How to Make Beautiful Mums at Home

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a popular fall flower that can add a festive touch to your home or garden. Whether you want to decorate your front porch for Halloween or simply add some color to your backyard, mums are a great option. They come in a variety of colors, like yellow, red, purple, and white, and can be placed in pots, planted in the ground, or used in flower arrangements.

If you’re interested in adding some mums to your decor, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First, you’ll need to select the right variety of mum for your needs. Some mums are hardier than others and can withstand colder temperatures, while others are better suited for indoor use. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the amount of sunlight and water your mums will require, as well as how to properly care for them throughout the season. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and vibrant display of mums that will impress your friends and family.

Choosing the Right Mum Varieties

When it comes to making mums, selecting the right varieties is crucial. You have to choose one that is best suited to your region and climate. Mums come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including daisy, spider, pom-pom, and decorative. Here are some factors to consider before choosing a mum variety:

Climate

Mums prefer cooler temperatures, so you will have to choose a variety that can thrive in your region’s climate. For instance, if you live in a warmer climate, go for early blooming mums as they require lower temperatures to grow.

Flower Size

Mum flowers come in different sizes, so you will need to pick one that suits your preference. Larger blooms, such as decorative and pom-pom, are great for bouquets and flower arrangements. On the other hand, smaller blooms, such as daisy and button, are ideal for mass plantings.

Bloom Time

Mums have different blooming times, from early to mid to late-season. Depending on your preference, you can either plant a single variety or a mix of early, mid and late-blooming varieties to enjoy a more extended blooming season.

Growing Habit

Mums grow to different heights and shapes, so you have to consider the plant’s overall growth habit, including its branching or spreading tendencies. For instance, if you want a compact plant, go for the cushion-type mums, while the larger, sprawling varieties are suitable for large garden beds.

Color

Mums come in a wide variety of colors, making them perfect for adding pops of color to your garden. You can choose a single monochromatic color or a mix of complementary shades to create a stunning visual effect.

Soil Type

Ensure the mum variety you choose can grow in the soil type available in your region. Mums thrive in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.0.

Sunlight exposure

Mums require plenty of sunlight to grow, at least six hours a day. Therefore, it would be best to choose a variety that can thrive under the amount of sunlight available in your garden.

Resistance to Diseases and Pests

Some mum varieties are more resistant to pests and diseases than others. It is best to choose a variety that has natural resistance to pest infestations and is less susceptible to common mum diseases.

Plant Hardiness Zone

Mums have different hardiness zones, which indicate the plant’s ability to withstand low temperatures. It would help if you chose a mum variety that is cataloged for your region’s plant hardiness zone.

Plant Size

Finally, consider the growing space available in your garden when choosing a mum variety. Some varieties can grow to two to three feet tall and wide, while others are compact and ideal for smaller spaces.

In conclusion, selecting the right mum variety is essential for a successful growing experience. Consider the above factors before picking a variety, and you are sure to have a lovely autumn garden.

Tools and Materials Needed to Make Mums

Making mums is a fun DIY project that involves a few simple tools and materials. Whether you’re making mums for yourself, your kids, or as gifts for friends and family, here are the tools and materials you’ll need to get started:

Flower Supplies

The first step in making mums is to gather your flower supplies. You’ll need to purchase chrysanthemum blooms in your desired colors and sizes. You can order these online or purchase them from a local florist or craft store. You’ll also need floral wire, tape, scissors, and a hot glue gun.

Ribbon and Backing Materials

The next step in making mums is to select your ribbon and backing materials. Choose ribbon in your desired color and width, and consider using grosgrain or satin ribbon for a luxurious finish. For the backing, you can use felt or fabric in a coordinating color to finish off your mum.

Sewing Supplies

If you plan on making a mum garter or a mum stuffed animal, you’ll also need sewing supplies. Thread, needles, and a sewing machine are all necessary tools for this type of project.

Embellishments

To add a little extra bling to your mums, consider adding embellishments like beads, sequins, or rhinestones. You can purchase these items from a craft store or online, and use them to add extra sparkle to your mums.

Glue and Adhesives

In addition to a hot glue gun, you may need other types of glue and adhesives to create your mums. Fabric glue, double-sided tape, and glue dots are all useful tools to have on hand for this project.

Cutting Tools

Scissors are the obvious cutting tool you’ll need to create your mums, but there are other tools that can make the project easier. A rotary cutter and mat can make cutting ribbon and fabric a breeze.

Measuring Tools

While you don’t need any special measuring tools for this project, having a ruler or tape measure on hand can help you get precise measurements for your mum.

Pins and Clips

To hold your mum pieces together while you’re assembling them, you’ll need pins and clips. Sewing pins or hair clips can both work for this purpose.

Iron and Ironing Board

Ironing your ribbon and fabric can help to remove wrinkles and creases, making your finished mum look more polished and professional. An iron and ironing board are both helpful tools to have on hand.

Workspace and Lighting

Finally, you’ll need a clear workspace to create your mums, along with good lighting to see what you’re doing. Set up a table or desk in a well-lit area, and make sure you have plenty of room to spread out your materials and tools.

Materials Needed to Make Mums

Making mums is a fun and rewarding activity, but you will need some materials to get started. Here are the materials you will need:

Choosing Your Chrysanthemum Flowers

Chrysanthemum flowers are the centerpiece of your mums, so it’s important to choose the right type of flower. There are many different colors and sizes of chrysanthemums available, so consider the occasion and choose a color that fits the theme. If you’re making mums for a sports team, for example, choose the team’s colors. If you’re making mums for a dance, choose a color that matches the dress or theme of the event.

Preparing Your Floral Wire

Before you can start attaching flowers to your wire, you’ll need to prepare the wire. Cut a piece of wire to the desired length of your mum, and bend it into a U-shape. This will be the base of your mum, so make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the flowers and decorations you’ll be attaching.

Attaching the Flowers to the Wire

Now that you have your wire base and flowers, it’s time to attach the flowers to the wire. Start by selecting a flower and stripping off any excess leaves and stems. Insert the stem into the U-shaped wire and wrap floral tape around it to secure it in place. Repeat this process with the remaining flowers, spacing them out evenly along the wire.

Decorating Your Mum

Once you have your flowers attached to the wire, you can start decorating your mum. Use ribbon, glitter, or other decorations to add some flair to your mum. You can also attach small trinkets or charms that relate to the occasion you’re making the mum for.

Adding a Ribbon and Finishing Touches

Finally, add a ribbon to your mum to tie it all together. Cut a length of ribbon and wrap it around the base of the mum, securing it with hot glue. You can also add a bow or other decorations to the ribbon to make it stand out. Once you’re happy with your mum, trim any excess wire and ribbon, and your mum is ready to be worn!

It’s time to make some mums!

Now that you have learned how to make these colorful and beautiful mums, give it a try! It may take a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Thanks for reading this article! I hope you enjoyed learning something new. Don’t forget to come back for more fun crafting ideas and tips. Happy crafting!