Fall Centerpiece with Decoupage Pumpkins

I’m so excited to share a fun new project featuring my American Crafts Groovy Darlin’ paper, which is now shipping and available at JoAnn Stores! If you love creating with paper like I do, this is the perfect project for you. I’ve been obsessed with these chipboard pumpkins I found at Hobby Lobby, and as soon as I saw them, I knew they’d be adorable covered in paper. These pumpkins make a great addition to any fall centerpiece, and they are also perfect for Thanksgiving decor. I can’t wait to show you how to decoupage them to create something special for your home!

What is Decoupage?

Before diving into the project, let’s talk about decoupage, a technique I use all the time. Decoupage is simply the art of decorating an object by gluing paper cutouts onto it. The glue or sealer used in decoupage is called Mod Podge. It’s a multi-purpose adhesive that dries clear, giving your project a smooth, professional-looking finish. There are different types of Mod Podge, including Matte, Gloss, and Satin finishes, depending on the look you want. Matte gives you a soft, flat finish, while Gloss adds a shiny coating. You can even find Outdoor or Dishwasher-Safe Mod Podge for projects that need to be durable. For this centerpiece project, I recommend using the Matte Mod Podge for a clean, smooth look that will highlight the beauty of the patterned paper without too much shine.

What is a Paper Pad?

A paper pad is a must-have for crafting, offering a collection of coordinated patterned papers bound together in one convenient place. I love using paper pads because they include everything you need to create cohesive projects, whether you’re at home or on the go. They’re also perfect for people who aren’t big crafters or are just getting started. Paper pads are an economical way to craft without having to buy a ton of supplies—each pad typically comes with 24 sheets of coordinating papers, including plain papers, stickers, and cardstock, all designed to work beautifully together. This makes it easy to create polished, professional-looking projects without the hassle of hunting for matching materials.

Where to Find the Pumpkin Kits

The chipboard pumpkins I used come in kits, which include two pumpkins—one small and one large. Each pumpkin is made up of two pieces that fit together, so they will stand up on their own, creating a 3D look. I found mine at Hobby Lobby, and they are such a fun and affordable base for any fall project. If you don’t have a Hobby Lobby near you, no worries! I’ve also linked similar kits that you can order online, so everyone can join in on the crafting fun. The beauty of these kits is that they are a blank canvas for creativity—you can decoupage them, paint them, or even leave them natural for a rustic vibe.

Supplies You Will Need to Make Fall Centerpiece with Decoupage Pumpkins

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with your own decoupage pumpkin centerpiece:

• Pumpkin kits (each kit comes with two pumpkins) Hobby Lobby
• American Crafts Groovy Darlin’ paper (available at JoAnn Stores or your local craft store)
• Mod Podge (Matte is recommended)
• Foam brush or regular paintbrush for applying Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Pencil for tracing
• Mallet or hammer (optional but helpful)
• Soft cloth or towel (to avoid damaging the pumpkin when assembling)

Fall Centerpiece Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part—decorating the pumpkins! Follow these simple steps:

Pick out the papers you want to use for your pumpkins

I like to use two coordinating papers for each pumpkin to create a layered and textured look. Each pumpkin has two pieces that fit together, and each piece has two sides, so you’ll need to cut two pieces of the same size for each side of the pumpkin.

Trace and cut your paper

Start by taking your paper and folding it in half. This way, when you trace the pumpkin shape onto the paper, you can cut out two pieces at once. Use a pencil to lightly trace the pumpkin shape onto the paper, then cut it out. Repeat this step with your coordinating paper for the other side of the pumpkin.

Apply Mod Podge

Use your foam brush or paintbrush to apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge directly onto the pumpkin. Then, carefully place your paper over the top and smooth it down, lining up the edges. Use your fingers or a brayer to smooth out any air bubbles that might form. Repeat on the other side of the pumpkin piece, and then do the same with the second pumpkin piece.

Assemble the pumpkins

Once both pumpkin pieces are covered in paper, it’s time to fit them together. The two pieces have slits that allow them to fit snugly, creating a 3D standing pumpkin. This can be a tight fit, so if you have trouble aligning them, don’t worry! Use a mallet or hammer to gently tap the pieces into place. To avoid damaging the pumpkin, place a towel or soft cloth over the pumpkin and then tap with the mallet until the pieces align. If you don’t have a mallet or hammer, any flat surface like a coffee cup will work in a pinch!

Finishing touches

For the final step, I wrapped some leaf-shaped ribbon around the pumpkin stem to give it a finished look. You can get creative with this step—use twine, raffia, or any other ribbon that fits your decor style.

The Perfect Fall or Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Once you’ve completed your pumpkins, arrange them on your dining table, mantel, or entryway for a sweet and festive fall centerpiece. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or just adding some seasonal decor to your home, these decoupage pumpkins are sure to make a statement. The combination of my American Crafts Groovy Darlin’ paper with the simple elegance of the chipboard pumpkins creates a centerpiece that is both stylish and personal. It’s a project that’s easy enough for beginners but fun for experienced crafters, too!

