Sweet Gum Ball Wreath Transform Your Decor Today!

I can hear it now about these spiky balls. No, I don’t have sweetgum trees in my front yard. However, I love working with items that Mother Nature provides. Hey, they’re free, and when your neighbor offers you these empty seed pods, you take them. So my husband went with a plastic bag. After realizing how many were lying on the ground from our neighbor’s sweet gum tree, he returned and got two buckets. As I mentioned, the pieces Mother Nature offers are free! This sweet gum ball wreath transforms your decor today!

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Sweet Gum Ball Wreath Transform Your Decor Today!

So join me and see how to add sweet gum balls from the back or front yard to crafts and fall decor. And if you are still not convinced that pods from a sweet gum ball tree are fun to use then add them to the compost pile.  Make this wreath to hang on your front door and your neighbors will be wowed!

Sweet Gum Ball Wreath Transform Your Decor Today!

Plan to Creation: How I Tackled a Bigger Wreath Project and Nailed It for Crafting Success

When I decided to make this wreath with sweetgum balls, I originally planned on using an 8-inch straw wreath form. However, I had a 10-inch form next to it, and my brain said to go bigger. Never having worked with sweet gum seed pods before, this became a larger craft idea than I planned. But I never quit on a project. I’ve been making wreaths for 30 years, and I never give up. So, I kept going and figured it out. That’s how crafting works, even for a blogger. It’s my job to figure out craft ideas, make them, and share the full details so my readers can create one too. I want to offer suggestions on how you can make any project suit you! 

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Sweet Gum Ball Wreath Transform Your Decor Today!

Craft Supplies:

• 8-inch or 10-inch straw wreath form or a grapevine wreath
• 150 sweet gum balls
• 12 pinecone flowers (optional)
• Hazelnuts (optional)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Matte brown spray paint (HERE)
• Cookie Sheet
• Plastic bag or bucket
• Tweezers: to remove glue strings I have these and are great
• Matte Sealer Mod Podge is a favorite

Step 1: Prep Sweet Gum Pods: Quick Baking for Bug-Free Crafts and Decor

Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 250 degrees. Add the pods to a large baking sheet or cookie sheet. Bake these for 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before using them on your sweet gum ball wreath. This will ensure there are no bugs, and they are germ-free, and will ensure they last a long time.

Cindy’s Sweet Gum Tip: Because these fell off sweet gum trees and have been in your front yard, animals may have nibbled on the sweet gum seeds. I recommend baking the empty pods. Apologies, I forgot to photograph this step.

Step 2: Paint Matte Brown Spray Paint for a Flawless Wreath Base

Spray your straw wreath form with matte Brown spray paint. The wreath form will blend with the sweet gum if any gaps exist. Let dry.

Cindy’s Sweet Gum Tip: If you have brown acrylic paint, you can use it. However, if you use acrylic paint, it will take longer to apply and much longer to dry so spraying the wreath base is my suggestion.

Step 3: Quick and Easy: Snip Sweet Gum Pod Stems

Plug in your hot glue gun and grab your protective rubber fingers. I started my glue gun on the high setting. Once it was heated, I switched it to the low temperature setting. This did a great job of heating the glue faster. Add a lot of glue to a seed pod and hold it to set. You may need to hold it to set for about a minute. Continue adding the seed pods to the inner ring of the wreath.

Cindy’s Protective Rubber Fingers: It has taken me since last year to find protective fingers that finally fit. I have skinny fingers, and every set fell off. So, if you have the same issue, these are a sure thing and do a great job of avoiding burns! I’m still getting used to wearing them. Some pictures, I’m not. Notice in some pictures I’m adding glue to the wreath. My arms were getting tired. I have MS so I have to change positions at times. Never let a disability define you!

