Fall is the perfect season for crafting simple, nature-inspired decor to bring the warmth of the outdoors inside. In today’s guest blog, Do Dodson Designs shares an easy DIY project that transforms twigs from your yard into charming pumpkin decor using Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend craft or a unique way to spruce up your seasonal decorations, this twig pumpkin project is a creative way to embrace autumn with style.
(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs. Read the full article here.)
SUPPLY LIST:
Here is what you will need to create a fun DIY twig pumpkin to decorate your home for Fall.
- twigs and branches from your yard or a neighbor
- yard nippers or pruning shears
- hot glue gun (wood glue for kids)
- finger protectors
- the base for your pumpkin art (wood sign, old picture with frame, etc.)
- Cotton Chalk Mineral Paint (craft paint)
- Caviar Chalk Mineral Paint (craft paint)
- paintbrush 2-inch mini
STEP 1: Gather Your Twigs For Your Pumpkin
When gathering twigs and small branches, be mindful of the sizes you need for your twig pumpkin. Also, consider if you want curved twigs for the outer curved areas of the pumpkin. Get creative with it!
Even the tiny twigs can be used to fill in the gaps in your twig pumpkin decor.
STEP 2: Paint Your Background Color
To get started, you’ll need a wood signboard. You can also use a thrift store wall art piece and paint over it—that’s what I did!
Don’t forget about that scrap wood you have lying around. Anything flat and paintable is fair game.
I’m using Dixie Belle’s black caviar chalk mineral paint as the base color of my twig pumpkin creation. Chalk mineral paint is a chalky-based paint perfect for crafts like this one.
Apply two coats for full coverage and allow dry time between each coat.
STEP 3: Draw The Outline Of The Pumpkin
Using a chalk stick, I created an outline of the pumpkin after the paint had ample time to dry between coats. You can also use a pencil for this.
Because the paint is chalk-based, you can wipe away the chalk outline with a damp cloth. So, no worries if you can’t draw a pumpkin on the first attempt. Obviously, I can’t either.
STEP 4: Cutting The Twig Pumpkin Pieces
Using heavy-duty pruning shears, carefully trim the extra branches away from your twigs. You’ll want clean, smooth pieces that can sit beside each other. I cut mine to the length I needed as I went. It was easier that way.
If you don’t have pruning shears, you can always snap the twigs with your hands to the desired lengths.
Be sure to save the smaller pieces to fill in the gaps in the pumpkin, as there will be gaps.
STEP 5: Creating The Twiggy Pumpkin
Now comes the fun part. Start gluing the twigs inside the outline of your pumpkin. Be sure to wear finger protectors when working with hot glue.
I started from the side and filled in from right to left, gluing my sticks vertically because that’s how my brain works. Or you could start from the middle and work your way out.
STEP 6: Attaching The Twig Pumpkin Stem
You’ll want a large stick or small branch (depending on the size of your pumpkin) for the pumpkin’s stem. This is where your creativity comes in. However, you do you. It’s your pumpkin.
Consider cutting the stem at an angle. Not all pumpkin stems are perfectly straight. I’ve never seen a straight stem. Have you?
Secure the stem in place using glue.
Add a little embellishment. Maybe a bow? What about a few leaves? What would you do to these twiggy pumpkins to add a touch of Fall?
We hope you enjoyed this easy fall craft from Do Dodson Designs! With just a few twigs, a bit of Chalk Mineral Paint, and some creativity, you can create beautiful twig pumpkin decor that adds a natural touch to your home. Ready to try it yourself? Gather those supplies, and let your autumn creativity shine! Don’t forget to tag us in your photos—we’d love to see how your twig pumpkins turn out! For more Fall decor ideas, check out our blog, Easy Fall DIY Projects with Dixie Belle Paint Products.
