As the vibrant colors of autumn begin and the air grows crisp, there is a magic that comes with the change of seasons.  We find ourselves drawn to creative ways to capture fall beauty and warmth, we are excited to share this Indian corn wreath DIY and printable card. 

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History and Symbolism of Indian Corn

The corn harvest was so important to the indigenous people of North America. Many tribes held religious ceremonies for a successful crop. It continues to be prominent in the arts, culture, health, and lifestyle of American Indians from New Mexico to Massachusetts.

Decorating With Flint Corn

The color and texture of Indian corn add an instant rustic look to your fall decor. Decorating with Indian Corn, known as Flint corn, is an easy and inexpensive way to bring the colors of fall in our decor to our rooms and front door.

Let’s Look At The Most Asked Questions

What is Indian corn called now?

Today, many call it Flint corn, it is a form of maize. It’s often referred to as ornamental or decorative corn, Indian corn, or Calico corn. The cobs are known for being colorful and hard as flint.

Can It Be Used for Cooking or Eating?

Indian corn is technically edible, it’s not consumed in the same way as sweet corn. The kernels of Indian corn are tougher and starchier, making them less desirable for consumption. Some Native American tribes have traditional methods of preparing and cooking Indian corn, such as grinding it into cornmeal for many dishes.

Today, Indian corn is primarily used for fall decor such as centerpieces with fall leaves and fall wreaths.  

Supplies List:

• 15 small size ears of corn (Indian corn cobs of your choice)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• 10-inch foam wreath or 10-inch straw wreath (craft stores)
• Burlap ribbon to wrap the foam wreath
• Wreath hanger or ribbon for hanging
• Tiny pinecones or fall leaves (optional)
• Scissors
• natural buff paint (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide To Indian Corn Wreath

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface

I want to let you know this Indian corn wreath is easy, and fast and will have beautiful fall colors and a WOW FACTOR!

Set up a clean and well-lit workspace to comfortably arrange your materials.  Plug your hot glue gun on low.  If you are using a Styrofoam wreath set your hot glue gun on low. High heat will break down the Styrofoam.

Remember to use extra caution when working with a hot glue gun.   

Arrange The Wreath Base

Step 2: Place Your Wreath Base On A Flat Surface

If using a straw wreath form, ensure it’s securely placed on a flat surface. If using a foam ring, position it so the flat side is facing up.

*As an Amazon Associate, Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint, and other Affiliates I earn from qualifying purchases*  There’s no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own. 

Wrap Wreath Form

Step 3: Wrap Wreath Form: Burlap Ribbon

Normally I would use a straw wreath for the fall wreath.  I had a foam wreath form in my craft closet, so I used what I had. This is a great way to save money.  Always check to see what supplies you have before running to the craft stores.

Hot glue the end of the burlap ribbon and wrap your new wreath. Again, use caution so you don’t burn yourself.  

Tip: If you are unsure about getting burned, a great way to protect your fingers is to use rubber fingertips. 

Attach The Ribbon

Step 4: Attach Ribbon Bow

If you are using a metal wire wreath base and plan to hang the Indian corn wreath, attach a ribbon loop to the top of the wreath base before wrapping it with the burlap ribbon. Be sure it is securely fastened, ornamental corn gets rather heavy. 

You can also hang an Indian corn wreath with a metal wreath hanger. This requires you to add a loop to the back of the wreath before adding ears of corn. I suggest using a wrapped heavy-duty wire.

I slipped my ribbon under an ear of corn and wrapped it around my wreath form to hang.

Select Your Indian Corn

Step 5: Mix Ears Of Corn: Different Colors

This is a great way to get a variety of fall colors for your Indian corn wreath. The fall colors will give your Indian corn wreath a wow factor. 

Secure The Ears Of Indian Corn

Step 6: Add Hot Glue To The Ears Of Corn

To be sure I was going to achieve the correct look for my Indian corn wreath, I did a dry run with a few ears of corn before adding hot glue.

