Fall mums have second life as holiday decor
Fall mums are getting second lives as holiday decor thanks to Dacia Warrington, who started making displays a few years ago after seeing the idea on Pinterest. (Submitted photos)
Warrington spray paints the dried mum plants, then adds ornaments and other details to fit a certain color or design theme.
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
Porch pots are popular decor for the holiday season, as people buy or fill their own containers with evergreens, pine cones, ribbon and other items. Marquette resident Dacia Warrington has put a new twist on the idea, recycling fall mums into creative Christmas displays.
“A few years ago, I was scrolling and saw a picture on Pinterest. I had mums of my own and decided to try it. It was fun,” she said. “Then I got some [mums] from my neighbors and did some more.”
Warrington has continued to craft with plants contributed to the cause, and now even sells pieces.
“I really enjoy it, and it’s something to do when it gets cold,” she shared.
Warrington starts by spray painting the mums in colors like black or silver. It’s important the plants are dry.
“They soak the paint up, so they have to be pretty far gone. Each one takes a full can,” she explained.
Then, she evaluates her selection of ornaments and decor—much of it purchased from consignment shops—to coordinate colors and a theme. Pots are covered in paper and ribbon.
Some feature traditional Christmas colors like red, green and gold.
“I did a Grinch theme this year,” Warrington said.
But not all are like that. For example, Warrington was happy with a “deer camp” display featuring browns and reds, as well as a Hawkeye-themed pot.
“Those are different themes,” she said.
Once complete, the mums will last all holiday season. The flowers are fragile, though, so Warrington warns they should be protected from the elements.
Although she’s tackled other craft projects, she continues to be amazed at the response from family, friends and customers.
“I love that people want to buy them so I can make more,” Warrington said.
It’s a sustainable way to decorate, she noted.
“It’s always great to reuse things. Everyone hates throwing things away that they’ve paid for. I can give it a second life,” she shared.
