Y’all, I can’t wait for you to see these adorable corn stalks decor topiaries. If you are looking for a unique and inexpensive fall project, you will love this creative use of corn stalks and foraged materials. Decorating with corn stalks is a stylish way to add country chic charm to your home this Autumn.
They are the first project in my decorating with corn stalks series for September.
I love using corn stalks for fall decorating, and today, I’m sharing a DIY Tutorial for making these super easy corn stalk topiaries. This is a budget-friendly project because everything is foraged except for a few items.
I shared this fall porch filled with corn stalks on 15 Ideas for Fall Decorating Outdoors. However, today I’m bringing the cornstalks inside for a fun project.
Why Decorate with Corn Stalks?
First, dried corn stalks are the first sign of fall if you live in the country. Just before the harvest, the stalks begin to turn brown and rural roads are full of them.
Secondly, if you know a farmer, you can most likely get the corn stalks for free. Just be sure to only cut those without ears of corn on them.
Usually, the stalks on the outer edges of the field will be less likely to have ears still attached because deer have already had a meal here.
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What Supplies For Corn Stalk Topiaries?
You only need a few items that you can’t forage.
Foraged Supplies
I was able to forage my supplies. However, I understand this isn’t an option for everyone; therefore, I have added links to help you find all your supplies.
- Corn Stalks (cut husks into small pieces approx. 4-5 inches long) (corn husks for purchase)
Note: If your corn shucks are dry, you may want to dampen them before beginning. Don’t soak them; wipe them with a wet towel to make them more pliable. Do this as you gather your supplies, so they have time to start drying. You don’t want them wet, just slightly damp.
- Small Acorns or (These mini acorns)
- 2 small Pinecones or (Small Pinecones)
- Small Twigs (approx. 2-3 inches long
- round base cut from tree branch (approx. 5 inches in diameter and 1″ thick) (wooden Bases for purchase)
- 2 twigs cut at two different heights.
- You may want to see 8 Corn Husk Fall Decor Ideas
For this project, I recycled the bases I used for my DIY Real Cedar and Orange Topiaries. However, they are easy to make by cutting a 5-inch branch approx. One inch thick, drill a hole to attach a small stick and hot glue in place. You can see full details here.
Corn Stalk Decor – Topiaries
After you have gathered your supplies and cut your corn stalks to size, it’s time to heat the hot glue gun and get started.
First, you will want to attach the corn stalks to the floral tape with hot glue. You can stick them directly to the styrofoam cones; however, the corn shucks are fragile and will disintegrate if not careful.
Attach corn stalks husks
Begin with husks that are cut flat.
Then add a second row cut from the pointed end of the stalk.
Wrap the two rows around the cone approximately halfway up from the bottom and secure with floral picks.
If gaps allow the cone to show, add more corn husks by attaching them with hot glue.
Add Twigs
Next, using the same technique, hot glue the twigs to a piece of floral tape.
Wrap the floral tape (filled with twigs) around the cone, just above the corn husks.
You can attach the base at any point by adding a drop of hot glue to the stick and pushing it into the bottom of the cone. Make sure the cone is level and hold until secure.
Repeat this process once more until you have two identical rows of corn husk and twigs. This will leave approx.—1 1/2 inches at the top of the cone.
Add Third Row
Next, cut several short pieces of corn husk to fill in at the top of the cone. Fold the top as shown in the image below.
Use hot glue to hold the fold in place and attach it to the top of the cone.
Finish Decorating with Corn Stalks
Finally, it’s time to finish decorating with corn stalks by adding a pinecone to the top of the topiary.
Add hot glue and hold in place until secure.
Lastly, add the tiny acorns around the bottom of the pinecone to finish the project.
I added a little white paint to the tips of the pinecone before attaching it to the top of the topiary.
Corn Stalk Decor
I choose to make two corn stalk decor topiaries to add to my fall dining table. However, they also look great here in my entryway for fall. I’m sure they will be moved around several times.
In addition, the corn stalks work well with the Sweet Gum Ball Stems that I shared earlier for fall.
The fall entryway table is filled with neutrals and a little blue. The Easy Thrifted Lamp makeover and How To Use Chalk Paint Shelf Update combined with the antique table to create an inviting autumn vignette.
Stay tuned for more Decorating with Corn Stalks ideas for Fall.
Project Update
At the end of the fall decorating season, I couldn’t toss these cute topiaries so I stored them with all my fall decor.
I’m happy to report they look fabulous again this year.
I hope you will give this easy craft project a try. You will love the topiaries and the cute pumpkin also.
Watch Video Tutorial
Other Corn Husks and Corn Stalk Decorating Ideas
Thanks so much for stopping by.
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sandra magle
Friday 20th of September 2024
Wow, this is a stupendous post, totally am in love with your projects and the methods you are using. Our Grandgirl is going to be 12 now, so I have to up-age her crafts and this would be doable. However----battling the ads on your blog barely made it worth it, sorry to say, aggressive and intrusive the ads are, here. But, amazing crafts and photos. Sandi
Rachel
Saturday 21st of September 2024
SAndra, I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the ads. You can click them off or switch to read only mode. Thank you for your kind compliments and I hope your granddaughter enjoys this project.
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