How to make seedhead baubles

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 12 November 2019 at 9:56 am

We show you how to transform old poppy seedheads into new Christmas baubles.

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Glass baubles were first made in Germany in the 16th century.

Foraged seedheads from the garden or hedgerows can be used to create your own, less delicate baubles, for example using poppy or helichrysum seedheads. For more ideas, browse our list of plants with attractive seedheads.

Find out how to make poppy seedhead baubles, below.

You Will Need

Papier mâché ball (5cm diameter)
Festive ribbon (20cm long x 1cm wide)
Dried poppy seedheads (30)
Spray paint, We used gold paint
Glue gun
String or twine

Total time: 1 hour

Step 1

Spraying the papier mache ball and seedheads

Spray paint a papier mâché ball and the poppy seedheads. Leave to dry. Remove the hanging loop from the ball once dry.

Step 2

Take a ribbon and fold it in half to make a loop. Check it fits over a branch. Use a glue gun to stick the ends to the top of the ball.

Step 3

Remove the stem close to the base of the poppy pod. Apply glue, and stick the pod to the ball. Continue until the ball is covered.

Spraying your seedheads

You needn't stick with gold when spraying your seedheads; green, silver and red, or a combination of several, are good alternatives. Don't forget to have a window open when using spray paints, or spray outdoors, to avoid breathing in any fumes.