How to Create a Pampas Grass Hanging Installation
Like it or not, pampas grass is the Queen of Boho right now. From fresh feathery, ostrich-like stalks to dried, fluffy shedding-like-crazy stems, couples planning their wedding are into this look.
Recently I had the opportunity to create a hanging installation of pampas grass "explosions" and wanted to share my experience! I created these pieces before the event in my studio as I didn't want to have the pampas grass shed all over the hotel's ballroom as I designed. These can easily be created on-site if you have the time and the location/venue allows.
Supplies
30-60 pampas grass stems per "explosion" (Depending on size)
Fishing line (I used 80#)
Chicken wire
Zip ties
Creation
Start by making sure the pampas grass is dry by laying them on the ground individually.
After they have dried, spray them with cheap but reliable hairspray to TRY to have them shed as little as possible. (They will still shed! I have pampas grass seeds literally all over my studio, and for the next year out of the corner of my eye, I will think a spider is crawling by, but it's just a piece of pampas floof.)
Create a chicken wire ball and, if you can, hang it from the ceiling using fishing line.
Place stems diagonally through chicken wire, keeping the weight distributed evenly.
A 14" diameter chicken wire ball and 60 stems of pampas grass created approximately a 5ft diameter "explosion."
A 9" diameter chicken wire ball and 30 stems of pampas grass created a 3ft diameter "explosion."
I created two large balls and four small balls for this hanging installation for a local hotel ballroom event. The pampas grass explosions were covered with trash bags and placed in the covered bed of a truck for transportation.
On-site Installation
Reach out to the venue/location you will be installing the explosions at to find out what their requirements for installation might be. Every venue will be different! Do you need to bring a ladder or rent something larger like a scissor lift?
Make sure you have the needed items to hang from their ceiling. (For example fishing line, cable wire, clamps, rope, etc.)
Tie the item you are approved to use for hanging to the chicken wire ball and attach to the approved place to hang
Clean up after yourself! Venues keep tabs on who is being messy and who's making sure to tidy up and respect their space.
Keep in mind that pampas grass stays around as a dried element - don't throw them away! Save any that are still in good shape for future projects to help save time and money as these guys can pack a punch to the wallet if they don't grow in an area you live in. They also have a season! If you want true pampas grass, they are available at the local wholesaler from September through mid-to-late October, where I live in Denver; otherwise, you can ship it in from California most months.
