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Transform Foraged Treasures: Stunning Fall Floral Arrangement

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.

Gathered foraged materials in a basket

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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.

Wildflowers in a field.

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.

Foraged fall foliage and dried berries for Fall Flower Arrangement

Next, I gathered some nandina berries and stems from my landscape. The stems were beginning to turn for the season.

Nandina stems and berries to make a fall flower arrangement

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.

Wildflowers and golden rod for a foraged fall flower 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.

Spray paint foraged gum balls in fall colors

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.

sweet gum ball stems to make fall floral arrangement

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.

Painted Sweet Gum Ball Stems with fall leaves attached

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.

DIY Pinecone Stems for fall flower arrangement.

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.

Add fall foliage to white ironstone pitcher for a fall floral arrangement

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.

Add golden rod  to white ironstone pitcher for a fall wildflower  arrangement

Finally, tuck in the dried berries, sweet gum ball, and pinecone stems. Continue to add more golden rod to fill any gaps.

Add sweet gum ball stems and pinecone stems  to white ironstone pitcher for a fall floral arrangement

I love the rustic texture of the gum balls in the arrangement.

Easy DIY wildfower arrangement with sweet gum balls, golden rod and fall foliage.

Fall Flower Arrangement

The fall flower arrangement is stunning and filled with brilliant colors of autumn.

DIY Fall Floral Arrangement made with 100% foraged elements for free

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.

DIY Fall Floral Arrangement made with 100% foraged elements for free on screened-in porch table.

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.

DIY Fall Floral Arrangement made with 100% foraged elements for free on kitchen countertop

Supplies You May Need

Video

Wildflower arrangement video tutorial.

Thank you for stopping by today! I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

Pin It To Remember It

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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.