Autumn is such a gift, as it gives us plenty of natural elements we can bring indoors and use in fun and functional ways. For this simple DIY project, you don’t need to make a run to the store, you just need to head outdoors and use what nature is giving you as part of your supplies. The Little Leaf Pumpkin is the perfect fall craft, and when you are done it becomes the perfect fall décor piece. Take a look below at how simple it is to make your own using the items that nature provides.
Rustic Fall Leaf Pumpkin
Supplies Needed:
- An assortment of large leaves. Leaves will be easier to handle when dried, so once you have picked up an assortment of leaves you should lay them flat in a sunny window or other warm spot. This will allow them to dry out and get crunchy.
- Medium sized craft foam ball. These can be found at your local dollar or craft store for under $2.
- Hot glue and hot glue gun.
Directions:
1. First, you will want your leaves to be dried out well as mentioned above. Once they are, break them in half so you have smaller pieces to work with.
2. Take your craft foam ball and using a knife, slice a small amount off the bottom so the ball can sit flat when set down and not roll.
3. Apply a line of craft glue to the ball, starting at the top and running the line of glue down to the bottom.
4. Working quickly, apply the edge of a leaf to the glue and hold in place until secure. You will not be laying the leaf flat, but instead so it creates almost a wing sticking out of the ball.
5. Repeat this process until your foam ball is well covered. You may need to go back and fill in any spots you may have missed. Add a dab of glue and some leaf bits to any spot that needs fluffing up or filling in.
6. Once your foam ball is covered, you will notice a pumpkin shape has formed. You can now accent your pumpkin a few different ways. You can glue a small twig to the top to act as a stem, or tuck a leaf or two into the top, using a drop of glue to secure. You can leave the pumpkin in its natural state, or paint for a pop of color.
Apply a light coat of clear spray sealant if you wish to protect your pumpkin for years to come. Otherwise, just be sure to handle gently as the dry leaves will be fragile .
This rustic DIY project is such a cinch and a great way to use all of the crunchy fall leaves that surround you!
Aurelia says
What a great idea! I love this 😀
Pauline Wiles says
That is so gorgeous! I can just see Pottery Barn charging $20 for something similar. Great job.
Melinda says
Love, love that you used leaves to make a pumpkin! How perfect is that! And cheap!! win-win!
Here from Inspire Me Monday.
Cynthia L says
Such a a great idea. I have some leaves in a bag that I saved from last fall. I think I will make one for my Mom, she lives in the dessert and they don’t have a lot of trees, so she would appreciate a touch of fall from my garden in her home.
Linda Kilsdonk says
This is so cool! In fall, my backyard is FILLED with leaves (and pinecones). I am surely going to collect some of my bounty and give one of these beauties a try! Thanks so much for sharing such an adorable project! Smiles, Linda at Paper Seedlings
Nichole aka CuppaGeek says
Can’t wait to make some of these!
Pam @ The Birch Cottage says
This is amazing! Thanks for Shari g on the Living with Style Linky Party!
Sahana says
What a great idea to bring fall into home with these leaf pumpkins ! Thank you for sharing it with us @ #HomeMattersParty. we would love to have you again next week.
Kathleen Berlew says
This is amazing! I never thought of using dried leaves this way. Great job.
Tara @ Lehman lane says
Very fun to use leaves to make your pumpkin Katie! I love that you used something we all have a lot of in the fall:) Thanks so much for sharing your craft at Dream. Create. Inspire. Link. I hope you will join us again tomorrow night. Take care, Tara