DIY Wooden Pumpkin Blocks From Scrap Wood

These DIY wooden pumpkin blocks are made from short lengths of scrap timber cut into different heights. Each block is sanded, painted orange and finished with a natural twig stem.

Raffia, leatherette strips, fabric leaves or ribbon can be tied around the stems to give the wooden pumpkins a rustic farmhouse finish. Group several sizes together on a porch, mantel or shelf to create an inexpensive autumn display.

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What you need

Scrap 2 × 4 or 4 × 4 timber

Natural twigs approximately 6 mm or 1/4 inch thick

Orange acrylic or exterior craft paint

Brown paint, optional

Green leatherette, fabric strips or ribbon

Natural raffia or twine

Felt or artificial leaves, optional

Wood glue or strong craft glue

Sandpaper

Paintbrush

Dry-brush or stencil brush, optional

Saw

Drill and drill bit matching the twig thickness

Measuring tape

Pencil

Safety glasses

Protective gloves

Clear matte sealer, optional

Instructions

Scrap wood can be turned into charming fall decorations with little more than orange paint and a few twigs collected from the garden.

These chunky wooden pumpkin blocks have a rustic, primitive appearance that works beautifully with farmhouse, country and traditional autumn decorating. You can leave the paint smooth and bright or distress the edges for an aged finish.

Use 2 × 4 timber for narrower pumpkins or 4 × 4 timber for chunky square pumpkins. Cutting the wood into different heights creates a more interesting display when several finished pumpkins are grouped together.

The original pumpkin blocks featured in this project were created by Valerie C., a member of the CraftGossip Christmas Crafts Facebook group.

Instructions

Step 1: Choose and measure the wood

Select straight pieces of scrap timber without loose nails, screws or badly split sections.

Measure and mark several blocks in different heights. For example, you could make blocks measuring approximately 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm and 25 cm tall.

The measurements do not need to be exact. A mixture of short, tall, narrow and chunky blocks will make the finished arrangement look more natural.

Step 2: Cut the blocks

Cut the timber along the marked lines using an appropriate saw.

Wear safety glasses and follow the safety instructions supplied with your tools. Secure the timber before cutting and keep your hands away from the blade.

If you do not have suitable woodworking equipment, ask your hardware store whether they can cut the timber for you.

Step 3: Sand the wood

Sand each block to remove splinters, sharp corners and rough saw marks.

The blocks do not need to be perfectly smooth. Leaving some natural texture and visible wood grain will add to their rustic appearance.

Wipe away all sanding dust before painting.

Step 4: Drill the stem holes

Mark the centre of the top edge of each wooden block.

Choose a drill bit that is approximately the same diameter as your twig stems. Drill a shallow hole into the top of each block.

The hole only needs to be deep enough to hold the twig securely. Do not drill all the way through the block.

Test each twig in its hole and trim it to the desired length.

If you prefer not to drill the wood, the twig can be glued directly to the top. Raffia, leaves or ribbon can then be arranged around the base to disguise the join.

Step 5: Paint the pumpkin blocks

Apply orange paint to the front, back, sides and top of each wooden block.

For a rustic finish, apply a thin coat and allow some of the wood grain to show through. For brighter pumpkins, apply two or more coats, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.

You can use several slightly different shades of orange to give the collection more variety.

Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 6: Distress the finish

Lightly sand the edges and corners to reveal some of the natural wood underneath.

For a more aged appearance, dip a dry brush into a small amount of brown paint. Remove most of the paint on a paper towel, then lightly brush it over the edges and textured areas.

Build up the colour gradually rather than applying one heavy coat.

Step 7: Attach the twig stems

Place a small amount of wood glue inside each drilled hole.

Insert the twig and hold it upright until the glue begins to grip. Wipe away any excess glue before it dries.

Leave the blocks undisturbed until the stems are firmly secured.

Step 8: Make the leaves and vines

Cut narrow strips of green leatherette, fabric or ribbon.

Braid three strips together to create a textured vine, or leave the strips loose for a simpler finish.

You can also cut pumpkin leaves from green felt or use small artificial leaves.

Tie or glue the leaves and vines around the base of each twig stem.

Step 9: Add raffia and finishing details

Tie natural raffia, twine or narrow brown fabric strips around the stem.

Trim the ends to different lengths so they fall naturally over the front and sides of the pumpkin block.

If desired, add a fall word or short phrase with a paint marker. Words such as “harvest,” “welcome,” “thankful” or “autumn” work well.

Step 10: Seal and display

Apply a clear matte sealer if the pumpkins will be handled frequently or displayed in a covered outdoor area.

Allow every layer of paint, glue and sealer to dry completely before arranging the blocks.

Group the wooden pumpkins in different heights on a mantel, shelf, table or covered porch. These decorations are not designed for prolonged exposure to rain unless exterior paint, exterior adhesive and a weather-resistant sealer have been used.

 

These pumpkin were created by Valerie. C who is a member of our Christmas Crafts Facebook group. Thanks for sharing Valerie, We love it!