TUTORIAL: How to Make Decorative Pumpkins - Three Ways

It is hard to believe that Halloween is just around the corner. I have not even made the "closet switch-over" from summer to winter, let alone done much decorating for fall. In years past though, I have spent time making some pumpkin decor that I can reuse from year to year. All three of these ideas are very simple so I thought I would combine them into one post as a tutorial. While I do not have step-by-step photos, I will type out what you need and the steps to take. Hopefully between that and the final photos, you will get the idea. (I know you will!)


1.) Glitter Pumpkins

To make these you will need:

-Foam pumpkin, any size
-Mod Podge
-Glitter
-Foam paint brush
-Ribbon
-Scissors

To make the glitter pumpkins, lay your foam pumpkin onto a sheet of newspaper. Using the foam brush, spread the Mod Podge all over the pumpkin. Generously shake glitter to coat the Mod Podge until it is covered. Allow to dry, shake off excess and tie a ribbon around the top. And you're DONE. :)



2.) Monogrammed Pumpkins

To make these you will need:

-Foam pumpkin, any size
-Mod Podge
-Foam paint brush
-Scrapbook paper
-Pencil
-Printed letter in the font of your choice to trace
-Scissors

To make the monogrammed pumpkins, print a letter in the font of your choice as large as you would like and cut it out to use as a stencil. Take your stencil and lay it on your scrapbook paper. Trace with pencil and then cut the letter out. Paint Mod Podge over the back side of the letter and then press it against the pumpkin. Paint Mod Podge over the front of the letter and then give the entire pumpkin a coat of it as well. Allow to dry and tie a ribbon at the top.



I had some friends over two Halloweens ago to make both the glitter and monogrammed pumpkins. We went with smaller pumpkins at the party, but large work with all three projects as well.


3.) "Lilly" Pumpkins

To make these you will need:

-Foam pumpkin, any size
-Mod Podge
-Foam paint brush
-Scissors
-Cocktail napkins in the pattern of your choice (I used Lilly!)
-Ribbon

To make the Lilly pumpkins, cut a few cocktail napkins into small pieces. Working in sections, paint Mod Podge over about 1/4 of the pumpkin. Adhere the cocktail napkin pieces onto the pumpkin, overlapping the edges so that there is no orange (or white) showing. Continue doing this all the way around the pumpkin. Cover all of the napkins/pumpkin with a top coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry and tie a ribbon around the top. The possibilities are endless with this one - sports teams, prints, characters, etc. Whatever suits your fancy!


There you have it - "homemade" pumpkins, three ways. :)

HAPPY Halloween!