How to Design Shabby Chic Pumpkin Centerpieces

10 Materials
$5
1 Hour
Easy

This is not your typical pumpkin! Why do pumpkins need to be orange? Well in my house they don't, I wanted something that matched my farmhouse style so I designed these easy pumpkins that are rustic but elegant.


So let's not waste time, it's October already, but these are fast and you can use them until Thanksgiving.

Materials for DIY pumpkin

Tools and Materials:

Chip brush

Spray paint (dark and light brown)

White chalk paint

Pencil

Tape measure

1x1 wood block

Branch

Twine

Nail gun

Wide 5.5" fence board

How to make shabby chic pumpkin decorations

1. Cutting the Wooden Pieces

Let's get started!


Grab the fence board, the top of the board will already have the dog ear as they call them. Leave that and cut straight at 8" then use that as a template to cut all the rest.

Cut wood blocks

2. Creating Different Sizes

Laying the dog ear on top of each of the boards and cut both sides to match one at 10" and 12" and 2 at 8" to make a set of 4 pumpkins.

Spray paint the wood

3. Paint the Wood

Now that the wood is cut take your 2 brown paints and randomly spray the wood pieces not covering it all. However, you do want to paint all the sides

Pumpkin craft

Next you will dry brush the white on top

Decorative rustic pumpkins

The way to do dry brushing is to have very little paint on the brush.

How to make fall farmhouse pumpkins

Then you lightly push down.

Close-up of a dry brushing technique

Apply as much white as you want but do not fully cover it. This gives you depth.


Let these dry, it should only be a minute or so because you're using very little paint.

Fall decor idea

4. Assembling the Pumpkins

Once the paint is dry, grab a 1x1" wood block and cut it to fit in between the "dog ears."

Assembling shabby chic pumpkins

Use a nail gun to attach the block. Nail it from the front for stability.

Attaching wooden blocks

This is the back view once the block is attached.


You could paint the block but I didn't because I'm always in a hurry lol!

Adding a branch stem to the craft pumpkin

5. Adding a Branch Stem

Now, cut a branch from a tree outside and nail it on top of your pumpkin. Be careful not to get your fingers in the way, and ensure you nail it at a slight angle.

Twine being tied in a knot around the branch stem

6. Finishing Touches

To complete your shabby chic pumpkin, embellish it with some twine. Simply tie a knot around the branch for a rustic look.

A group of shabby chic pumpkins showcased on a tray

Here are my pumpkins. I turned one horizontal and left the rest vertical. I made a few of the following sizes: 8",10", and 12".


Discover More DIY Pumpkin Ideas

Explore additional pumpkin projects in our Thanksgiving Pumpkin Decor guide.

Displaying shabby chic pumpkins in fall decor

They look great on trays for the kitchen island or anywhere for this fall season!


Hope this inspired you to try a nontraditional color this year! Think outside of the box!


Happy fall y 'all

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Diane Marks Diane Marks on Oct 13, 2018

    What will remove tree sap from car without causing damage to the paint.

  • Carmen Carmen on Oct 18, 2018

    i am pretty sure can we try this with light orange and darker orange, cant we? just to be more traditional.

    Did you misspel paint?

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