CRAFT | Vintage Farmhouse Pumpkin

I'm so excited to share this simple craft with you today...
I absolutely LOVE it!!
I can't claim it as my own brilliant idea...
because it truly is brilliant!
But I did put my own vintage farmhouse spin on it...

VINTAGE FARMHOUSE PUMPKIN

made from mason jar/canning bands

STEP ONE

STRING TOGETHER MASON JAR BANDS

You'll need approximately 25 bands - not the solid "middles" of your mason jar lid set.

All bands should be the same size. Band size will determine the size of your pumpkin.

Run a string through the centers of each band and then tie the ends tightly together to form a ring.

With the string hidden inside the ring, you now have a pumpkin shape.

 STEP TWO

SPRAY PAINT

Apply 2-3 coats of spray paint to the ring of bands, for full coverage

I used a creamy white from my local hardware store.

STEP THREE

CUT STRIPS OF VINTAGE PAPER

While the paint is drying,  cut some decorative paper strips for your pumpkin.

The strips of vintage book pages I used measured a little less than 7" in length and about 1/4" in width

STEP FOUR

ADD VINTAGE PAPER STRIPS

After the paint has dried completely, add the paper strips you created.

Starting in the middle of each band,  hot glue one end of each paper strip to the middle of each band.

Let the opposite end of each strip hang off the pumpkin for now.

Don't fret over the glue and ends of paper showing right now - there's a step to hide that coming up.

STEP FIVE

WORK FROM THE BOTTOM

With the top pieces of vintage paper strips secured to each band,

flip your pumpkin over so the bottom is visible.

Continue the process of wrapping the paper strips around each band. 

Be sure each paper strip lays flat against each band prior to securing to the bottom of the pumpkin with a dab of hot glue.

STEP SIX

A TRICK FOR HIDING THE ROUGH EDGES

Flip your pumpkin back over so it's upright again.

Roll each band individually towards the center of the pumpkin

 until the glue/ends of paper are no longer visible from the top.

STEP SEVEN

ADD A STEM

Group together some cinnamon sticks. They should be wide enough to fit snugly in the "hole" of your pumpkin.

Add a generous amount of hot glue to one end of the cluster of cinnamon sticks.

Immediately insert them into the center of your pumpkin. If necessary, add more glue to secure.

STEP EiGHT

ADD SOME LEAVES

In true "party girl" fashion...I cut leaves from some brown baking/cupcake liners and secured with hot glue.

You can use any materials you have on hand: kraft paper, scrapbooking paper, burlap, fabric, etc.

Don't you just LOVE it?

I hope you're inspired to try it out.

I can see these gracing dessert tables, kitchen islands, fireplace mantles and more.

STYLiNG TiPS:

Eliminate adding paper to the pumpkin to save yourself some time.

If you have rusty bands - that's a cute look too.

Or just leave it spray painted.

Instead of using vintage book pages...

customize your pumpkin by trying these alternatives for wrapping your bands:

• Decorative scrapbooking paper

• Designer Scotch® Duct Tape

• Washi Tape

• Wrapping Paper

With "gold" being all the rage in fashion and decor...

You could also try using some gold spray paint...

or add a gold bow for a quick splash of style.

For additional inspiration...

visit Simply Klassic Home...the original source of creativity for this project.

SUPPLiES NEEDED:

• Mason Jar Canning Lid Bands (approximately 25)

• Hot Glue Gun

• String (for tying bands together)

• Spray Paint

• Strips of recycled book pages (or any other decorative paper)

• Cinnamon Sticks (5-6)

• Scissors (for crafting pumpkin leaves) optional

• Brown Baking/Cupcake Liner (for creating a leaf or two for your pumpkin) optional

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I didn't have to cut my strips of vintage paper.

It was actually recycled "filler" from a cute package I received.

I used it for the Unlock the Spirit of the Holiday Season photo shoot too.

This is by far one of my most favorite craft projects! So cute!!