Is the weather starting to turn cooler where you live? It’s still pretty warm in the southern part of Ohio, but within the last week the mornings have been chilly and just yesterday I realized the leaves on a few of our trees are starting to turn red. Fall is right around the corner. I’m not quite ready to start decorating for fall, but I am getting the itch to create a few fall inspired projects.
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here. Big thanks to Plaid Crafts for providing the products to complete this project and for the giveaway prize.
Today’s project is part of the Monthly DIY Challenge. September’s challenge item is Mod Podge, which in truth isn’t much of a challenge because it can be used for so many things. I use Mod Podge a lot, most often for decoupaging furniture like this and this, and for transferring images like this. For the challenge, I thought it would be fun to update this pack of cheap pumpkins and gourds I purchased at the Dollar Tree.
This is a super versatile project. You can use virtually any paper or fabric to decoupage the pumpkins. I chose to use pretty fabric scraps I had leftover from another project.
To decoupage the fabric (or paper) onto the pumpkins, I used a foam brush to apply a liberal amount of Mod Podge to the pumpkin. You’ll want to work in stages and only apply Mod Podge to one section at a time. Next, simply press the fabric onto the Mod Podge and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles with your fingers. (For reference, I cut my fabric into approximately 1″ x 2″ rectangles, but you can definitely do larger pieces if you like). I overlapped the fabric pieces so it looked a bit scrappy and layered.
Once you’ve finished decoupaging the entire pumpkin and the Mod Podge is dry, you can brush another layer of Mod Podge over top to act as a protective sealer if you wish.
When I was finished decoupaging, the cheap plastic stems were still sticking out and I thought it would look cute to cover them with twine. I used a hot glue gun to dab a little glue onto the stems, then just wrapped the twine around the stem starting at the base and working my way up. I added more dabs of hot glue as needed.
To make a curly end, leave a tail when you cut the twine at the top of the stem.
Brush Mod Podge onto the loose piece of twine (you want the twine to be fairly saturated with Mod Podge), then wrap it around a pencil. Let it set up for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry completely. You’ll want to slide the pencil out before it’s dry or the pencil will end up completely glued to the twine.
When it’s fully dry, the curl will stay in place and your pumpkin will look like this.
We’re teaming up with Plaid Crafts to give away an awesome prize package with $100 worth of Plaid Craft supplies AND a $50 gift card to Plaid Crafts. (Want to see all the products available in the Plaid Crafts line? Click here).
Below you’ll find the rest of the Monthly DIY Challenge projects. If you see one you like, just click the photo to see the full tutorial. And just below that is the Rafflecopter to enter the Plaid Crafts giveaway. Don’t forget to toss your name in the hat for a chance to win!
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Amy – your decoupaged pumpkins are adorable!! And now we know how to make a curly cue stem! We have lots of ideas for new decoupaged projects now. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Vicki and Jenn! I was so happy the little curly stem turned out as well as it did :).
These are so cute, Amy! I love the way you added a bit of texture to the stem too. Pinning and sharing later lady – LOVE! Hugs, CoCo PS thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks so much, CoCo!!
These are so dang cute! Way to retool something cool for not a lot of money.
xoxo,
Sarah @ Gypsy Girl Revivals
Thank you, Sarah!
LOOOOOVE these! I’ve got the same little pumpkins and totally plan to try this! And how sweet are those little curly tops!
Thanks Kristi!
These are so cute, Amy! Love how they start out as dollar store pumpkins and end up so beautiful! The stems are perfect!
Thanks Kendra!
Oh these are ADORABLE! Love the book page/writing print. These are so classy and cute – definitely my style of fall decor!
Thanks Erica :).
Look at these cute pumpkins! They’re really adorable, Amy!
Thanks Bre!
Amy, love your decoupaged pumpkins. They are adorable. I love how you made the stems. The print that you used is unusual for a “fall” craft making them more interesting. I’m looking forward to trying your stem idea on some inexpensive pumpkins I have. Happy Fall!!
Thank you, Donna! I agree the print isn’t typical for fall. Im feeling myself drawn toward more whites, grays and greens for fall this year instead of the usual warm tones. I hope you’re doing well and thank you so much for stopping by!!
Love how these little guys turned out! The perfect fall decor!
Thanks Bre!
Love this idea! Looks so simple and cute! I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks so much, Tricia!
I started to redo my bathroom…it needs all the decorative touches now. I would craft away and finish it up!
How fun! I’m getting ready to redo our kids bathroom so I’m in the same boat as you. This would be the perfect prize package to work on all those little decor items :).
Love these I am going to try these…..so cute! Thanks
Thanks Candy!
Oh! I love the look of these… I have some dollar store pears in my craft stash… I think I know what to do with them now!
This would look so cute on little faux pears!
I would love to create fall centerpieces with with the Plaid giveaway.
I’m not sure what I would make…maybe something fall related!
These are fantastic! Thanks for the inspiration Amy 🙂
Thanks Annie! Btw the giveaway is open to our CA friends too! I think I forgot to mention that in the post and just wanted to make sure you entered if you’re interested :).
Oh yeah….making those cutie-pie pumpkins this weekend!!
I was just thinking about what I could do with the five small pumpkins I picked up yesterday. Can’t wait to try this. Now…with the Plaid Crafts giveaway…I would go crazy making Christmas decorations!!!
So cute for fall! I just love making pumpkins this time of the year.
These are absolutely adorable!!!!