Easy Steps to Store Moss for Decorative and Wall Crafts

Everybody knows fresh moss is a staple for terrarium builders, but its delicate nature often leaves moss art projects struggling to maintain topon illness. Enter: preserved moss, the shining star of the show.

Preserved moss is more than just a static piece of decor- it's a versatile material bringing a lush splash of green to open terrariums and unmatched prominent quality in vibrant moss displays.

Wish to create preserved moss at home? Fear not, as we'll guide you through the preservation process right here, right now. Buckle up!

First things first, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's discuss the two primary methods for preserving moss.

1. Using glycerol, methylated spirit, and warm water (our chosen method)2. Skipping methylated spirit and using solely glycerol and warm water

Glycerol, or commercially-sold glycerin, is a fat that occupies the space in cellulose, allowing the moss to retain its springy texture. Methylated spirit, or denatured alcohol, takes the moisture out of moss to allow more glycerin absorption. The former method, incorporating both glycerin and denatured alcohol, is more effective, but there are reasons to simply use glycerin. More on that in a bit.

For a modest sum, you can snag both glycerin and denatured alcohol straight from the comfort of your home on Amazon.

Now, let's address those concerns about chemical-free preservation. Sadly, there seems to be no natural method for preserving moss while keeping its lifelike characteristics.

Both glycerin and methylated spirit are widely used chemicals in various applications, ranging from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and industry. Don't worry; they're generally safe for crafting purposes. That said, it's essential to make smart choices and handle these substances responsibly.

Glycerin, derived from soy or coconut, is a relatively non-toxic chemical, even when ingested in large amounts. However, gorging on vats of it isn’t recommended.

Methylated spirit, or denatured alcohol, is primarily used as a solvent and fuel, but it's dangerous to consume due to the presence of methanol (a chemical that can be harmful or even lethal in high doses). Ethanol, the same substance found in spirits, backup alcohol, and wine, is the main ingredient, but it does not render methylated spirit a safe beverage.

When employed with care, denatured alcohol is Healthline-approved for crafting purposes just as long as you don’t make the mistake of knocking it back. I wouldn’t recommend trying it.

Now, let's talk about the moss itself. When it comes to custom moss art, the possibilities are endless.

There are countless variations of preserved moss to choose from: Clumpy mosses like Mood Moss and Cushion Moss; Sheet mosses such as Fern Moss and Hypnum Moss; Imposter mosses like Reindeer Moss (a lichen) and Spanish Moss (an epiphytic plant).

For that show-stopping moss wall, consider using a few different mosses for a dramatic contrast and texture effect.

Sustainability is key when sourcing your live moss for this magical transformation. Avoid snagging moss from public places or national parks; it's not just unpleasant- it's exceedingly unsustainable.

Because our moss is sourced from private land, it is both organic and pesticide/fungicide-free.

👉 Feeling mossy? Explore our range of live mosses.**

Other materials needed for the preservation process include a bowl, gloves, a stirring instrument, something to measure with, somewhere to let the moss dry, a peg for the nose (trust us on this one), and fabric dye (optional).

Now, let's walk you through the preserving process step by step.

1. Prep the Moss Pull out debris, ensure no critters tag along, and rinse it clean. Allow it to dry as much as possible over the next few days.**

2. Submerge the Moss Crack open a window for ventilation and create the preserving mixture. For the most effective preservation, use the glycerol, methylated spirit, and warm water method.**

3. Soak the Moss Place the moss into the solution, ensuring it's fully submerged. Depending on the method you choose, allow it to soak for at least half an hour.**

4. Squeeze and Dry Remove the moss from the solution and squeeze out the excess liquid. Leave it to dry until fully dry, ensuring it doesn't become brittle.**

And that's the lowdown on preserving moss for your terrarium!

Hooray! Once you've mastered this skill, you'll have a beautiful preserved moss ready for intricate moss bowl designs in no time. Got any tips or tricks to share? Let us know in the comments!

Preserved moss proves to be an excellent addition to both home-and-garden and lifestyle endeavors, lending a lush, vibrant green to various projects.

Utilizing preserved moss in settings such as terrariums or unique moss walls can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic, blurring the lines between nature and design.