Fall Garland with Lamb’s Ear + Cotton Bolls
Learn how to make an easy and beautiful fall garland with faux lamb’s ear and cotton bolls. This tutorial shows you how – along with helpful tips.
*This post was originally published in 2018, and features the dining room at our Sutton Place house. It’s been updated with brighter images, fresh links, and reorganized content. This is still one of my favorite fall projects!
When it comes to seasonal decor, I have a few favorite places to decorate. Number one is, of course, our front porch. Number two is my dining room table. Even though we don’t use the dining room all that often, I have a direct view from the kitchen, so I really do enjoy whatever centerpiece is there. This lamb’s ear fall garland centerpiece idea is loosely based on the eucalyptus garland I made last year. The process is a bit different since I used faux lamb’s ear for this garland, and the eucalyptus I previously used was fresh.
How To Make a Fall Garland with Lamb’s Ear
Putting together this lamb’s ear garland is really quick and easy. Here’s how to make your own!
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement.
Gather Your Supplies
- faux lamb’s ear stems
- faux cotton boll stems
- florist wire: several pieces about 8 inches long
- mini fresh or faux pumpkins
If you use fresh pumpkins, make sure to give them a bath first!
Wire The Lamb’s Ear Stems Together
So I could better gauge how long my garland should be, I assembled it right on my dining room table. I started by placing the lamb’s ear stems one after the other until I had my desired length. Alternate each piece so no stems are showing. One by one, I wired the lamb’s ear stems together.
Note: If you don’t plan to move your centerpiece, it’s OK to skip the wire step. Simply nestle the lamb’s ear stems together.
Add Embellishments
Evenly place cotton bolls in and around the lamb’s ear. As a final touch, place fresh or faux mini white pumpkins on either side of the fall garland. Stagger the pumpkins so they naturally follow the line of the garland.
Lamb’s Ear Garland Tips
- If you can’t find a cotton boll garland, just use cotton boll stems. You can either nestle them into the greenery and let them be, or you can wire them in.
- This centerpiece idea can be made with any kind of greenery. If you have something on hand, give it a try. Also, the greenery doesn’t have to match. Mixing different types of faux greenery stems would add just as much interest and texture.
- Substitution ideas for the cotton bolls: Sunflowers, mums, gold or orange berries, mini faux gourds.
What looks good with lamb’s ear?
Almost anything looks good with lamb’s ear! It’s something that you can use across all seasons, and for many different decor projects. For the fall, I like to pair my fuzzy lamb’s ear with smooth mini pumpkins and round, furry cotton bolls. You can add incredible interest by varying the textures.
What is the fuzz on lamb’s ear?
The fuzz on lamb’s ear is supposed to resemble the soft feeling of a real lamb’s ear. The real plant has a fuzzy texture from hairs that are called trichomes. Fake plants have tiny fibers on them that are made to mimic the real plant.
Where can I display my lamb’s ear garland?
Display your fall garland wherever you add seasonal accessories. Use it on a wreath, place the garland on your table as a centerpiece, or use it to add flair to your mantle above your fireplace. This is a muted and classic faux plant that adds texture and personality wherever you place it.
Multi-Seasonal Variation
To take this centerpiece right into the Christmas holiday season, just remove the cotton bolls and pumpkins. Replace them with a mix of any of the following:
- red berries
- festive ornaments
- pine stems
- pinecones
- flameless candles
- small ceramic houses
- fairy lights
- mini Christmas trees
- pomegranates
- red Anjou pears
- oranges
- mini reindeer
- snowmen
- mason jars of nuts (with the shells still on)
- candy canes
Lamb’s Ear Garland Centerpiece Supplies & Sources
Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
Lamb’s ear stem | Cotton boll stems | Striped table runner (similar) | Fabric on chairs | Hanging Lanterns | Botanical Prints | Glass hurricanes | Board and Batten | Chandelier | Paint Colors | Rug (similar)
More Fall Decor Ideas
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