Once you have the ears of corn grouped in colors, add a bit of hot glue to your wreath base and add your first piece of corn. 

Remember, the ears of corn are straight, and you need to add each ear of corn in a circular pattern with a balanced distribution of fall colors for a cohesive look.

Make sure to keep the corn husks gathered to prevent them from getting in the hot glue.  

Tip: Yes, there will be a gap of burlap ribbon or straw showing.   When the Indian corn wreath is hung it will blend. 

Add Pinecones To Indian Corn Wreath

Step 7: Add Pinecones And Decorative Elements

This is a simple way to make your Indian Corn wreath different than others. Use the hot glue gun to add tiny pinecones between each ear of corn. Use extra caution using the hot glue gun.

If you follow Cloches & Lavender, you know I enjoy adding natural elements and items from our backyard to our home, especially for fall decor.  

Nature offers many gifts during the fall season to add to our home decor such as pinecones, acorns, and sticks from our yard.  The best part these are free and add charm and warmth as the air becomes crisp.

I love pinecones and can never get enough of them.  You may enjoy this post on how to clean and preserve them for your fall decor and the winter months.

I have a variety of pinecones in my craft closet. These are from old wreaths I hung on the back of my dining chairs years ago. I use these for the holiday season in many ways.

Tip: I save everything and these are a great way to add an extra touch of nature to my Indian corn wreath. Save as many of these kinds of pieces as you can, it saves money and a trip to craft stores.

Hanging and Display Your Fall Wreath

• Attach a sturdy ribbon or wire loop to the back of the Indian corn wreath for easy hanging.
• Consider placing the Indian corn wreath on your front door, above the fireplace, or as a centerpiece on a table.
• Add a flameless candle, pinecones, acorns, and other natural elements for a festive centerpiece on the coffee table or dining room table for your fall decor.

Other Ideas To Use Indian Corn

• Fill an apothecary jar with mini corn cobs, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, acorns, star anise, and fall leaves. 
• Hot glue an empty coffee can with small ears of corn. Add jute, twine, ribbon, or raffia for a centerpiece, and add the colors of fall to your coffee table.
• Add the ears of corn to a dough bowl with pinecones, artichokes, apples, pears, and fall leaves.

Tip:  Be aware if you hang this Indian corn wreath on the front door, if is not protected, squirrels may eat it for breakfast. I suggest hanging this Indian corn wreath inside a storm door and out of direct sunlight or indoors to keep it safe from wildlife.

Storing The Fall Wreath

Step 8: Storing The Indian Corn Wreath

When it is time to store your Indian corn wreath, I recommend covering it with brown paper.  A plastic bag may cause moisture and cause the ears of corn to get moldy.​

Tip: Once my Indian corn wreath was hung the pinecones blended in a bit too much. There’s always a solution. I dry-brushed them with a bit of DecoArt natural buff craft paint.

Why You Should Craft With Us

Get Crafting Today! Infuse your home with the beauty of autumn. Gather your materials and follow our detailed tutorial to create your own Indian Corn Wreath. 

Explore More Seasonal DIY Projects Fall is a time of endless creativity. If you enjoyed making the Indian Corn Wreath, look at our collection of wreaths for other inspiring seasonal DIY projects.

From pumpkin-themed crafts to a pinecone wreath and extra touch, a fall nut wreath with a bit of elegance, and our assortment of dried orange craft ideas. Discover more ways to add your personal touch to this cozy season.

In conclusion, as the days grow shorter and the air crisper, your Indian Corn Wreath DIY and its color of fall beauty can be made from the treasures from nature. So, whether you hang it on your front door or use it as a centerpiece, remember that your crafting journey is about the finished product, it is about embracing the essence of fall. Find ways to make this your own and I hope you embrace that pieces can be fixed if they aren’t the way you perceived.

Happy fall!

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