Fall Apple Decor from Monkey Pod Bowls

Fall Apple Decor from Monkey Pod Bowls

Even though I had already upcycled some monkey pod wood once before, I decided that thrifting fate was telling me to do it again. You see, I came across these monkey pod bowls twice over the course of a few weeks. And, well– that’s a rarity for most thrift store “smalls”! After I saw them the second time, I decided they kind of looked like Fall apples, or rather, they could look like apple decor.

So, into the cart they went.

Believe it or not, I already had a wooden apple trivet in my garage from last year.

And since I had never created any apple decor before, I finally had a trio that was worthy of a makeover and blog post!

apple decor ideas

Apples are perfect as autumn decorations AND back to school decor. And besides, they’d be a fun alternative (and companion) to these painted wood pumpkins that started as similar bowls!

painted wood pumpkins for rustic fall decor

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Apple Decor for Fall

To keep things interesting, I decided to paint both red and green apples. So, I gathered some painting supplies in good apple colors and got to work.

craft paint for apple decor

After the red chalk paint and apple green satin paint had dried (two coats each), I set my sights on the “stems” of the monkey pod bowls.

Not quite leaves and not quite stems– it was a weird top, if you ask me. So, I was going to have to free-hand my way to make them look like fall apple decor.

painting the fall apple decor

With a little dark green paint and a small, rounded-edge craft paint brush, I was able to fudge some green leaves at the top of the monkey pod wood.

I also left the center of each top bare to replicate the woody stem of an apple.

apple decor

Next, I set the apple bowls aside and worked on the trivet. Before doing anything else, I sanded it down with some flexible 220-grit sandpaper.

I did the same to the monkey pod wood bowl that I had painted with the red chalk paint, too. The green apple, which was painted with satin paint, didn’t need any sanding.

Finishing the Fall Apple Decor

Because of its flat surface, the apple trivet was begging for a little stenciling!

So, I bought a small Fall stencil, and gathered white craft paint and a small stencil brush.

stenciling the fall apple decor

Next, I stippled over the stencil twice with white paint (needed for more opaque coverage over the deep scarlet red).

fall stencil for apple decor

When the paint dried, I removed the stencil and ran a piece of 220-grit sandpaper over the stenciling (lightly!) and that was it!

Now, I just needed to buff clear wax over my Fall apple decor to seal the chalk paint.

clear wax on monkey pod bowls

Fall Apple Decor from Monkey Pod Bowls

After buffing them to a smooth sheen, my apples were done! Super easy makeover, and now I finally have some apple decor in my arsenal of fall projects.

apple decor from monkey pod bowls

I’m so glad I didn’t pass them up the second time around! And I’m REALLY glad (and honestly, a little surprised), that I remembered that apple trivet hiding out in the garage.

I love decorating in “3’s” (or any odd number, for that matter).

fall apple decor from monkey pod bowls

I’m also excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you enjoy upcycling clothing and simple sewing projects, then you will love my book on flannel crafts! It even has an entire chapter on fall flannel craft ideas.

Flannel craft ideas and projects

And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for non-pumpkin Fall Decor, then you’ll love my fabric acorns made from tweed jackets, too!

acorn decorations from tweed jackets

Craft on!

S

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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.

Comments

  1. phoebe hastings says

    Hi Sadie, Did you receive my photos of the door with the readers digest book covers?

  2. I love these! I made an apple cutting board from the thrift store at one time but I am loving these apple bowls. They would be great in my classroom too! Thanks for the great inspiration!

  3. wondering if they were supposed to be pineapples? but they sure work as apples

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      I suppose they could be squat-shaped pineapples as pineapple bowls are far more common! And thank you so much!

  4. Enjoyed your upcycle. I have one friend whose entire kitchen is apple themed; it is still so popular and so farmhouse-y! Nice job!

  5. I do enjoy your projects. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons for decorating. I would like to hear about your book when it’s published – I’d like to know where it can be purchased.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Thank you so much! And I will definitely include book purchasing info in future blog posts, as well as on all my social media channels.

  6. Audrey Adkinson says

    I really like monkey pod wood …your fall decor apples are so cute. I also like the tweed acorns. I would never have looked at the salad bowls and thought of an acorn topping. So imaginative!!!!

  7. I will be the first to admit, I don’t think I would have brought these bowls home. You’ve officially changed my mind, because they are adorable and look so happy! Yes, happy bowls! Who knew?

    Featuring you in this weekend’s DIY Salvaged Junk Projects!

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  1. […] Monkey pod apple bowls by Sadie Seasongoods – click to tutorial […]

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