Upcycled Fabric Pumpkins with Found Objects
Upcycled Fabric Pumpkins with Found Objects
I love the change of seasons for so many reasons. One is that we all get to refresh our decor and have fun dreaming up new interior designs.
I'm sharing my upcycled fabric pumpkins with found objects craft to add a little handmade charm to your design plans.
I've detailed all of the suggested (this is your ballgame!) materials and instructions below that includes a video.
One of two driving forces in this design project is sustainability of both resources ($), time (limited) and materials (found). This project should cost you nothing!
And the other focus of mine is to share an autumn season project that can be done with children.
I love the idea of getting kids out in nature to gather their supplies.
I hope that my upcycled decorative pumpkin project sparks interest with your little pumpkins too!
Fabric Material Ideas
Upcycled projects call for creativity and flexibility, but that is an asset, not a challenge.
The idea is that any material you already have on hand is a perfect candidate to use in this project.
Here are some fabric sources to consider.
- Sweaters
- Sweatshirts
- Dish towels
- Pillow cases
- Tired tote bags
- Stained hand towels
- Fabric scraps
Likewise, your upcycled fabric pumpkin filling should be dunnage you already have on hand, try:
- Newspaper
- Kraft packing paper
- Goose (good on one side) copy paper - this the cute name our school uses for paper that can be use for projects/scratch
- Polyfill
- Packing popcorn
- Old scrap fabric
- Magazine pages
- Old maps or other paper products
Finally, when you're ready to embellish your pumpkin, use found objects from nature or your craft bin. Don't spend a dime as Mother Nature has all you need!
Take the gang on a walk with a bucket, bowl or bin to hunt down:
Sticks for stems - aim for 1/2" diameter or larger for a nice stem. Or bind a few sticks together with ribbon or jute twine to create a larger stem from a few sticks
- Pinecones
- Pine branches
- Old wire from the tool bench or recycling bin
- Dried leaves and foliage
- Dried flowers or rose hips
Care to Mingle?
Let’s connect over social media. Follow the fun on Pinterest and Instagram. Tag #satsumasmiles to share your creativity and I'll share back.
Mise en Place
Once you've gathered all of your embellishments and supplies, have fun setting out your items into like categories.
If you're crafting with children, ask them to share what characteristics they see in each natural object?
With your plan in mind, it's time to start creating the base of your pumpkin.
Required Materials
- Circular piece of fabric - 12"-18" diameter OR a tube shaped piece of fabric, such as a sweater sleeve, pant leg, or CLEAN ankle of an old sock.
- 1/4-1/2 cup dried beans or rice for weight
- Recycled newspaper or magazine pages
- Polyfill
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery floss
- Scissors
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Embellishments for stem and accents
How Does Your Garden Grow
To create your pumpkin with either a tube or flat piece of fabric, you'll want to close up the bottom.
For a tube, use an embroidery needle and thread to sew up the edge of the tube then pull your embroidery thread tight to cinch up the bottom.
Knot off your thread and trim.
If you're using a large diameter circle, you'll only need to sew up the top. Do this now and cinch it a little bit in order to start adding stuffing to your pumpkin.
I recommend watching the video below for complete instructions.
When your fabric is in a shape that can contain stuffing, add your beans or rice.
Next, take your polyfill and line the outer edge of your pumpkin interior with this soft material.
Fill the middle of your pumpkin with crumpled up newspaper or magazine pages.
Add some lavender or other potpourri if you like.
Now thread the top of your fabric with an easy stitch and cinch up the top.
Knot and trim.
Use your glue gun to add your stem and other natural embellishments.
Now, make some more pumpkins and enjoy!
HELLO THERE!
Today is a gift. Let's put a bow on it!
Find creative and sustainable ways to make family life a delight! Sharing modern etiquette that kids will enjoy.
💕 jennifer
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