offers Visual Appeal with Minimal Upkeep

Other plants need plenty of care and attention to detail to keep them alive and reap their benefits. With preserved moss wall art, you don’t really need to water them or put them in sunlight to keep them thriving. They simply exist as they are. 

Having beautiful greenery that improves the elegance and ambience of your space without needing any maintenance? Seems like zero downsides. Plus, you get to personalize it when you make it yourself.

piece of moss

Steps to Creating a Preserved Moss Wall Art

Here’s an overview of the steps that you can use when making preserved moss wall art. 

1. Get Your Materials

Before creating your unique piece of art, make sure you get all your materials ready. Some people sell kits with online video tutorials, but you can also easily get all the items yourself. Here are some of the most important parts.  

Dried Moss

Dried moss is regularly used in living walls for biophilic design. These are already dehydrated and preserved while being soft and malleable enough to break apart and bring together. Some have even been dyed in all sorts of color to suit your desired aesthetic.

Here are some types of dried moss that go well as wall art:

  • Reindeer moss: Reindeer moss is a coral-looking moss that’s able to absorb different colors very well. It tends to be very eye-catching, which is why it’s used in many moss-centered craft projects. 
  • Pillow moss: The pillow moss, also known as the cushion or bun moss, is a very textured green lump that people typically picture when talking about moss. It’s used in plenty of biophilic decor like terrariums. 
  • Sheet moss: Sheet moss is sheets of green moss that are almost interconnected in mats. They can be a great base for your preserved moss wall art. 

Adhesive

To stick the preserved moss wall art all together, you need some good glue. Hot glue from a glue gun typically works, though it can create plenty of strands if you’re not exactly careful. You can opt for other adhesives, such as lash or nail glue. You just need to make sure that you’re applying a liberal amount and only using a light amount. 

Empty Wood Frame

Create a DIY frame with your wood of choice, or use an old picture frame where you can let the moss sit in. Ideally, you have a box-type of picture frame to accommodate the mass of the moss, just so you don’t have to squish down your greenery. The backing should be stable enough for the moss to stick to. 

Additional Decor

Moss, as it is, already looks beautiful. However, you can use other decor like preserved leaves, branches and flowers to breathe some extra life into your wall art. Some people also like incorporating lowlights to highlight the texture and appearance of the moss. 

moss

2. Plan Out the Design

Before you start sticking the moss to the backing of the frame, try and gauge how you want to position each piece together. Trying to mix and match what pieces go on certain pieces can be a great way to let your creativity flow. Plus, you can make sure that you’re getting the exact appearance that you want. Take a picture once you’re satisfied to use it as a reference photo. 

3. Add Adhesive and Moss in Sections

Start adding moss to the board. Rather than just adding glue all at once, be intentional and work section by section. Some people like to work from the center and outward, while others want to get the sides and corners all sorted out first. You can go either way—just make sure that everything is sticking properly. Repeat until the whole frame is complete.

4. Allow the Piece to Dry

Let the piece dry before you enclose the frame. You may want to wait a day for the glue to dry before checking again. If some moss feels like it’s going to fall off, simply add some extra adhesive to the area. Remember to let it dry again.

5. Hang Your Preserved Moss Wall Art

Once the art is stable, put back the frame and hang your preserved moss. It can be really good in the living room, but you can also put it in the bathroom, bedroom and more. Just make sure it’s away from direct sunlight. 

Beautify Your Walls with Preserved Moss

Preserved moss wall art can be a creative way to encapsulate this unique piece of greenery and add biophilic design to your space. Try your hand at the craft. Whether you’re filling one large-scale frame, creating multiple miniature frames, or just going with a medium-sized one, your space will look all the better with it. 

house-rows

About The Author

Evelyn Long

Evelyn Long

Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience writing about interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops around PA.

Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.

For more insight on design, construction, and everything in between, you can check out Evelyn’s portfolio, https://evelynlong.com/.

View Bio

More Like This