This site contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Instructions
Prep the form
Remove tags, wipe the wire form, and flatten any bent areas.
Extend the stem
Cut a cardboard piece in the shape of a taller stem.
Hot-glue it to the wire stem.
Wrap the stem tightly with jute, gluing as you go. Trim and glue down the end on the back.
Back the pumpkin with burlap
Lay the burlap under the wire form.
Starting at the center and working out, hot-glue the burlap to the underside of the wire ribs and around the outer ring. Fold raw edges under as you glue to reduce fraying.
Add front jute detailing
Flip it face up. Run a thin bead of hot glue along a front wire rib, press jute onto the glue, and continue down that rib.
Repeat for each rib you want to highlight.
Outline the outer edge with a continuous line of jute for a clean frame. Hide ends at the back with a dab of glue.
Attach the florals
Glue a large sunflower near the stem or top corner. Tuck in a mix of fall leaves until you like the cluster. Hot-glue pieces in layers
Clean up glue strings
Briefly wave a heat gun over the project to melt and shrink glue strings. Keep it moving to avoid scorching burlap.
Trim any fuzzy threads and stray glue.
Hang & display
Tie a jute loop to the back or use the form’s top wire as a hanger. Fluff leaves and you’re done!
Where to get forms: Dollar Tree, Michaels, Walmart, Amazon; ect.
Fabric swaps: Orange burlap, plaid flannel, felt, drop cloth, sweater knit, denim—mix and match textures.
Adhesive options: Fabric glue for less mess; zip ties or floral wire for outdoor-safe attachment.
No heat gun? A hair dryer on warm helps; or rub cooled strings with an alcohol wipe to lift them.
Weatherproofing: Use outdoor-rated hot glue sticks and a clear matte spray sealer on burlap/leaves.
Troubleshooting:
Burlap fraying? Cut on the grain and seal edges with Fray Check.
Fabric looks saggy? Add a few hidden stitches or dabs of glue to the ribs on the back.
Embellishments lifting? Add a discreet wire through burlap to the frame.
And there’s our pumpkin—cute, cozy, and perfectly imperfect, just how I like it. Hang it up, show it off, and remember… life is messy, but hey, we’re learning as we grow! Now let’s squash any doubts—this pumpkin is gourd-geous!
Visit my Amazon shop where you can find my favorite Craft Supplies, Cookware, Kitchen Appliances, Plant Based Ingredients, Gardening Gear, Gift Ideas and more.
*Associate Disclosure* This article contains affiliate links.
Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.