More Fall and Holiday Crafting with PAPER!

Here are some other fun ideas to use paper for home decor!

Embroidery Hoop Pumpkins

Embroidery Hoop Farmhouse Pumpkins. Turn embroidery hoops pretty and paper into adorable pumpkins you can display all fall long!

Autumn Paper Leaf Wreath

How to Make an Autumn Paper Leaf Wreath! Turn paper into a gorgeous paper leaf wreath that you can use by itself or pair it with a letter board!

Have a Creative Day!

xoxo

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Hi y’all! I’m Katie and I blog at Sweet Rose Studio!

Sweet Rose Studio is a blog dedicated to sharing the best crafts, recipes, DIY/home tutorials, and anything else that promotes a happy home. I am so blessed to be a wife to my high school sweetheart and mother to our three sweet, crazy kids. In my past life I was an elementary school teacher, but now I am a stay-at-home-momma by trade and absolutely adore what I do. I am so thrilled to be guest posting here today and sharing a fun idea that showcases Jen’s gorgeous new products from Pebbles.

My kids will be heading back to school soon and I thought it might be fun to come up with a fun way to showcase the work they’re most proud of. I was able to create this Homework Brag Board in no time flat and my five year old daughter is already drawing pictures to hang up until those school papers actually make it home. I think they’re in love!

Materials:

• Wooden Frame
• 6×6 Home + Made Paper Pad
• Metal Clips
• Chalkboard Label Stickers
• Gold Thickers
• yellow acrylic paint
• paint brush
• scissors
• glue gun
• adhesive

Directions:

1. Take the backing out of the frame and set it on top of the patterned paper. Use the backing as a pattern to cut out the decorative paper.

2. Paint the frame at this point so it has plenty of time to dry. I know it doesn’t show that I did it here, but I wish I had. It will speed up the process!

3. Place the decorative paper and the backing back in the dried frame.

4. Use the glue gun to attach a metal clip to the center of the patterned paper. Let it cool completely.

5. While the paint and the glue are drying, start working on the tag that goes on top. Place a chalkboard tag on top of a piece of the patterned paper and use scissors to trim around of the oval.

6. Use the gold foil Thickers to spell out the positive word of your choice. Yay fit perfectly.

7. Use an adhesive of your choice to attach the tag to the frame. Press firmly to make sure that its really stuck in place.

Hang it up and you’re ready to share how awesome your kids are!

Thanks so much Jen for having me here today. It’s been a blast!

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Thanks Katie! I just love that cute project, and I’m sure your kids love it too! Katie has great ideas on her blog! Here are a few I know you’ll love:

I love how she shares her creative ideas for Discipline in Her Home.

And she has a super awesome list of Teacher Appreciation Printables for you!

And if you’re thinking about Project Life for your photo memories, check out her post Project Life for Beginners!

xoxo

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Hi, I am Laura and I blog over at Laura’s Crafty Life. My blog is a place to find inspiration to craft a creative and well-lived life through simple craft projects, themed party ideas, organizing tips and tricks, as well as adventures in renovating our home.

I am so excited to be here today sharing how to make this adorable envelope mini-album using supplies from Jen’s new Home+Made collection! This mini album is perfect to tuck away inspirational quotes, journal your achievements or to commit your goals to paper.

Supplies needed:

• Homemade Pebbles Paper Pad
• Homemade Chalkboard Label Stickers
• Homemade Decorative Tape
• Cottage Living Thickers Alpha Stickers
• Cottage Living Paper Flowers
• Cottage Living Gold Stickers
• Cottage Living Rub-ons
• Cottage Living Puffy Stickers
• We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board
• Paper trimmer
• Double sided adhesive or glue
• Foam dots
• Gold brads and twine (optional)

Create Envelopes

To start with we need to create our envelopes. Choose your favorite papers from the paper pad. I used six different patterns of paper. Trim your paper to 9 1/2″ x 9 1/2″. We are creating envelopes that will be 5″ x 7″ when finished.

Using the guides on the envelope punch board, you will line up your paper at the 4″ score line. Punch your paper and then score it.

Rotate your paper 90 degrees counter-clockwise, align your score mark with the score guide, and then punch and score. Repeat this step of rotating your paper 90 degrees, lining up your paper with the score mark, punching and scoring for all four sides of your paper.

Now, round the corners using the reverse punch at the top of the board.

Fold your envelope on the score lines. Add adhesive to the two smaller flaps to create your envelopes.

Repeat this process for all six sheets of paper.

Note: If you want to add brads and twine to your album to be able to tie it closed, you will want to do it before you assemble your envelopes. Choose which envelopes you want to use for the cover and the back of the album. You will add a brad to the cover envelope just below the large flap before you secure the flaps, as shown below. 

To add the brad and twine (or ribbon) to the back cover, you will add a brad to the lower flap of the envelope before securing the flaps as shown below. 

