10 Natural Items You Can Craft into Home Decor

Did you know that not every DIY project costs a ton of money and requires a bunch of supplies? It’s definitely possible to create beautiful projects from supplies you already have. If you use your imagination, you can find supplies for amazing DIY home decor projects anywhere… while you’re at the park, taking a stroll along the beach, and even in your own yard. So the next time you’re out and about, don’t forget to look around for these free natural home decor accessories!

The great thing about getting free decorations courtesy of Mother Nature is not only can you create amazing things from them, but they also look great on their own. You can put them in an apothecary jar or display them in a vase without doing anything special or fancy, and they’ll still look beautiful.

Natural items are the perfect way to decorate your home without spending a ton of money. Simply use whatever is in season in your area, such as seashells for summer, pine cones and acorns for fall, evergreen branches for winter, and flowers for spring. You can even mix it up by using paint to make them appropriate for any season, such as painting pine cones and acorns bright colors for the spring. You’ll have beautiful, natural home decor, and you won’t have to break the bank or do a ton of work for it either!

10 Natural Items You Can Transform into Home Decor

1. Seashells

Of course seashells are one of my favorite craft supplies courtesy of Mother Nature. Since we live near the beach, it’s pretty much a given that any time we go for a walk, we’ll return home with a pocket full of seashells. There are so many amazing things you can do with seashells. They’re chic and classy on their own, and you can also turn them into really pretty natural home decor. If you’re not near a beach, don’t despair! You can still turn your home into a coastal haven.

Beautiful projects made from seashells:
Seahorse canvas made from seashells
Seashell candles

2. Rocks

Rocks make beautiful decorations, and you’re bound to find some rocks outside no matter where you live. Since we live in New England, our beach is covered in rocks that are ripe for the picking, so we never lack for rocks in our home. Not only do they make great fillers for vases and jars, but you can also paint them to transform them and give them a completely different look.

Fantastic projects made from rocks:
River rock trivets
Gold rock candle centerpieces
Pebble jewelry hangers

3. Branches & Logs

Nothing says outdoors like branches, twigs, and logs. They make great natural home decor that’s also functional. You can usually find these items year round in parks, woods, and even your own yard if you have trees around. If you check outside after a big storm hits, you’ll be able to find more branches and logs than you know what to do with!

Amazing projects made with branches and logs:
Natural branch coasters
Twig vase
Tree branch coat rack

4. Acorns

Acorns make wonderful decor in the fall, but you can also paint and display them year round for a really pretty decoration. Taking a walk in the fall always tests my husband’s patience, because every other step there’s an acorn or pine cone that needs to come home with me! 😉 There are just so many uses for them!

Gorgeous projects made from acorns:
Acorn cap photo frame
Acorn wreath
Painted and mod podged acorns

5. Pine Cones

Pine cones are another fabulous decoration that you can find in abundance during the fall. They’re especially popular for fall and winter decor, but you can easily spruce them up for a gorgeous year-round decoration that will add a natural theme to your home.

Top-notch projects made from pine cones:
Pine cone topiary
Zinnia flowers from pine cones
Paint dipped pine cones

6. Flowers

Fresh cut flowers displayed in a vase make a beautiful statement any time of the year, but that’s not the only use for them. You can also dry those flowers and use them for some natural home decor projects that you can display for years to come.

Beautiful projects made from flowers:
Framed pressed flowers
Dried flower shadow box
Dried flower and herb candles

7. Leaves

You’ll find leaves most abundant and colorful in the fall, though I think there’s also something to be said for those beautiful green leaves in the spring and summer. There are so many creative uses for leaves, and they definitely add a natural feel to the home!

Gorgeous projects made from leaves:
Painted gold leaf decor
Bowl made from leaves
Leaf wreath

8. Tree Bark

There are some really gorgeous projects you can make from tree bark. When you’re looking for tree bark, it’s best to take it from fallen trees you come across in the woods. Stripping bark from a living tree can leave it defenseless and even kill it, so let’s be kind to Mother Nature so she’ll continue to provide us with free craft materials. 😉

Amazing projects made from tree bark:
Birch bark lamp
Birch bark frame
Tree bark lantern

9. Moss

Moss is a beautiful plant that you can even grow and harvest yourself. You can often find moss growing in damp areas in the woods, though it is harder to collect than other materials. If you like the look of moss but not the mess, you can buy sheets of fake moss. Moss is a gorgeous accessory to add to your spring-time decor!

Fabulous projects made with moss:
Textured moss balls
Moss covered monogram letters
Moss-wrapped soup can organizer

10. Driftwood

You can often find driftwood at the beach or along a body of water. But even if you don’t live near the water, don’t despair… you can make your own driftwood! Driftwood is such a gorgeous craft material, and there are so many fun things you can make with it. It definitely adds a coastal vibe to the home.

Unique projects made from driftwood:
Seashore wall decor from driftwood
Driftwood mirror
Driftwood votive candle holder

Isn’t natural home decor amazing? I really love using items from nature in my home decor. It’s one of those things where it looks gorgeous all on its own, but you can also craft and transform it into something completely unique and one-of-a-kind. Plus, it’s free! I mean, what’s better than free home decor? So the next time you go for a walk outside, be sure to keep your eyes open. You’ll be amazed at what you might come across!

Which of these natural items is your favorite to decorate with? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to share it on social media and sign up for my newsletter below so you can stay up-to-date with my latest craft and home fun!

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