Since I have a long history of turning unexpected things into pumpkins, I’ve also used plenty of curious things as pumpkin stems. And, of course, I’m by no means the only one who has. In a world full of unique ideas for DIY pumpkins, there are just as many interesting things that can serve as stems. So, if you’re a fan of upcycled pumpkins, then this collection of stem ideas is definitely for you.
Sticks and Branches
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Perhaps the easiest and most accessible supply to use for pumpkin stems comes from your own backyard. Sticks and branches cut down to size are ideal to use as stems- they’ve got the right shape, color, and look perfect atop fabric pumpkins like these.
Cinnamon Sticks
Image credit: Sew Crafty Me.
Cinnamon sticks are another fun option for your DIY pumpkins. Especially if you’re anything like me and have a jar of long-expired sticks hiding out in the pantry! They’ve got the right shape, a good color, and add a little honest-to-goodness pumpkin spice to your craft project.
Dried Pumpkin Stems
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ok, so maybe this idea isn’t as unique as the others, but it’s definitely authentic. ACTUAL pumpkin stems can be dried and saved for all of your upcycled pumpkin projects. I’ve used them on this basket pumpkin craft as well as this version of yarn pumpkins here. And let me tell you, they add such a realistic touch to your gourd-geous projects…
Salvaged Hardware
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You could say that this upcycled stem has a touch of…swag. And that’s because it’s a salvaged swag hook from a light fixture! Normally it’s affixed to a ceiling upside-down but when attached to a wood pumpkin like this…it’s stem perfection.
Wine Cork Pumpkin Stems
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Here’s another stem idea for your fabric pumpkin crafting endeavors. Wine and champagne corks are a great alternative pumpkin stem, aren’t they? The right shape, a good neutral color, and another way to upcycle something you were going to toss.
Cabinet Knobs
Image credit: The Interior Frugalista.
Decorative cabinet knobs, like these ceramic versions, are another great option for topping your fabric pumpkins. And while craft and hardware stores have plenty of knobs available, your local Habitat ReStore is another great place to hunt for them.
Pumpkin Stems from Silverware
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
I’ll be the first to admit that I LOVE making fabric pumpkins. But never once did it dawn on me to use silverware handles as pumpkin stems! I guess that just means I’ll have to make a few more to add to my collection this Fall…
Ribbon Rolls
Image credit: Dukes and Duchesses.
Rolling up ribbon is another great way to fake a stem on a DIY pumpkin. Theoretically, any ribbon would do, but twill, wired, and burlap ribbon might be exceptional options since they hold their shape well.
Bottle Necks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Perhaps the easiest way to “make” a stem on your pumpkin projects is to upcycle things with it built in. Which means glass bottles like these are easy to transform into DIY pumpkins without a lot of effort.
Leather Tabs
Image credit: Joann Fabric Instagram account.
I’ve made many leather scrap crafts in my day, but it never occurred to me to use them in such an autumnal fashion. Leave it to Joann Fabric (RIP!) to use leather tabs on these knitted pumpkins. I love how the smooth leather stem contrasts against the nubby pumpkin surface.
Embroidery Floss
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Obviously embroidery floss would only work on tiny pumpkins like these, but it really does work like a charm. Plus, when it comes to making mini pumpkins for a toy truck, it’s nice to use one craft supply for both the ridges AND the stems!
Wooden Spools as Pumpkin Stems
Image credit: Bethany Lynne Makes.
Since wooden spools are one of my favorite things to craft with, it’s no surprise that I love this way to use them! Painted or naked, they work adorably atop a fabric pumpkin– you could even use one with the thread still wound around it, too.
Lamp Finials
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
If your old lamp’s finial is a little too plain for your liking and you swap it out, here’s a fun way to repurpose it. You might not have even guessed what that stem started out as, but I assure you- it is. Or, rather…was.
Brown Paper Stems
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It may be covered in fabric now, but underneath that brown corduroy is a stem made from crumped up brown paper. Whether you use a grocery sack or brown paper from packaging, it’s a moldable craft supply that’s ideal for this kind of project. Especially if you were going to toss or recycle it anyway…
Wooden Beads or End Caps
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Large wooden beads or wooden dowel caps are a great option for different types of DIY pumpkins. They come in a variety of shapes and can be painted or stained to work best with your project.
Chair Spindles as Pumpkin Stems
Image credit: The Interior Frugalista.
There are lots of ways to upcycle and repurpose old chair spindles, but using them as pumpkin stems is particularly charming. They have a jaunty, vintage-y look to them that is right up my alley!
Handled Stems
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Similar to the glass bottle pumpkins shown earlier, here’s another built-in stem idea for your pumpkin crafting. Wooden trays with handles can definitely be pumpkin-ized with the right paint and accoutrements, eh? Plus, if you use food-safe top coats or some other barrier, then these can be functional pumpkins, as well.
Fake Plants
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Since terracotta pots are already orange, they seem a natural fit to turn into pumpkins. I, of course, went a step further and turned them into jack-o-lanterns. But either way, a fake cactus plant works as a fun alternative pumpkin stem, don’t you think?
Upcycled Pumpkin Stems
Image credit: Flamingo Toes, Sadie Seasongoods, and Petticoat Junktion.
I swear, topping off your DIY or upcycled pumpkins is almost as fun as making the pumpkins themselves. Especially since SO MANY THINGS can be repurposed as stems. And I know there are other options out there, such as rolled up book pages…salvaged tool handles…other hardware bits I don’t know the names for. All I know is, I hope this collection of alternative stems has given you some creative ideas for your future pumpkin projects. And please let me know if you come up with something even more curious for a stem…
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.
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