OCTOBER 2018
PAGE 18
Pretty Pumpkin Projects!
The calendar tells me it’s October so we all know what that means . . . it’s pumpkin season! Now you may be thinking about Smashing Pumpkins, an alternative rock band based in Chicago or maybe you’re thinking of the Great Pumpkin, the unseen holiday figure in the comic strip Peanuts, however, for this article we’re first going to talk about the ones that grow in a field. Research tells me that 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are sold in the month of October alone, and I think that’s incredible. They are usually orange but can sometimes be yellow, white, green or red and I’m here to say that although pumpkins start out as one of those five colors they don’t have to stay that way. And we don’t have to limit our pumpkin dÊcor to those grown in a field. There are many faux pumpkins and other fun projects that will allow you to satisfy your creativity and incorporate pumpkins into your fall dÊcor in a way that is creative and budget friendly. Let’s start with an easy pumpkin floral centerpiece for your dining room or family room coffee table. Carve out the center, insert either a tin can (soup or small tomato paste size) or floral foam, arrange fresh flowers and add water. Place some curly willow or a taper candle in the center to add height and drama. Simple and beautiful! If you prefer, small succulent plants can be used as an alternate to fresh flowers. No-carve painted pumpkins are fun to make and they last longer! Using craft paint you can free style a pattern or use a stencil to create something more intricate. Let your imagination run wild. Consider funny / scary faces; stripes; polka-dots; flannel shirt plaid; inspirational words; etc... and who’s to say we can’t add a little glam with gold dipping and glitter! Whatever your theme, paint several pumpkins in coordinating colors and place at your front door. Put one on a wooden chair/stool or a stack of vintage suitcases for a little added interest. Tiny pumpkins are easy to work with too. Pile several in a decorative bowl, a clear glass candy jar, lantern or a natural grass basket. No need to add anything . . . sometimes beauty is best shown in the simplest of ways.
As mentioned above, many of us buy real pumpkins. However, you don’t have to limit yourself because there are faux ones that look like real, fresh from the field pumpkins. If you’re looking for something trendier vs. traditional, there are seemingly countless alternative finishes that are unique and gorgeous. This year the variety has been over the top . . . shiny ceramic pumpkins in sage green, some covered in mosaic tiles, others formed from galvanized metal with rusty iron stem and leaves, elegant collections in various shades of white accented with gold or silver and those that look like they were made from your favorite cable knit sweater. Lastly, there are other ways to incorporate “pumpkin likeâ€? dĂŠcor in your home without using real or faux pumpkins. Check out Pinterest and your local craft store for inspiration and supplies. A round orange placemat can easily be turned into a jack-o-lantern by hot gluing eyes, nose and a mouth made from black felt. Deco Mesh is popular to make a wreath from and I’ve seen monkey pod wooden trays turned into rustic pumpkins with a little orange paint and green burlap ribbon. They are super cute and not difficult to do. Whether you choose real or faux pumpkin dĂŠcor, your home will be festive and ready for October. Then, the only thing left to do is to enjoy the cooler weather. So why not make a batch of pumpkin spice cookies to share with friends and family. Sounds delightful . . . I can smell them already! Temecula resident Rita Wood, The Room Arranger has been a certified member of the Interior Redecorators Network since 1999. Her specialty is helping clients transform their home using the furniture and accessories they already own and love. To learn more, visit her website www.theroomarranger.com or attend one of her decorating classes at Hobby Lobby. Call 315–4 81–9659 for details.