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18 August, 2012

Fun Fall Projects...Découpage Pumpkins


That late summer/early fall feeling is beginning at my house! The cicadas are singing and my ginger lilies are beginning to bloom...always a sign that fall is on the way! And I have also noticed that interest in fall is beginning to pick up around blogland and on Pinterest, too.  Hey...you need a little lead time to create your fall decor! Sooo...I decided I would do a little series of posts on my most popular fall projects for those who may have missed them or who are new to my blog. And first on my list are these...…my Country Living inspired découpage pumpkins! I knew this would be my next project when I spied...

countrylivingpumpkins ...this on the cover of their October 2011 issue! Isn’t this simply gorgeous?  I love the way the pumpkins look as though they have been covered with fabric even though it is actually paper!  Sooo...the magazine hopped in my cart and went straight home with me! Next, I went right to work assembling what I needed. And, as luck would have it, just about everything was half price at Michael’s…including the cream faux pumpkins!

I decided that a few things about my pumpkins would be different from those in Country Living. First, I chose a damask pattern rather than toile for one of them. There’s already so much toile in my house and I wanted these pumpkins to stand out. And then, I also decided that I would use the cream pumpkins just as they are rather than paint them white. That just fits better with my decor. Other than that, for the most part, I followed their instructions, found online here.

pageFor the damask pumpkin:  
1. I chose a fabric with a simple damask pattern that would be easy to work with…Premier Prints Avery in Greenage…and bought just enough to have one repeat of the design. I scanned and printed it, making several copies. Remember…you are working with paper copies of fabric…not fabric!
2. Next, I cut them out and spaced them according to the design, taping them to the pumpkin.
3. I removed the tape and attached each piece of the design to the pumpkin one by one, using matte finish Mod Podge…my new BFF. (Mine was a 25 cent yard sale find.) The process requires some finesse and patience and, quite honestly, it helps if you have some experience with découpaging  spheres.
4. Give the pumpkin a thin all-over coat, let dry and you are done!
This was the easiest one, so if you only want one, I suggest this one!

page1 The calico print pumpkin was a little harder:
1. I couldn’t find any fabric that would do, so I bought scrap booking paper and scanned and printed it since scrap booking paper is too thick and hard to work with.
2. I cut lengthwise pieces about  1 1/2 inches wide, working within the pattern. I attached them with Mod Podge as before. It helps to cut alternating notches about 1/3 of the way in to allow for the curves of the pumpkin.
3. Eventually, the strips got off a little and I had to straighten them back up by piecing in a few odd shapes. Here, you can see an empty spot I am about to cover.
4. Once again, I finished with another final all-over coat of Mod Podge and…taa daa! It’s not perfect, but all of the pumpkins seemed to have at least one really good side…thank goodness!

015 The vintage-y pumpkin quilt design was downloaded from Country Living’s web site. I followed their instructions and measured and calculated the size and number of designs I would need and adjusted. A program such as Photoscape…free to download…was really helpful here, since I had to adjust the color a little also.  I found it helpful to make small pencil marks on the pumpkin for the top and bottom of the design.  The little yellow lines are perfect places to cut in some notches to allow for the curve of the pumpkin. If it’s not perfect, it’s OK since you can’t see all sides of the pumpkin at once!  A final coat of Mod Podge to the whole pumpkin and you are through!

stand I didn't have a suitable stand for the pumpkins, so I made my own by painting a small flower pot and a larger saucer and hot-gluing them together. They were also half-price at Michael’s! I used an ivory spray paint since my pumpkins are cream.

BK Baby Kitty says his favorite pumpkin is the one with orange patches…I wonder why!

Here are my pumpkins in their copy-cat magazine pose…work it, girls!…not exactly alike, but just what I wanted for my house! What do you think?

