Fall is here, friend, and you know what that means—it’s time to decorate your home with DIY fall decor that’s cute, cozy, and easy on the wallet. If you’re anything like me, you love a good craft project that makes people say, “Wait, you made that?” This one will have your table looking festive and Instagram-ready in no time.
This project is all about keeping it simple but stylish. We’re taking basic supplies like wooden pumpkin cutouts, twine, and burlap (shoutout to Dollar Tree for being the real MVP) and turning them into fall table decor you’ll want to show off. Oh, and don’t worry—you don’t need to be the crafting queen of TikTok to pull this off.
So, grab your glue gun and your Cricut machine if you’ve got one, and let’s get into it. By the end of this post, you’ll have some new seasonal decorations and maybe a little extra pep in your crafting step. Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than saying, “I made that,” and meaning it.
Materials
Alright, friend, materials needed. Don’t worry; I promise this list won’t have you running all over the store like it’s Black Friday—unless you want to, then do you, Boo!
- 3 wooden pumpkin decorations (1 larger wooden and two smaller)
- A pack of burlap leaves (you’ll only need three from the pack)
- 1 tube of all-purpose caulk
- A pair of scissors
- 3 different colored Craftsmart Craft Paints (I used Aqua, Orange Spice, and Pink Blossom)
- Anita’s All-Purpose Acrylic Paint in Earth Brown (for shading)
- A hot glue gun
- Jute twine
- Black Cricut permanent vinyl
- A brayer
- A Cricut machine
- A weeding tool
- Cricut transfer tape
- A scraper
- Tumbling tower blocks (just three!)
Now, gather your supplies, and let’s get crafting! You’re about to turn this pile of goodies into something fabulous.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Creating Your Stunning DIY Fall Decor
Ready to dive into crafting your very own DIY fall decor? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered step by step. Whether you’re an expert with a glue gun or just trying to avoid gluing your fingers together, this project is fun and manageable. Let’s make it happen!
Prepping the Pumpkins
First, grab those scissors and snip off the little straw bows from your wooden pumpkins. Trust me, we’re not here for that look. Repeat this with all three pumpkins – yes, even the big one.
You’ll notice some pesky holes left behind after removing the strings. This is where your trusty, all-purpose caulk comes in handy. Fill each hole carefully (the big pumpkin has two, so don’t miss one). Use your finger or a straight edge to smooth out the caulk. Pro tip: Opt for a napkin if you don’t want caulk under your nails. Do you, Boo. Let the caulk dry for the recommended 2 hours—or if you’re like me and a little impatient, move on because life’s short, right?
Painting Like a Pro
Flip each pumpkin to the smooth backside—this is where the magic happens. Start with the first small pumpkin and paint it with Orange Spice by Craftsmart. Always follow the wood grain while painting for a smooth finish. If necessary, add a second coat to ensure even coverage.
Mix a drop of Earth Brown by Anita’s with your orange paint for a more realistic pumpkin vibe. Use this darker shade to freehand curved lines down the pumpkin, following the grooves already etched into the wood. Blend the darker color with the lighter one while it’s still wet. Think soft and seamless, not harsh and streaky.
On to the second pumpkin—paint it in Aqua by Craftsmart. Use thin, even coats and let each layer dry completely before adding another. Or, you know, rush through it if patience isn’t your strong suit.
Finally, grab Pink Blossom for the largest pumpkin. This one was supposed to be white, but let’s call it a happy accident and roll with pink. Paint it just like the others, ensuring smooth, even coverage. Let all the pumpkins dry before moving on.
Adding Jute to the Stems
Once the pumpkins are dry, it’s time to level up those stems. Heat your glue gun and run a line of hot glue around the base of the first stem. Press your jute twine into the glue and wrap it upward in a tight spiral. Add more glue every few wraps to secure the twine, and keep going until the stem is completely covered.
Pro tip: Be extra careful when pushing the twine into the hot glue. The goal is pretty pumpkins, not burned fingers. Trim any excess twine for a neat look, or leave it a little frayed if that’s your vibe.
Crafting the Burlap Leaves
Pull out a burlap leaf from your pack. If the size feels off, cut it into a smaller shape—think football or something leaf-ish. Use scissors to add little ridges or waves around the edges for a more natural look. Snap off the stem (we don’t need it) and hot glue the leaf onto the base of your pumpkin stem.
Creating Vinyl Designs with Cricut
Fire up your Cricut Design Space App. Click “Text” and type the word “Thankful.” Do the same for “Blessed” and the “&” symbol. I chose Alyssa Stencil Script for the font and adjusted the letter spacing to zero for a polished look.
Measure your pumpkins: the smaller ones are 9 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall, so set the width of your words to 7 inches. The larger pumpkin is 10.75 inches wide and 9 inches tall, so the height of the “&” symbol should be 5 inches.
Once everything’s sized, click “Make It,” choose “On the Mat,” and set the material size to 12 inches. Select Premium Vinyl – Permanent Glossy as your base material. Cut your vinyl using the grid lines on the back as a guide, then smooth it onto your mat with a brayer. Load it into your Cricut and press “Go.”
Weeding and Transfer
After your Cricut works magic, weed away the extra vinyl using your weeding tool. Go slow—rushing leads to vinyl drama, and nobody’s got time for that. Cut a piece of Cricut Transfer Tape big enough for your design. Use your brayer and scraper tools to adhere the tape to the vinyl firmly. Flip it over and scrape the backside, too—this is a full-on workout, but it’s worth it.
When the vinyl finally sticks, roll the backing off at an angle. Carefully center your design on the pumpkin. Use your scraper tool to smooth it out, then slowly peel the transfer tape back. If the vinyl isn’t sticking, scrape a little more.
Assembling the Final Piece
Glue the large pink pumpkin to your 2 x 18-inch wooden plank. Next, attach the orange pumpkin, ensuring the “&” symbol is still visible. Align everything evenly so your decor stands tall and sturdy. For extra support, glue Tumbling Tower blocks to the base of each pumpkin and the plank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a Cricut machine for the lettering?
Technically, no—you could use letter stickers or hand-paint the words if your hand is steady and your patience is abundant. But a Cricut makes life easier and gives you that “I bought this at a fancy store” vibe.
Can I use different colors for the pumpkins?
Absolutely! Your pumpkins, your rules—go neon, pastel, or stick with classic fall vibes. Just make sure the colors work together, or your decor might look like it’s having an identity crisis.
What happens if I don’t wait the recommended two hours for the caulk to dry before painting?
If you’re like me and can’t wait, the paint might mix with the wet caulk and give you a funky texture. Sometimes impatience works out, and sometimes it doesn’t so proceed at your own risk and live your best DIY life.
Conclusion
DIY fall decor doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a big impact. You can transform your space into the cozy autumn haven you’ve been dreaming about with a few simple supplies and a little creativity. These wooden pumpkins prove that budget-friendly crafts can look high-end without the high price tag. Plus, who doesn’t love a project that’s equal parts fun and functional?
Now, it’s your turn to bring this idea to life. Whether you’re sprucing up your dining table or adding a festive touch to your mantle, these little pumpkins will surely steal the show. If you try this out, drop me a comment or tag me online—I’d love to see your creations. Until next time, keep crafting, keep creating, and remember that your DIY game is unmatched.
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Looking for more crafty inspiration? Check out these other blog posts that’ll have you grabbing your glue gun and living your best DIY life.