Such a Pretty Pumpkin Centerpiece

I was shopping in Michael's yesterday and found most floral items and pumpkins on sale. I snatched up one of their hollow "plastic/rubber" pumpkins—difficult to know what the composition really is—plus a candle ring with "silk" leaves in fall colors, and a few sprays of golden and brilliant red velvetized leaf sprays--all on sale. The pumpkin was $4.00, the candle ring $2.49, and the sprays $1.69 each. For $10.00 I had the makings for a pretty pumpkin to add to my growing collection.

Here's how you can make your own:

1. Place the candle ring on top of the pumpkin and use a sharp knife to barely pierce the pumpkin all around the ring to mark the cutting line. Remove the ring.

Stab-cut around the marks to make opening.

2. Use a sharp knife to stab through the pumpkin into the hollow space, following the line you drew. I suggest making stabs rather than trying to "saw" along the line. Lift out the stem/lid and discard. 

Lift out and discard the stem/lid.

3. Tuck the candle ring inside the opening; you may have to coax it through. 

Tuck leafy candle ring inside the hole.

Then use a glue gun to secure it all the way around. You may be able to get glue on the ring itself, or not, but you can certainly put glue all the way around the opening and gently press plastic stems and leaves into the glue.

Use your glue gun to secure the ring inside the opening.

Oh so easy--and pretty too!

4. Remove the velvet (or silk) leaves from the plastic stems—there is usually a little plastic "cap" at the end of the stems that will pop right off so you can slip the leaves from it. Arrange the leaves underneath the leaves in the ring to add another circle of foliage, arranging as desired and securing with "globs" of glue from the glue gun. Primp the leaves as you go and glue in place.

6. Ta DA! I've placed my pumpkin in among others in my collection to create a pumpkin "tablescape" in my entry hall.

The really cool thing is, you can use the pumpkin just as it's shown for a centerpiece or in your mantel arrangement—OR you can tuck flowers and foliage through the center opening of the ring down into the pumpkin to use it as a vase. You could also set the pumpkin inside a fall wreath to make it into a more elaborate centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. If you want to "light it up" hide a candle "plate" under the foliage and add an LED candle (battery operated)--safer than the real thing!

Easy and inexpensive—that's how I like my craft projects for seasonal décor!

I know, I know! This isn't sewn or quilted, but it's fun and easy and I hope you like it!

Until next time, Keep stitching (and crafting) and smiling!

Barbara