And...as a footnote...I am excited to say that I was contacted by Country Living and invited to show off my pumpkins in a letter to the editor in the December 2011 issue! Woo hoo! Hey...it was about as big as a postage stamp, but I am still excited!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my project! Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday
Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Cedar Hill Ranch for Cowgirl Up! on Tuesdays

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design for Sizzle into Summer

The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursdays
No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursdays

Sand and Sisal for the Countdown to Fall Party
Thrifty Decor Chick for the Easy Fall Decor Party  
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday   
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday
2805 for Potpourri Friday
At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
See you next time! A la prochaine!

60 comments:

  1. Congrats-whether it was postage stamp sized or not...you got noticed!!! Love your pumpkins..those girls really "worked it" for you! xo Diana

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  2. Love this! We are having a pumpkin decorating contest at our family's Harvest Day. Please link this up with me at Wow Us Wednesday ok?

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  3. Debbie, this is one of my favorites that you did last year. Not only do i like the color and pattern choices, but also your little stand. What a clever idea! Your vignette with Baby Kitty in the shadows makes a stunning shot. ~ Sarah

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  4. Still outstanding, Debbie. Now you can just pull those out for this year and enjoy - such a beautiful project! Linda

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  5. I saw these in Country Living too and thought about making them but never did. Yours are wonderful!

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  6. I remember these both from the magazine and from your post. I also remember how excited I was when I saw your feature in CL.

    I think it's a great idea to repost some of your old ideas. Your old readers may have forgotten then and your new readers will be inspired.

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  7. You did a great job on your pumpkins, Debbie! I had issues with mine {they were smaller and the shape was a bit harder to cover} as you mention for your all-over calico print. If I did this again I would do one like you did your damask one.

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  8. Congrats and now you can come and decorate my house. We should all come to your house, Debbie, and do Arts and Crafts.

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  9. I remember when you did this! You deserved a mention in Country Living. They turned out so well. I'm trying to get some Fall inspiration going, but it sure isn't easy.

    You've got a long list of parties that you participate in, but don't forget about Seasonal Sundays too!

    - The Tablescaper

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  10. What an honor to be included in the magazine! Your pumpkins turned out FAB and I can't wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing!

    Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
    http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com

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  11. Debbie, these are soooooooo cute and you always do such a fabulous job with all your projects. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  12. How fabulous!! Congrats for you getting noticed honey, you deserve it, you are talented, wow!! I saw them last year too, but didn't try it. I love, love those pumkins! Have a great week.
    FABBY

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  13. Love the pumpkins...I tried my hand at it last year!
    Yours are beautify....Congrats on the feature Debbie!!!

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  14. I LOVE these pumpkins Debbie and I love the shot with Baby Kitty!

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  15. I think they look absolutely wonderful! Great job! I didn't happen to see that issue, so thanks for sharing this fun, easy fall decor idea!

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  16. Hello Debbie,it's been a while i have not visited your blog,and "c'est un bohneur"d'y revenir.
    I love this creation,congrats!
    I'll come back soon
    à bientôt!
    Lisa

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  17. What a cute project for my grands to do. Thanks for sharing.
    Congrats on your review in Country Living. I remember seeing it and I keep all my mags.

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  18. You id such a good job on these, they are just beautiful. I am in the fall mood too,ready to pull out the boxes of fall stuff!

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  19. Those are amazing!!! I love the colors. I'm going to have to try this out. :) Megan

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  20. I remember this post from last year! You did a spectacular job and I think it's awesome that you got featured in the Country Living magazine!

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  21. Debbie, your tutorial has me itching to make these again this year. I love how your pumpkins turned out...soooo pretty and the colors are so perfect for fall! :)

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  22. Just when I thought I couldn't love pumpkins any more, I see your damask pumpkin! Brilliant and beautiful. Can't wait to try this.

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  23. Debbie,
    Gorgeous pumpkins, dear friend!!! Your "notice" might have been the size of a postage stamp...but your creativity is HUGE!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  24. These are so gorgeous! I love the patterns that you chose! Have a great day!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  25. This looks like fun. I haven't modpodged yet. Thank you for sharing. Pat

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  26. I am coming from my new blog.
    Topiary Rose.
    I am book marking this.

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  27. I remember when that issue came out... I always love their October issue! Your pumpkins are super cute!

