Looking for an easy, stunning fall floral arrangement idea? You’ll not believe how you can transform free foraged treasures into this stunning fall flower arrangement. This wildflower arrangement has added texture with rustic sweet gum balls, pinecones, dried berries, and other materials gathered from the yard. Plus, it only takes minutes to assemble, and your friends will be amazed that it’s all free.
Before heading into the woods to gather your supplies, please take a look at the Foraging Safety Guide for necessary precautions when scavenging for materials. So let’s get started.
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Table of contents
Where To Look For Natural Elements
First, let’s discuss where you can find natural elements to make a wildflower arrangement. There are various elements in different areas of the country, so I suggest you get outside and look around. Begin by looking in your own yard and surrounding property. Look for dried materials such as pinecones, sweet gum balls, berries, etc. Then, look for foliage and wildflowers. If you don’t find enough, take a drive into the country. Many roadsides are filled with wild flowers this time of the year. Just be careful when pulling onto the roadsides and picking flowers. Find a wide open area and go prepared with containers, gloves, and pruning shears.
Once you have your supplies, you are ready to begin your arrangement. Take a look at what I found and how I used the foraged items.
Forage Materials For Fall Floral Arrangement
Here are the foraged materials I found for my arrangement. The first thing I was looking for was foraged foliage that was already turning for fall. I also found some dried berries that I felt would work in the arrangement.
Next, I gathered some nandina berries and stems from my landscape. The stems were beginning to turn for the season.
Wildflowers such as golden rod are easy to find along roadside, pastures and more. I gathered several stems to add a touch of golden yellow to the fall floral arrangement.
Finally, I had previously gathered and frozen some sweet gum balls. After removing from the freezer, I spray painted them with a combination of golden yellow and rust spray paints.
Instructions
How To Make Foraged Sweet Gum Ball Stems
Before I began to put together my fall floral arrangement, I created some sweet gum ball stems. They are easy to make and I’ll show you how.
You will need a hot glue gun to attach the floral wire. Just add a drop of hot glue to one of the natural holes in the gum balls and insert the floral wire. Set the gum ball aside to allow the glue to dry.
Next, bundle a few of the stems together. I used three at varying heights and used floral tape to secure them. Just wrap the tape tightly around the floral wire until you’ve covered the stem.
Finally, I used hot glue to attach small fall leaves to the stems. I just picked the leaves up in my yard. Bend the floral wires for a natural flower stem appearance.
You’ll notice that the stems are not 100% covered in the floral tape. These areas will not show when the stems are included in the foraged floral arrangement.
How To Make Foraged Pinecone Stems
In addition, I made some pinecone stems for the arrangement. This process is very similar, except the pinecones don’t have a hole for the floral wire. So here’s what I did.
To secure the pinecones, I wrapped a lightweight floral wire around the cone’s base scales. Then, I twisted the wires at the center of the pinecone base. Once I had several of these made, I attached them to the sturdy floral wire with the floral tape.
I used a variety of pinecone shapes to use in the foraged floral arrangement. Now let’s put this arrangement together.
How To Make Fall Floral Arrangement
I used a vintage ironstone vase for my flower arrangement. Begin by filling the vase with water.
Next, you can begin adding the larger of your foraged finds. I started with the fall foliage and removed the lower stems. Place the foliage in the vase, circling the top and allowing the foliage to drape over the sides of the opening.
Next, add the nandina stems and berries to the center of the vase. The berries are heavy, so ensure they are securely nestled within the stems.
The wildflower arrangement really pops with the addition of an easy-to-find golden rod. Just tuck a few pieces randomly between the other stems.
Finally, tuck in the dried berries, sweet gum ball, and pinecone stems. Continue to add more golden rod to fill any gaps.
I love the rustic texture of the gum balls in the arrangement.
Fall Flower Arrangement
The fall flower arrangement is stunning and filled with brilliant colors of autumn.
Conclusion
So, how do you like the wildflower arrangement? Can you believe it’s made with 100% foraged materials? It’s easy to gather your supplies, but be sure you follow the Foraging Safety Guide for the best experience.
Why buy expensive flowers for your fall table centerpiece when you can create stunning arrangements for free? The autumn colors are perfect for the kitchen or dining table. However, you can make a fall floral arrangement for any area of your home when you want to add a touch of autumn color.
I encourage you to get outside and look at nature’s bounty of supplies for your next creation. Happy foraging.
Supplies You May Need
Video
Thank you for stopping by today! I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!
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Angie
Sunday 29th of September 2024
Your sweet gum ball stems are stunning, your completed foraged arrangement is inspiring.
Rachel
Tuesday 1st of October 2024
Angie, Thank you so much. I'm so glad you liked the arrangement. Thanks for stopping by.
Kim Waldorf
Friday 27th of September 2024
I love foraging items to use. I have never heard of a gum ball. I'm guessing we don't have those here in the Mitten. Beautiful job, Rachel!
Rachel
Saturday 28th of September 2024
Kim. Thank you for stopping by. Jennifer also said she didn't have sweet gum balls. Must be a southern thing.