Use Affordable Materials To DIY Massive Dandelion Decor That Looks So Elegant

Sometimes subtlety isn't what you're looking for in home design. When you're so excited about warmer spring weather and budding trees that you could shout it from the rooftops, a gigantic flower DIY is the only art project that makes sense. Crafty Instagrammer @UnluckyWishes has created a life-size dandelion DIY that turns this dream into a reality. She uses affordable materials to create a super-sized wildflower — or, really, the seed head of said bloom — that will dwarf even your tallest houseguest. The result is a statement-making piece that would likely be pricey if you managed to find it in a store. Instead, it costs under $20 to make.

This giant dandelion stands about ten feet tall, with a curved green stem and a fluffy, bulbous head made of fringed white paper and styrofoam. The weight of the styrofoam causes the décor to list charmingly sideways, adding to the whimsical feel. This project may take a while to make, but one is more than enough for most rooms. The biggest item you'll need is some PVC pipe, which forms the stem of your dandelion. You'll also need a large Ooki Smooth Foam Ball (at least 8 inches in diameter), a pack of Hopelf Natural Bamboo Skewers, some Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, and tubes of green and brown craft paint. Tools-wise, get some scissors, paintbrushes, and a hot glue gun. If you need to purchase fundamental tools, like a hot glue gun, this project could cost a bit more.

As mentioned, the stem of this gigantic dandelion statement piece is made from PVC pipe. Savvy Instagrammer @UnluckyWishes recommends getting the piping cut at your local hardware store to save some time and reduce the tools needed to complete this DIY. (It's arguably one of the best ways for plant lovers to transform PVC pipes into a gorgeous statement decor piece.) Once you have the cut PVC pipe back home, paint the entire length of it green — and paint the styrofoam ball at the same time. After that, cut small fringed strips from the white printer paper, apply some glue to the uncut side, and adhere them to one end of each skewer using hot glue. Dip the other end of each skewer in brown paint. When paint is dry to the touch, poke each skewer into the large foam ball and affix it atop the PVC pipe.

Now that you know how to create your very own fantastically enormous dandelion, you can consider customizations. Like any good DIY, this creative idea leaves plenty of room for iteration based on your personal taste or home design vibe. Switch out the green and brown colors for neutral greige and honey. Or go for vibrant colors — think neon yellow and Barbie pink. Swap printer paper with Melitta White Paper Basket Coffee Filters for a fluffier and even more affordable look. Or try making the dandelion fuzz from faux feathers or pampas grass. Wrap a string of Bxroiu Battery-Operated Fairy Lights around the styrofoam ball to turn this décor piece into a light fixture.

As eccentric as it is, the sculptural nature of this DIY dandelion puff lends itself well to styling in your home — even if you're not going for a surreal or eclectic vibe. You can place it anywhere you'd normally place a floor lamp or tall houseplant, adding vertical interest that's charmingly unexpected. Suspend it above the bed in a nature-themed child's bedroom to virtually guarantee sweet dreams. Pretty flowers can look outdated in contemporary home design, so employ a designer-approved tip to modernize tired florals around your home: combine your giant nature-inspired artwork with geometric accents.

If you can position your monstrous dandelion near a window, the shadows it creates in the afternoon light can be décor unto themselves. It would also look so lovely with a floor light shining up at it, illuminating its playful fluff. This huge seed head is a beautiful way to add a trendy, whimsical accent to your home, as long as you style the piece — and the furniture and fixtures around it — with intention. To keep the look elegant, pair your faux flower with grounded, natural textures, such as linen curtains or woven baskets, so the look doesn't skew too down-the-rabbit-hole.