Secure the small flaps with adhesive to close the envelope. Then tie on your twine around the brad.

Create Envelope Mini Album

Now that you have all six envelopes created, you will now create the mini album by connecting the envelopes together. Begin by choosing your envelope you wish to use as your cover. I chose the grey patterned paper with flowers.

Taking the second envelope you want in your album add adhesive to the top two edges and along the score line on the inner part of the top flap of the envelope. You can see where to add adhesive to the flap in grey below.

Slip the second envelope into the cover envelope with the adhesive side down. Press to secure the adhesive. You will be folding your flap on the second envelope backwards to create your album. This will make a little pocket for you to slip papers or photos into on the left side.

Repeat these same steps for the remainder of the envelopes until you have all of your envelopes attached.

To finish the album, you will simply add adhesive to the flap of the cover envelope and secure it to the back.

Embellish Envelope Mini Album

Now is the fun part! You get to embellish your album. You can certainly do this as you go while you use your album, but I like to have some basics in place to help keep me inspired.

I started by adding gold glitter tape. I cut teal polka dotted card stock from the paper pack and attached it to the front with adhesive. I used one of the sayings from the paper pack (it’s a new day to shine), cut it out and attached it to the front using foam dots. Lastly I added puffy stickers (be awesome) and a pretty teal paper flower.

For the next page, I cut out some of the lined paper and attached it using the numbers decorative tape.

I cut another one of the inspirational sayings out from the paper pack (today is a good day to be awesome) and slipped it inside the envelope. The great thing about these pretty card stock paper is the back is plain white and the perfect spot to attach a picture, inspirational quote or some journaling. I have added sheets of trimmed card stock to each envelope. I trimmed mine down to 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″. This is the perfect size to slip into the 5″ x 7″ envelope.

On the next page I added a 4″ x 6″ teal card stock sheet with adhesive. I added one of the chalkboard banner stickers and used the alpha Thickers to spell out the word, CREATE.

On the next page, I attached a strip of polka dot card stock to the page. I used another saying (life is better when you laugh) and attached it to white cardstock. I added a sweet gold heart from the puffy sticker sheet and attached the entire card using foam dots.

This next page was really simple. I cut the lined paper from the paper pad to fit the envelope page and simply attached it with the gold decorative tape on two of the corners.

On the last page I cut out the wood grain paper to fit the page, added a rub on to the bottom right corner and attached the whole sheet using a gold circle sticker.

Lastly on the back cover I embellished one of the chalkboard stickers with an arrow rub-on and attached it to the back.

My little mini album is ready to be a great source of encouragement and creativity for me.

Thank you for having me here today at Tatertots and Jello!

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Thanks Laura! What a gorgeous little album and I love that it has an inspirational purpose too! Laura has such awesome ideas on her blog, here are a few projects I know you’ll love:

She has a really awesome tutorial for How to Build a Chicken Coop! SO fun!

She also has amazing printables! Visit her page of 31 Days of Homemaking Printables for tons of printables to help you get your home organized!

And with fall right around the corner, I just love this Woodland Fall Paper Wreath she made!

xoxo

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Hey guys! Kari here from Life PreKARIous.  I’m a wife, a mother of 4 (2 human, 2 canine), and a self proclaimed comedic genius. I’m messy and unorganized, but I can shake a can of spray paint like nobody’s business!

 I am so excited to share this fun embellished candle centerpiece with you today! My living room is all gold, black, and white (you can check it out HERE.) so when I saw all these amazing black and gold goodies I was so excited!

I decided to spruce up my entry table with a fun little centerpiece. To make your own you’ll need:

• candles
• scrapbook paper
• scissors
• double sided tape
• pins
• chalkboard stickers
• frame

First, I cut the the paper the height of the candle. Then, I wrapped the paper around the candle and trimmed the excess, overlapping the edges about 1/4 of an inch. I used double sided tape on the edges to adhere the paper to the candle.

Once the paper was attached, I stuck some pins into the candle along the edge of the paper.

I repeated the process on the other two candles, minus the pins, using different paper. On one of the candles I added a fun chalkboard sticker.

The “tray” is just a 12″x12″ inch frame with this awesome gold leaf scrapbook paper inside. So easy, right?! A few months ago I used some liquid gold leaf on some terra cotta pots and I loved it, but this paper takes all the work out of it! It’s perfect!

I think it turned out great! And I just love the added chalkboard sticker! I’m a bigger sucker for anything chalkboard. I even have a whole chalkboard wall in my kitchen.

And so my black and gold obsession continues! Until next time folks!

XOXO
-Kari

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Thanks Kari! Such a fun idea for a centerpiece, and I’m so glad it worked with the decor you already have! Kari has great projects on her blog. Here are a few I know you’ll love:

I love the pop of gold she gave these Gold Leaf Succulent Pots! So cute.

And she has some fun recipes on her blog too, like this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade.

And she has some really fun ideas for a Bowtie Bash Birthday Party!

xoxo

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