Pumpkin Projects

Pumpkins can be used as different seasonal decorations.

Decorating for fall generally includes gourd vegetables such as pumpkins. Pumpkins are very versatile as decoration and can be used for more than pumpkin carving. They can be made into bird feeders, people or centerpieces. These projects can be fun for kids, although they do require cutting a pumpkin and kids should be supervised.

Pumpkin Bird Feeder

For a seasonal touch to your yard, turn a small pumpkin into a bird feeder. This project requires a 3- to 5-pound pumpkin, pumpkin knife, spoon or scoop, pumpkin seeds, twigs, twine and birdseed. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and flesh of the bottom half, leaving 1/2 inch of the flesh around the edge. Cut a groove in this edge that is about 1/2 inch deep and put pumpkin seeds in the groove. Tie two lengths of twine together in the middle and spread out the ends in a cross shape. Place the pumpkin in the center and pick up and tie the ends of the twine together to hang the feeder. Press twigs into the sides of the pumpkin as perches. Fill with birdseed and hang.

Pumpkin Family

Smaller pumpkins can be stacked together and decorated to create people that can be used to decorate a porch or yard. This project requires several pumpkins of different sizes, other natural items for faces such as almonds, hazelnuts, leaves, pumpkin seeds or carrots, 6-inch skewers, and a pumpkin saw. To make a person, stack three pumpkins of different sizes up and attach them together by pushing skewers into them. Trace the shapes of the items you will use as facial features or buttons and scoop out a slightly smaller area to put the item into. Press the items in to make a face and buttons.

Patchwork Pumpkin

Mixing and matching different colors of pumpkins can create the effect of a patchwork quilt. This pumpkin project requires two pumpkins of different colors, a pumpkin knife and spoon or scoop. Using a white pumpkin and an orange one will create a more dramatic effect than using two orange pumpkins. Cut the top out of the pumpkins and scoop out the seeds from the inside. Cut out shapes from each pumpkin, making sure that the shapes are identical. Place the pieces in the pumpkin of the other color. Use a metal cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to create a more defined edge.

Pumpkin Topiaries

These pumpkin topiaries are ideal for using as a centerpiece for a fall dinner. They require miniature pumpkins, 4-inch pots, Styrofoam, dowels or tree branches, raffia, dried beans and a hot glue gun. Place a piece of Styrofoam inside a pot and make sure that it is secure, gluing it if necessary. Sharpen the stick or dowel and press it into the bottom of the pumpkin and into the Styrofoam. Use glue if the pumpkin is unstable. Glue dried beans over the top of the Styrofoam in the pot and tie a bow around the towel or twig under the pumpkin with the raffia.

References

• Martha Stewart: Pumpkin Bird Feeder
• Martha Stewart: Gourd Family
• Midwest Living: Patchwork Pumpkins
• Midwest Living: Pumpkin Topiaries