Each year as the temperatures begin to drop and Fall decor is pouring out of every store. My first and favorite fall decor to do is to carve a pumpkin and make it into a vase. I find myself looking forward to it from year to year as Summer winds down, but…. and that’s a big BUT… I always dread the inevitable rotting of the pumpkin. Especially the smelly disposal that comes with it! That’s where this easy DIY Pumpkin Vase hack comes in real handy.
Now I know you might say the simple solution would be to throw the pumpkin out before it gets to that point and you would be right. However, this year I discovered an even better solution! One that will last from year to year with no rotting in sight! woo!
This Pumpkin Vase comes in especially handy when you are ready to bust out the fall decor and your local Trader Joe’s hasn’t put out the fantasy pumpkins yet.
So what’s the secret….
This adorable paper mache pumpkin from Target! I found this little cutie on one of the end caps of the craft section, but you might have to look up and down the craft aisles at your local store to locate it.
It will last you forever and can be painted any color you want. I chose a matte white, but honestly, I feel a full collection of paper mache pumpkins coming on!
The paper mache on the outside has ribs and grooves so the effect once the pumpkin is painted is surprisingly real looking!
And if your Target is sold out don’t worry! Joann Fabrics also carries a pumpkin that I think would give you a similar effect.
Joann Fabrics Large Paper Mache Pumpkin
If you are ready to get your DIY on and have a pumpkin vase that will last you forever keep reading!
DIY Pumpkin Vase Step by Step
What You’ll Need:
- Paper Mache Pumpkin
- Small Vase *that will fit fully inside of your pumpkin
- Sharp Kitchen Knife
- Paint *color of your choice
- Paintbrush
How to Whip it Up:
- Paint your pumpkin with two coats of paint. Allowing it to dry fully in between layers.
I used this white paint from Michaels.
Once your pumpkin is painted and dry it is time to turn it into a vase! I suggest moving this next step outside if possible. It tends to get a little messy.
Since I live in a condo that wasn’t an option so I did all of my pumpkin carving over a trash bag and had my hand vac at the ready for those pesky little styrofoam flyaways.
2. Use your knife to cut a circle in the top of the pumpkin and remove the paper mache portion.
3. Continue cutting and removing the styrofoam from the inside of the pumpkin till you have a space large enough to place your vase inside.
The easiest way I found to get the styrofoam out is to cut around the edge of the circle and then cut an X through the center. You can then use your hands to pull out the styrofoam chunks.
4. Once you have removed enough styrofoam your vase should easily fit into your pumpkin.
All you have to do from there is…..
5. Add some water and you are ready to use your DIY pumpkin vase year after year after year!
Stay tuned because next up on the blog is how I used my DIY pumpkin vase to create this Sweet not Spooky Pink and White floral design.
Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below and if you give this a try be sure to tag us on Instagram @fleurishingflour #everydayfleurish so we can feature you on our story!
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