We love recreating natural elements for fall to decorate our homes with. Unlike our rising sun redbud branch, which features a cascade of vivid colors, our DIY cotton stems have more of a neutral, rustic look.

This is another great craft project for beginners from our monthly collection that is very simple to cut by hand. Or you’re always welcome to use your cutting machine.

crepe and roving wool cotton stems

Wooly pretty fall decor

These DIY cotton stems are perfect for fall arrangements. Or they’re pretty on their own in a vase, too! You can also add the stems to a wreath by wrapping them around a hoop wreath or tucking them into a grapevine wreath. If you want some pops of color, you could add the crepe paper chestnuts from this branch — or check out our other fall decor for more ideas.

We’d love to see what you do with your cotton stems, so be sure to share photos with us! You can post pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #MadeWithLia or over on our crafters community page.

Skill level: Beginner 

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Tools

Materials

How to Make DIY Cotton Stems

  1. Gather your craft tools and materials. Then download the pattern below.
  2. Cut crepe paper according to template using scissors or a cutting machine.
  3. Use your hands to roll some roving wool into a small 1/2-inch ball.
  4. Use hot glue to attach 4 balls of roving tool together.

Full tutorial available for members to download below.

crepe paper cotton stems tutorial by Lia Griffith

handmade cotton stems
DIY cotton stems
cotton stems in vase

Explore More

Want to make more projects like this one? Browse our fall and Thanksgiving crafts for more ideas.