Step 4: Filling Gaps Between Pods Create a Flawless Wreath: Learn From My Mistake

In my pictures, I have a small gap between each seed pod. I did this for two reasons:

• Pieces from Mother Nature aren’t always the same size. Leaving a small space prevents you from getting to the end of a row and not having room to add your last seed pod. 
• How do I know this? It happened to me, and I needed to begin my wreath over. Continue hot gluing your sweet gum until you are happy, and the entire wreath is covered.

Cindy’s Glue Tip: This is my favorite. Because I have been making wreaths for 30 years I can’t recommend a dual temperature glue gun enough.

Step 5: Elevate Your Sweet Gum Wreath: Adding Pine Cones

Next, for more natural elements and texture, I add hazelnuts and pinecone flowers. I added a dab of glue to the bottoms and filled in some gaps. Hold them to set. These pieces did a great job of adding something extra to the craft idea, and I love what they added to this sweet gum ball wreath. You will notice glue strings in the process pictures. This is why I recommend a tweezer. The glue strings need to be removed. A tweezer works best. Hang your wreath. Remember, wreaths don’t always have to be hung. Use them as a centerpiece with battery-operated candles in the center. It’s beautiful. Let me know what you think of this idea.

Cindy’s Sweet Gum Tip: This step is optional and up to you. This is your wreath. However, it adds so much to this wreath. If you would like to try something different, dry brush the sweet gum ball wreath with silver or gold acrylic paint. This does a good job of mixing a rustic and elegant look and is a favorite! I added two thin coats of matte acrylic sealer. This is optional; however, it will protect this wreath from fading and will last a long time.

Natural Elements to Incorporate Into Your Sweet Gum Ball Wreath:

Adding these natural elements to a wreath adds extra character. The best part? I share full details of how to clean and preserve some so they will last a long time.

• Pine cones get the full details to clean and preserve these for craft and decor! 
• Star Anise
• Cinnamon sticks
• Dried oranges get the full details. I share these for a craft idea for fall, and the holiday season.  And an orange garland that’s fun for the entire family! These are perfect to add to the Christmas tree.
• Acorns get the easy details to clean and preserve acorns for crafts and decor!
• Cut corn husks
• Faux or real bittersweet
• Walnuts’ full details to make a garland in minutes that will last for years! I use mine in different ways every year!

With these ideas, you will showcase natural elements that are great for making a wreath and garland to hang on a front door, in the dining room, or family room. These beautiful pieces will stand the test of time.

Gather Sweet Gum Pods With a Bag a Nut: A Must-Have Tool

Do you know there is an easy way to pick up these spiky balls that fall from a sweet gum tree? It’s known as a Bag a Nut. It’s a sweet gum harvester made in the United States and doesn’t take a long time. I’d buy one especially if I had a sweet gum ball tree or trees. No, not to throw them in the compost pile. I’d have my hubby gather these for crafts and decor.

Let me answer questions about these spiky balls that can be annoying to deal with and walk on, OUCH!

How did these balls get their name?

After researching this, I discovered interesting information. In 1519, the Spanish conquistador described Native Americans using the liquid amber resin in a ceremony. The native Americans also used the resin for dental hygiene. The true name “sweet gum ball” comes from the bark of sweetgum trees. American pioneers scraped the substance from tree bark and chewed it like gum. Hence, the spiky sweet gum seeds were called sweet gum balls.

Why Sweet Gum Went Viral:  Ancient Uses and Fun Facts Revealed

When I shared these balls from a sweet gum tree, people looked at this video over 6,000 times. Or me, that’s a lot of views. Native Americans used the resin from sweetgum balls for dental hygiene. Here’s another fun fact: the origin of the name “sweet gum ball” comes from the bark of the sweet gum tree.

Transform Your Garden With Sweet Gum Pods: Their Natural Pest Deterrent

The pods that fall can also be used as mulch. Air and water easily pass through the hollow seed pods. These spiky balls can help deter slugs and other animals. Oh, gardeners, I read this is an easy way to keep chipmunks and other small animals from eating plants. See, these pods may help with bulb planting.  They have a slow decomposition rate, and sweetgum balls provide long-lasting ground cover, blocking out the sun and preventing weed germination. Mother Nature most times does a great job sharing pieces for free!

