Don’t you love free decor? Today I’m sharing how to forage for Sweet Gum Balls to make free Fall Craft Home Decor to enjoy this Fall and more Sweet Gum Ball Craft Ideas to make now.
This idea was sparked while searching the Magnolia website for fall decor. This season they have thistle stems for $10.00 each. I realized they look very similar to the Sweet Gum Balls that are currently falling around our property.

So here is my version of the Magnolia fall decor trend.

Where Do Sweet Gum Balls Come From?
Sweet Gum Balls fall from the sweet gum tree. They are actually fruit with tiny seeds for birds and squirrels. Once the fruit is gone, the spiky balls fall to the ground in autumn.
The Sweet Gum tree was so named by native Americans because of the sweet bark of the tree.

What Does Foraged Mean?
When you hunt and gather supplies from nature for a project, then those supplies are considered foraged. Foraged means to search about for, rummage or hunt.
What Can You Use Foraged Sweet Gum Balls For?
Due to their unique design, Sweet Gum Balls Crafts are popular especially in the fall.
You will see wreaths, garlands, topiaries and more.
Today I’m sharing some of the Gum Ball craft ideas that I have made for Free.

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How to Make Sweet Gum Ball Stems
Here are the supplies I used to make the Sweet Gum Ball Stems.
- Fallen Branches
- Fallen Sweet Gum Balls
- Plastic Bag for Balls
- White Spray Paint
- Container for stems – I used a vintage sap bucket similar to this one.
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
- Gardening Shears
First, I foraged for some fallen branches to attach gum balls in order to make sweet gum balls stems.
We have a great supply due to a river birch tree in our yard.
Next, I gathered several gum balls from beneath the sweet gum trees around our property.
How to Prepare the Gum Balls
In order to avoid any uninvited guest in your home, you will want to de-bug your gum balls first.
Just place the gum balls in a plastic bag and freeze for a few days. All the creepy critter can be shaken out of the spiky balls.
Before starting, remove any attached stems from the sweet gum balls with gardening shears.

Prepare the Stems
For this project, I decided I wanted the stems white. Therefore, I prepared the stems by trimming any excess branches and arranging them inside the proposed container to determine the correct height.
Next, I placed the branches in the ground to hold them steady and used the white spray paint to cover the stems.

Construct Your Stems
Once everything is dry and de-bugged, arrange the stems in your container.
Next, begin by applying hot glue to two or three balls at a time. This allows the hot glue to cools slightly before attaching to the stems.

Randomly attach the gum balls to the branches and hold in position until the glue sets.
Continue to add balls until the stems are filled to your desired fullness.

Place The Gum Ball Arrangement in Desired Location
I decided to add my Sweet Gum Ball Arrangement on the entry table beside our front door.

You can make your branches heavy with gum balls or go for a light and airy feel.

Click Image for Details
More DIY Gum Ball Ideas
You can see this post with 10 Tips for FREE FALL Decorating Ideas which includes a simple idea of filling a handcrafted basket with sweet gum balls.

Another easy way to use gum balls is to string them on a medium weight jute rope for a Free Fall Garland

These stems are created using wooden skewers and a dab of hot glue. They are reminiscent of dried flowers.

This shorter version is made using a simple tooth pick attached with a little glue.

If you love neutral decor, these simple stems will be perfect for your fall decor and you can’t beat free.
The entry table includes a DIY Earthenware Lamp and several thrifted decor finds.

There are so many options for creating fun stems with Sweet Gum Balls. You can paint the balls in various colors, leave the stems natural, group several ball together for a large dried flower appearance, etc. The options are limitless.
You may also like this Easy Rusted Can DIY Fall Wreath Idea.

Be sure to watch the full Video Tutorial for more details.
Thank you for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.


Kathy
Saturday 1st of October 2022
Just noticed how many gumballs had fallen after we had a run in with Ian. Definitely will try those branches to use on my fall mantle and also want to try making a gumball topiary that I have a perfect vase for. My husband and I have retired to Guilford County N.C. and Ashboro is one of my favorite thrifting towns. Only about 25 mins away and great antique shops. Happy October.
Rachel
Sunday 2nd of October 2022
Kathy, That is great. My daughter lives in Greensboro.
Wendy McMonigle
Sunday 21st of August 2022
This is fabulous Rachel, thanks so much for inspiring me. I have some fun pods I could use on a tree. Thank you for linking up for Fabulous Friday Link Party.
va in nc
Thursday 1st of September 2022
@Rachel,
This is a great idea and gives me a reason to pick up the sweet gums balls from my daughter's yard. Also, great idea to stick branches in ground to spray paint. Your ideas are so great. Love your home, especially the porch. Thank you for sharing.
Rachel
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022
Wendy, Thank you and I can't wait to see what you create.
Amy
Saturday 20th of August 2022
Adorable AND free!!!! It doesn’t get better than that!!! Pinned!
Rachel
Sunday 21st of August 2022
Amy, I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
Tips & Ideas - Fall DIY Decorating Project - Home with Grace and Joy
Wednesday 17th of August 2022
[…] and could literally cost you just the price of some hot-glue sticks. I hope you will go over to The Ponds Farmhouse Blog and see Rachel’s quick and easy craft made with materials you will find in your backyard. I […]
Rachel
Friday 19th of August 2022
Thanks so much for sharing my project.
KariAnne
Tuesday 16th of August 2022
This is such a clever idea!!! Love all your DIY's! Happy day! KariAnne
Rachel
Tuesday 16th of August 2022
KariAnne, I really appreciate this.