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  28. Oh how very clever! I just painted some pumpkins, you have inspired me to try something else!

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  29. Congrats! I love those pumpkins and planned to make them last year when I saw that issue of the magazine. I love how yours turned out! I can't believe fall is almost here!
    -Shelley

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  30. This is awesome! I can already see a display in front of my fireplace. Why couldnt you just use scrapbook paper instead of photocopies?

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  31. This is such a great idea. I love it. If you think think of doing Mod Podge on pumpkins, the possibilities are really endless and have my wheels turning. Thanks! Beautiful choices you made too. Jodi @ www.meaningfulmama.com

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  32. These are great! Well done! We'd love if you'd link up to our Countdown to Fall link party! Hope to see you there! Have a great week!
    http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/2012_08_20_archive.html

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  33. thanks for reposting! I am now a follower so I don't mess anymore of your posts!! I am loving your projects,

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  34. These are awesome! You did a great job! So cute and a perfect fall decor! I'd love for you to share them at my Twirl & Take a Bow party at www.houseontheway.com. It's today through Sunday. Hope you can stop by!
    Leslie

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  35. Love them! It's so nice to see different options than "traditional" fall decor - as in all orange pumpkins. I'll definitely be trying these for my home!

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  36. I really enjoyed and loved your blog and ideas!I have also these pumkins!Greetings from Greece!

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  37. Oh The story of your pampkins is just great. I would love to make one for my friend this year. Thank you.

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  38. I can't wait to try this! Love the story. Come link up to Centerpiece Wed and share this idea with us.
    Karin

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  39. I love these and they look so easy! Thanks for sharing your creativity.

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  40. Loving your Decopauge Pumpkins! I too am starting to Style for Fall and Halloween... it is one of my Favorite times of year. This year I hope to drape some Black Lace over some of my faux Pumpkins and Create some Burlap Bean Bag Pumpkins too... I Hope I have the time to get it all accomplished... so many Ideas, so little Time! *Winks*

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  41. I remember these and still LOVE them! Beautiful.

    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original Round Up party is open!

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  42. These are BEAUTIFUL!!! Love the patterns you chose and the soft greens for fall. I'm totally inspired to try!
    Would love to invite you to link up at our weekly (Heart)&(Home) party, open tuesdays at http://www.mercyinkblog.com/category/hearthome-link-party Hope to see you there!
    xo,
    lauren

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  43. What a fun and stunning project!!! Love them!!

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  44. Thanks for the step by step tutorial. I love this!

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  45. woow,,,that is a freat job,,,,just Love it :)
    and do not miss...

    S
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    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  46. These are amazing! Great job!

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  47. Very pretty! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  48. Hi Debbie, I actually like your pumpkins better than the Country Living ones. They turned out great and I love the stand too.

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  49. A totally modern and chic way to do pumpkins. I am really impressed though that you are thinking of pumpkins in August...I wish I could get my butt in gear that far ahead.

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  50. These are wonderful! Thanks for inspiring!
    http://the-finishing-touches.net

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  51. What gorgeous pumpkins, Debbie--I like them all! Baby Kitty is so funny--what a character!

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  52. These are beautiful! The girls are workin' it! lol :)

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  53. These are stunning!! Fantastic job! I'm including these in a 13 for Halloween round-up of pumpkin ideas at my blog this Friday, with one pic and a link back to this post. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration : )

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  54. We love these and want to feature them on our blog, celesteandpearl.blogspot.com. Thanks for the great inspiration! Warmest, Liz and Lo

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  55. These are so cute!! Thanks for sharing ;)

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  56. Hi,

    I just wanted to let you know that I love your tutorial and I've featured it on my list of 8 Elegant No-Cut Pumpkin Decorations. http://embracingcreativity.net/2013/10/8-elegant-no-cut-pumpkin-decorations/

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  57. Great idea and they're just beautiful. I have three Pumpkins left undecorated and I will be using this idea. Thank you

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! I appreciate my wonderful readers!... Debbie