Gum Nut Paper Garland

Have you ever seen a Eucalyptus tree blossom? It’s one of the most spectacular sights and I’m completely enchanted by their flowers. Often called gum nut blossoms, these dazzling pom-poms of stunning reds, soft baby pinks and sunny yellows drape in stark contrast to the tree’s ghostly grey-green foliage. It’s no wonder gum nut blossoms are frequently the subject of watercolor art, children’s books, jewelry – and in my craft room, a fairy-worthy gum nut paper garland.

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Gorgeous Gum Nut Blossoms

At the end of the eucalyptus trees’ branches, among the leathery, sword-like leaves sits a cluster of capsules. Each cup holds a flower and is topped with a perfect little nut-like cap. Over time, the cap shrinks and a gorgeous flower grows; ultimately popping the little cap off. There are no visible petals but instead, thousands of bright ombre-colored filaments, like a ballerina’s tutu, making a spectacular show.

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A Flower That Sparks the Imagination

With it’s hat like capsule and skirt of delicate filaments, it’s easy to see how the gum nut blossom inspires art and craft of all kinds. Just type the words “gum nut blossom” in Pinterest and you will find everything from watercolor art and stationery to crochet gum nut hats (adorable by the way – if only they were for adults).

Look at this fabulous watercolor from talented Australian artist, Debra Meier.

How sweet are these delightful tassels and mobiles from Songbird And Wren’s Etsy shop (Melbourne Australia – I knew I liked these ladies!)

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ARTsy Shiny Cloud makes these ridiculously fun and gorgeously detailed gum nut earrings. I’ve just added them to my wish list.

Perhaps one of the most well-known gum nut inspired works of creativity, in Australia at least, are the charming children’s stories by May Gibbs.

Written and illustrated in the early 1900’s, May’s most popular story tells of the adventures of two endearing gum nut babies, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Reminiscent of American Cartoonist, Rose O’Neill’s Kewpie (from the same decade), these stories and illustrations are irresistible. I read the book for the first time while attending high school in Australia and have revisited Snugglepot and Cuddlepie many times since.

My Gum Nut Inspired Garland

As creative individuals it’s always interesting to look back at what prompts a crafting mission. I was perusing ARTsy Shiny Cloud’s Instagram Feed when I saw her gorgeous detailed polymer clay. . . like RIDICULOUSLY wonderful. She lives in Adelaide, Australia so gum nut blossoms are frequently used in her designs. I guess, as I was enjoying her pictures I glanced up at my little paper bird garland hanging over my craft room closet. The rest is a blur; as often is the case when creativity strikes.

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Hours designing gum nut blossoms for my Silhouette Cameo to cut. More hours scouring my paper supply for the perfect color and texture. . . hey, I owned a paper arts store . . . I knew SOMEWHERE I had the perfect paper. An hour running to Michaels to buy three sheets of cardstock because, illogically, I did not own the perfect paper. Several hours spent inking, glittering, assembling, then RE- designing, inking, glittering and assembling, followed by an obscene amount of picture taking and editing.

And then, my gum nut blossom garland was done and I love it!

The entire garland is made from cardstock with a little Distress Ink and glitter for accents. I typed the first few paragraphs from The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and printed them on the leaves’ paper. The little wood beads made perfect accessories for the natural twine.

I love the softness of the colors and my mind is swimming with ideas for different garland versions.

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Gum nut blossoms are truly one of nature’s great gifts. I love the idea of making a fabric version of my garland; with a bit of fraying and maybe a macramé line.

Which was your favorite gum nut inspired project? Be sure to check out more of Debra Meier’s watercolor art and if you love unique earrings, spend some time on ARTsy Shiny Cloud’s site – there are just too many good ones to show!! And I don’t think Songbird & Wren’s baby mobile HAS TO be for a nursery – do you? I have a fun little corner in my craft room where it would be perfect!

Speaking of perfect – remember when I found the Kewpie fabric and made these little hand warmers?

Well, I just found out there’s a brand new line of May Gibbs fabric! Sqweeee! I think there will be another gum nut project in the very near future.

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Well lovelies, thanks for spending some of your time with me. I want to say that when I list an ETSY shop or artist it’s because I think they are awesome and talented and deserve some attention. I don’t get anything if you look at their sites or buy from them – but I strongly encourage it. It’s hard to make a living as a creative so if I can help – awesome. By the way, most of the items I mentioned on this post are small enough that shipping won’t be too bad – even from Australia (wink wink).

Well, as they say in Australia, I think it’s time for a cuppa and a nana nap. Until next time, happy crafting.

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