Craft Ideas and Handmade Items

Sweet Gumball Crafts

The shape and texture of sweetgum balls make them an excellent crafting material. They can be added to any craft idea with a bit of hot glue and a few crafting supplies.

Cindy’s Sweet Gum Tip: Since these fell off a sweet gum tree and have been on the ground animals may have nibbled on the sweet gum seeds. I recommend baking the empty seed pods in the oven on a cookie sheet. Bake at a low temperature of 250 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before use. This will ensure there are no bugs, and they are germ-free and will ensure these can last a long time

Other Handmade Items

Elevate Fall Decor With Sweet Gum Pods Natural Centerpiece

• decorative: The empty pods from sweetgum trees can be used for decorative purposes.  Add these spiky balls to an ornamental bowl, small basket, apothecary jar, or tray. Combine these with other items from nature. Acorns, pine cones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, small white pumpkins, and star anise. This would be an easy way to make a focal point on a coffee table or dining room table.  Add votive candles, and it will be a beautiful centerpiece for your fall decor.
• Centerpiece Idea: This sweet gum ball wreath doesn’t have to be hung. Add it to a coffee table or dining room table. Place battery operated candle in the center for the perfect focal point and centerpiece. I have these and they are great and come with a remote and timer settings.

Cindy’s Sweet Gum Tip: Dry brush the sweet gum balls with a small paintbrush and gold acrylic paint. I share an easy way to achieve this look with items. I used a dry brush technique last year for items in our home.

Handmade items: Craft Festive Gifts, Decor, and More!

Rustic Charm Awaits: Sweet Gum Garland DIY Sign up for the Tutorial 

Sweet Gum Garland: String these pods from the sweet gum ball tree into a rustic garland. Stay tuned, this craft project is on the horizon. You won’t want to miss the easy details, so be sure to sign up and follow Cloches & Lavender. I’m here to inspire and share ideas, especially for you to create something that suits you and your home.

Bring your winter decor to life with these handmade snowmen and a garland perfect for the Christmas tree. Perfect for gifting, decorating, and spreading holiday cheer.

Embrace the Beauty of Sweet Gum Trees: Nature’s Gift for the Home and Garden

So, when you are in your back or front yard, remember, there is beauty in sweetgum trees. This large tree does a great job with shade in summer. The leaves turn orange, red, and yellow for fall. In spring, sweetgum balls provide nectar for the ruby-throated hummingbird. Sweetgum feeds more than 30 species of butterflies. Each fruit has dozens of fruits that are fused. The sweet gum pods provide food for wildlife. As the balls dry, they turn from green to brown. During the drying process holes appear. Each sweetgum ball will produce 30-50 seeds.  

• Birds
• Squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Wild turkeys
• Ducks
• Mourning doves
• Chickadee
• Sparrow
• Cardinal
• Gold Finches

As frustrating as this large tree can be, think of all the wildlife that enjoy sweet gum seeds. Enjoy seeing birds and butterflies enjoying these trees.

Turn Sweet Gum Ball Tree From Nuisance to Treasures:  Embrace Fall’s Gifts

Even though a sweet gum ball tree can be a nuisance. Remember to embrace the gifts Mother Nature provides from this large tree. They are free and add character, texture, and natural elements to fall decor for you make a sweet gum ball wreath that transforms your decor today! Wreaths don’t always need to hang. Add them as a centerpiece with a battery operated candle. Give these pods a chance from sweetgum trees and don’t throw them all in the compost pile. Grab a plastic bag, or a bucket and collect these this fall season, a display them in the home! I look forward to sharing more handmade items and DIYs with you! Share your project ideas and tag me @clochesandlavender. I would enjoy ideas from this large tree in your home!

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Other Handmade Items:

Pinecone Wreath

Chestnut Wreath

Easy Fall Wreath