DIY Decorative Balls

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A few weeks ago, I was over at my sister’s house when I spotted a ton of sweet gum tree seed pods. We picked up a bunch of them and they’ve been sitting in a bag just begging me to create something with them. I toyed with the idea of making a wreath, but I already have two Fall wreaths, so I decided to create two decorative seed pod balls. I’m positively thrilled with how they turned out.

The texture, colors, shape and prickly-ness make these balls perfect for Fall!

{forgive the hideous picture…I brilliantly started this project at 9 p.m….ha!}

DIY Seed Pod Balls

  • Sweet Gum Tree Seed Pods
  • Hot Glue & Glue Gun
  • Ribbon
  • Leaves {or other embellishments, if desired}

This project is so easy, y’all!  It just takes a little time to glue all the seed pods together.  As you glue, create a spherical {technical word of the day!} shape. Don’t stress out over making a perfect sphere…we’re going for a natural look! 🙂

See?  No perfection here! 🙂

I added a bit of ribbon and a few leaves as embellishments. But you could leave them totally plain, spray paint them, group a bunch of them together….the possibilities are endless!

My seed pod balls are gracing the bookshelves in my dining room.  I’m still working on fluffing that room for Fall.  Don’t you love the glittery blue pumpkin?  I tried out Krylon’s new glitter blast spray and it is phenomenal! There’s no extra glitter floating around! 🙂

Beautiful!

Who would have thought that something so simple and completely free could be so adorable?  It’s fun using what you have on hand…or what you can find in your backyard to decorate your home! 🙂

Are there sweet gum seed pods in your part of the country?

I’m linking up to Made By You MondayTip Me Tuesday, Tips & TutesToday’s Creative BlogI’m Lovin’ ItChic & Crafty, and Weekend Wrap Up Party!

XO

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30 Comments

  1. Ohh! How fantastic! My son and I refer to those as “spikey’s”. What a great way to always remember autumn with my son and the spikey’s. I’m going to start collecting them NOW!!! Can’t wait to get started. Thanks!

  2. Love these!! The sheer ribbon and Fall leaves are a nice touches. I haven’t see those around here, but now I’m curious of they are. I’ll have to research, and look around on our hike today. They look sharp!
    LOL.
    Laura @ Our House Of Joyful Noise´s last blog post ..HOME

  3. Terrific idea-what a great project.We have them in our back yard. Do they pinch your fingers? Anna

  4. Finally a great use for these things that are all over my yard! 🙂 Beautiful, creative idea! Thanks for taking time to share with us.

  5. I have a few million of these from an 80 year old tree in my yard. Love the tree! Hate the gumballs! Anyone needing some can come over and help themselves.

  6. I got your blog site from Lori Matthews….she posted a picture on FB of her decorative ball! I love to read blogs that feature crafts and homey projects! Thanks for sharing.

    1. Awww, thanks Sarah! 🙂 I was a little scared, but went out on a limb and did it anyway. I’m so excited with how they turned out. 🙂

  7. My parents have a sweetgum tree in their yard and the balls are everywhere! My sister and I used to call them “porcupine eggs” when we were little. I always sprinkle some in with my fall decor but I can’t wait to make some of these! Just have to have my kids round some up the next time we’re at the grandparents house…

  8. Wow, those bring back the memories of when I was a kid growing up in Northern Ca…haven’t seen them in years. Love your project. Thanks for the road down memory lane.

  9. Super cute… I wished I had some lying around my yard! I am a Florida gal and all we have in our yard is palm frawns….

    Love the blue pumpkin in the backround! Cute!

  10. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
    Terrie´s last blog post ..accelerated martial arts

  11. Hi Myra…This post had many beautiful ideas. I like what you did with the sweet gum spiky balls. We used to have two Beautiful sweet gum trees…and I loved the pretty colors that they turned in the fall…but hubby hated the spiky balls that would cover the yard! I wish I had made something like this way back then. Now we live in a different house and those huge trees have been cut down. So sad!

    I hope that next year I will decorate for fall in September and have more time to enjoy it. Just about the time I finish up with getting all of the fall stuff out, it is time to get out the Christmas decorations! (:>)
    Linda´s last blog post ..In The Still of the Morning

  12. We pick up the balls in our park. My niece used to make poodle dogs out of them. I really appreciate the name of your blog and just subscribed to your blog because ofthis I so lookforward to joinng you as I know I will not only be inspired by your creations but my spirit will also be fed.

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