How to Add Beads and Sequins to a Pumpkin

This is a re-post tutorial from a number of years of an awesome crafting technique using mod podge!

As the fall season begins, we can't help but think about dressing up our home to reflect this time of the year.  On a recent trip just to look and see what's new out there, I discovered the cutest little pumpkin ornament at  Pier1.

"Sure, there are lots of pumpkins out there. But only this pumpkin that conveys so much style in a form just over three inches in diameter. Let’s review: Beautifully natural pumpkin shape; deep amber-to-caramel metallic color; beads, sequins and glitter appliquéd finish; flourishes of ribbon and wire to bring home the whimsy. You are bringing it home, right?"

Hmm, this is gorgeous, but it's only three inches tall.  Besides, who has a "Harvest Tree" to hang it on? I began to think about the pumpkin I had gotten at Hobby Lobby last year on clearance for seventy percent off.     It's at least twelve inches wide and seven inches tall  .  .  .
 

I immediately got it out of storage and  .  .   .

Mixed some glitter, seed beads, sequins and Modge Podge together,

then poured it on  .  .   .   .

 

And let it run  .   .   . like the icing on a bundt cake.

.

Added some decorative fillers to the mix  .   .   .






and stirred it all up.

Then I spread the gooey mixture all around on top  .  .   .




 Added more glitter and filler  .   .   .                                                                       

And let it dry overnight  .   .   .   .  Next day,  whoa  .   .   . how pretty it was!

Threaded some beads onto a few stem wires  .   .    .

Curled them around a pencil  .   .   . and glued them to the top.

Added a ribbon, and tell me  .   .   .  what do you think?

"Let’s review: Beautifully natural pumpkin shape; deep amber-to-caramel metallic color; beads, sequins and glitter appliquéd finish; flourishes of ribbon and wire to bring home the whimsy.  Right?"

Happy Autumn Decorating!  

                   
 

  
                              
                                       
           

Jute Leaf Tree DIY

The following tutorial is a re-posting from a few years ago. Besides being a great craft to create, it's also a fun way to spend your confined winter and snow days !

You've seen those Inspirational Project Brochures hanging around Hobby Lobby haven't you?  They are loaded with wonderful ideas that will get your creative juices flowing. I believe there's one on every craft subject you can imagine.  There is even one titled, "Playing with Purple" that caught my attention!  You know how I love purple!

 But I was really intrigued with, "Just Jute," in which anyone can create sophisticated home accents using jute and bleach twine.

"Tree Glee Leaf the artwork to jute! This whimsical yet contemporary display shows the artsy side of Hobby Lobby earthy jute twines. They painted a trio of canvases to coordinate with the wall before penciling in their branched-out designs. Then, they carefully filled in the design with twine, securing with hot glue as they worked."

This description was so inspiring!

 I saw the most unique looking jute leaves/tree and thought this would be a great craft project to try.

It wouldn't take much to make and I had everything I needed on hand.  Some jute twine,  canvas board and hot glue. The original project featured a tree and small canvas boards painted the same color as the wall.  My walls are white for now, so I made my jute leaf tree on plain white canvas. No color - maybe later.

I am not artistic and am not very good at drawing.  I used a pencil and lightly drew a tree onto the canvas.  After several attempts drawing a tree, I was finally satisfied with the look.  Using jute twine and hot glue, I followed the lines very carefully.

I thought it would be easier for me to make the leaves separately instead of drawing them on the tree and filling in with jute.  I made several leaf patterns, nearly thirty,  to fill with twine and place on the tree.

Making the leaves was quite easy.  First, make a little oval shape with the twine and put a dollop of hot glue in the center of the leaf pattern. Follow the shape around, pinching the twine at the points until your leaf is formed.

After making all the leaves, I started placing them on the "twine branches."

                    I loved how the tree turned out with the jute leaves.

 

 

I'm trying out different areas where I might hang the Jute Tree.

                                  In the hallway or .  .   .

                 Breakfast area?

Where there's lots of morning light.

Either way, displaying this whimsical creation is sure to start a cheerful conversation!  Thanks Hobby Lobby for the inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy,

Happy Crafting!

Shop Related Products:

                  

Recycled Cereal Box Pocket Wreath for Spring

Are you tired of the usual round wreaths that decorate your door?  Here's an easy way to recycle a cereal box into an adorable handmade pocket wreath to showcase your favorite spring blooms.

Materials:

Cereal box/cardboard

Ruler/Scissors/Pencil

Glass Cylinder

Hot Glue Gun

Masking tape

Outdoor Mod Podge/Sealer

FolkArt Painted Finishes - Dimensional Moss Effect

Hole Punch/Duct Tape

Ribbon

Floral Foam

Faux Pansies

Let's get started by opening a large cereal box at the side seam and placing the print side down.

Using a ruler, draw the shape of a vase with straight lines and .  .   .

cut out.

To enhance the curved shape, gently rub cardboard cut-out around a glass cylinder into a vase shape. Place cardboard cut-out shape onto remaining cereal box cardboard, the width of the vase, as pictured.

Apply hot glue to the long edge of the cut-out and .  .  .

place on top of the cardboard holding in place until the hot glue cools.

Repeat for the opposite side and let glue cool.

Cut off excess cardboard at sides. Next, apply hot glue to narrow bottom and place on cardboard, holding in place until cool and dry.

Cut off excess cardboard around bottom shape.

Reinforce sides, outside, inside, and bottom with additional hot glue and cool.

Tape sides and bottom with masking tape for additional strength.

Coat vase with Outdoor Mod Podge or sealer.

Once dry, apply the Dimensional Moss Effect paint.

Then, punch two holes for hanging, reinforcing with duct tape. 

Tie ribbon and knot in hanging holes and glue floral foam inside. Then .  .  . 

arrange flowers, topped with a bow and hang on door.

This handmade recycle cardboard wreath is a lovely pocket full of pansies!

Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy -

Happy Crafting!