DIY Spindle Pumpkins for Fall Decor
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
These DIY Spindle Pumpkins are an adorable way to add handmade fall decor to your shelves, mantel, entryway, or table. The layered wooden pieces create the look of rustic pumpkin slats, while the textured finish and raffia bows add farmhouse charm.
The unfinished Spindle Pumpkin Craft Kits can be painted and decorated to match your fall color palette. I used orange paint, a textured paper towel, distressing techniques, and antique wax to give my pumpkins a warm, weathered finish.
Grab the Spindle Pumpkin Craft Kit and follow the tutorial below to make your own rustic wooden pumpkins.
Supplies for DIY Spindle Pumpkins
- Spindle Pumpkin Craft Kit
- White Paint
- Orange Paint
- Brown Paint
- Waverly Antique Wax
- Decoupage glue or Mod Podge
- Raffia
- Textured Paper Towel
- Sander
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin or smoothing tool
- Fine grit sanding block
- Baby wipes
- Glue Gun or super glue
- Heat gun
How to Make DIY Spindle Pumpkins
Prepare and Stain the Wooden Pieces
Lightly sand each unfinished wooden piece to remove any laser residue that could affect the paint or stain.
Create a stain using watered-down brown paint, or use an antique wax. Apply it with a baby wipe, then remove the excess with a clean wipe. Allow every piece to dry completely.
Add Texture With a Paper Towel
Separate the layers of a textured paper towel so you are working with one thin ply.
Apply decoupage glue to the pumpkin overlay pieces, but not the spindle pieces. Place the paper towel over the wet glue and cover it with plastic wrap.
Gently use a rolling pin or smoothing tool to remove bubbles and wrinkles. Let the glue dry, then carefully remove the excess paper towel from around the edges.
Paint and Distress the Pumpkins
Apply a light coat of white paint to the pumpkin shapes and spindle pieces. Once the white paint is dry, add orange paint to the overlays and spindles.
Allow the orange paint to dry before lightly sanding the surfaces and edges. Add painted details to the spindle pieces, then apply a small amount of antique wax to create a warm, distressed finish. Wipe away the excess wax.
Assemble the Spindle Pumpkin Kits
Arrange the finished pieces before applying glue. Once you are happy with the placement, glue the spindle pieces and overlays securely to the pumpkin bases.
Attach the included kickstands to the backs if you want to display the pumpkins on a shelf or table. You can also add hangers if you prefer to use them as wall decor.
Finish each wooden pumpkin with a raffia bow attached near the stem.
These DIY Spindle Pumpkins add handmade texture and rustic color to any fall display. Place them together on a mantel, shelf, table, or entryway console, or separate them throughout your home.
Ready to make your own? Shop the Spindle Pumpkin Craft Kit from The Maker’s Map.
Save this tutorial on Pinterest so you can find it when you are ready to create your fall decor.
You should totally join my FREE Facebook group called On A Budget Crafts! It is a judgment-free community for DIY crafters to show off their projects and ideas.
More DIY Fall Decorating Ideas
If you enjoyed making these wooden pumpkins, explore the Framed Fall Decor Ideas collection for more affordable autumn projects. You may also like the Spindle Candy Corn tutorial for another rustic craft made with wooden spindle pieces.
Thanks for stopping by! XOXO Amber
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