How to Make Simple Fall Crafts from Pumpkins and Gourds

When the season starts to turn and there is a nip in the air my first thought always goes to how to decorate for fall. Bringing pumpkins and gourds inside to enjoy is so incredibly cheap, easy and beautiful when you follow these steps to create a pumpkin and gourd table scape. You will be amazed at how festive your home feels and how bringing the these fall decorations inside. It really sets the mood for the holidays. The comfort you feel from having family and friends enjoy your simple craft will make you want to have company every night.

Items Needed:

1 Large Pumpkin that your Mum Pot can fit in easily

4-8 Small Gourds

1 Pot of Mums in Full Bloom

4-8 Blank Business Cards

A Sharpie

Carving Knife

Paring Knife

Clear Spray Paint

Newspaper to Cover your Craft Area

Step One: Create your centerpiece of Mums with a Pumpkin Pot.

The very first thing you need to do is to cut the stem from your pumpkin, creating a flat service for you to be able to hold your mum pot to. Then the second step is to trace the width of your mum pot onto your pumpkin top, remembering that the top of the pot is most likely larger than the bottom so you can utilize a sharpie for this and cut on the outside of your tracing. Now go ahead and cut the opening and remove the piece that you cut. And if you haven't already laid the newspapers down, it's time to cover your entire area so when you clean the pumpkin out you can simply set the seeds and pulp aside. (See Tip. 1) Simply reach in the pumpkin with your paring knife and clean it out as well as you can, remembering that the dryer you are able to get it the longer it will last. You have now created a pumpkin flower pot that can be used as is or you can choose to spray it with the clear spray paint so it lasts even longer and has a finished look. The choice is yours but by simply cleaning a pumpkin and placing a pot of mums in it you have brought the joy of fall into your home.

Step Two: Create Place Markers with Gourds.

Gourds are beautiful, but they typically have a mind of their own, so lay the gourds on your work service and determine which side should be the top by choosing a natural resting with the most colors showing. (See Tip 2) Now you will want to write the cards so that they are drying while you cut your gourds. (See Tip 3) Be sure to think about how each gourd will lay on the table and mark the best position for the card. And then make a cut with your carving knife that creates the card holder on your gourd. A slit with a depth of ¼ to ½ inch works perfect. If you have chosen to utilize the clear spray paint you will now spray the gourds and then simply insert the cards into the slot and set the table with your unique and creative place markers.

Tip 1 : If you are planning to roast the seeds or make a pumpkin pie you will want to be careful when cleaning the pumpkin but usually I simply remove the filling and add it to my mulch pile with the newspapers.

Tip 2: If I am creating eight, I like to lay them horizontally. If I am only utilizing four for a more intimate gathering, I set them vertically and choose the most natural and cleanest appearance. Either way is fine.

Tip 3: Hand written ones are touching, so you may want to print the names so everyone will be able to read them, and be sure include a message like "The air turns colder in fall but hearts are warmer when you share the joys of the season."

Always remember to have fun and enjoy the fall season. Invite your kids, spouse, or other friends to help you in these easy pumpkin and gourd craft ideas. Good luck!