If you’re anything like me, then all sorts of things start to look like pumpkins at this time of year. And the truth is, a LOT of things- from the thrift store to your recycling bin- can be transformed and upcycled into DIY pumpkins. And as things get more expensive, your Fall decor budget may be shrinking. So, let’s get creative and look at a few ideas for thrifty upcycled pumpkins.
Yarn Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Here’s a great idea for anyone who knits or crochets and has leftover yarn balls laying around. Don’t they look adorable when jazzed up as little yarn pumpkins? Not only is it a fun and easy craft project for this time of year, but it’s also super thrifty, as well. Don’t forget to check out your local Creative Reuse Center for leftover yarn balls, as well.
Baking Pan Pumpkin
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
Old Bundt pans are something I see at thrift stores all the time. And though I’ve certainly seen some creative ways to repurpose them, this pumpkin might be the cutest idea of them all. I just love the ombre coloring of the vintage pans, too.
DIY Pumpkins from Straw Trivets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
With woven and rattan pumpkins being all the rage this year, it’s no surprise that ideas for upcycled versions are making their way online. This one repurposes vintage straw trivets into quirky woven pumpkins for fresh boho decor. Apparently, LOTS of old kitchen supplies can be upcycled into DIY pumpkins- who knew?
Vintage Light Fixtures
Image credit: Homeroad.
Since I absolutely love to upcycle old light fixtures, this DIY pumpkin really caught my eye. I just love the actual fixture itself, with the vine-like metal decoration around the globe. What a fun find and perfect way to repurpose it as fall decor.
Brown Paper Pumpkins
Image credit: Songbird Blog.
Even though yard sales and thrift stores are inexpensive places to shop, there’s an even cheaper place to go: Your recycling bin. Believe it or not, all those cans, bottles, cardboard, and yes- even paper- can be upcycled into DIY pumpkins. Take these brown paper pumpkins for example- aren’t they great?
Bandanas and Fabric
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Fabric pumpkins are like potato chips- once you have one, you gotta have another. And making them is surprisingly easy– whether you use bandanas, flannel, velvet, or even an old sweater. In fact, any fabric you have on hand will likely suffice.
Copper Scrubber Pumpkins
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Here we are, back in the kitchen aisle again! But this time, copper scrubbers from under the sink are the craft supply. Don’t they look adorable as little DIY pumpkins?
Woven Baskets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Depending on the shape, some wicker baskets are perfect for upcycling into pumpkins for fall decorating. This one was particularly well-suited for the task and was upcycled into a “gourd-geous” Boho pumpkin with the help of some all-natural craft supplies.
Rake Head Pumpkins
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
If the autumns of my childhood had a symbolic figure, it’d probably be the rake. Because I spent a LOT of weekend afternoons raking up leaves and pine needles in our backyard. But even given all that, I still think this upcycled pumpkin from a vintage rake head is awfully cute! And I might even have to keep my eyes peeled for a vintage rake head just like this now…
Stained Glass Pumpkins
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Starting as clear glass pumpkins from craft and thrift stores, these stained glass pumpkins are surprisingly easy to make with the right kinds of paint. But trust me when I tell you that they look even more magical at night.
Tin Can Pumpkins
Image credit: Creatively Beth.
Every autumn, my motto of “anything can be a pumpkin if you try hard enough” proves true. Even tin cans, as it turns out. A collection of cans in various sizes are perfect for creating simple fall pumpkins that can be used decoratively throughout the Fall season.
Twine Sign
Image credit: Domestically Designed.
Here’s a cute idea for making a dimensional, textured Fall sign. And you can even paint over a pre-made sign you find at the thrift store! Using twine to make the pumpkin shape is so fun and adds such great dimension to the finished piece.
Painted Glass Bottles
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Fall decor straight from the recycle bin is about as frugal and thrifty as it gets! These bourbon bottles were given a “gourd-geous” makeover with paint, transforming them into DIY pumpkins.
Vintage Bun Warmer
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Vintage bun warmers are DEFINITELY not something you typically find in a modern day kitchen. But they show up at thrift stores and definitely have a nice, round shape that gives off pumpkin vibes. It just needs the right paint and a touch of Fall foliage to top it all off.
DIY Pumpkins with Old Hardware
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
A jar of old hardware- nuts, screws, washers, etc.- is perfect for all sorts of craft projects. And using them to create a “junky” pumpkin is especially perfect at this time of year. I see jars of workshop bits like this at yard sales and Habitat ReStores all the time…
Flannel Pumpkin Art
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A ready-made burlap canvas from the craft store can be decorated in any number of ways. But for Fall, a fuzzy flannel pumpkin from an old shirt is just delightful for your wall or on a display easel.
The tutorial for this project can be found in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Wooden Trays
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Small wooden trays and shallow bowls that have handles are ideal pieces to transform into pumpkins, aren’t they? Those short handles are like built-in stems for a quick makeover that results in something charming AND functional.
Pine Cone Craft
Image credit: Sustain My Craft Habit.
Another cheap and thrifty craft supply you can play around with? Pine cones! I just LOVE how this pumpkin art project turned out, using cut up pine cones to form it. I honestly thought it was made from marigolds at first and wondered how they kept their shape!
DIY Pumpkins for a Thrifty Fall
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
So many DIY pumpkins, so little time- I really need Fall to last about six months so I can make them all! But at least you’re now armed with all sorts of money-saving ways to create your own Fall pumpkins this year. And for those of us in warmer climates, they won’t rot in the lingering summer sun, either!
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods, Songbird Blog, Lora Bloomquist, and Sustain My Craft Habit.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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