Nothing ushers in the Autumn season quite like the sight of pumpkins. Pumpkins look amazing cascading down steps, in piles by front doors, strewn around a fireplace, and even as a focal point on a cheeseboard. A couple years ago I began combining two things that I love to make a quintessential Fall centerpiece, succulents and pumpkins. I had originally seen them for sale at one of our local garden centers, and they were charging $175!! Suffice to say that was not in the budget at the time. I began to watch the few YouTube tutorials that existed, and since then I’ve developed a bit of my own flair! The best thing about these arrangements is that with proper care they will last you all of the Fall season. That is why I recommend you get started making them as soon as you can! When the seasonal decoration changes from Fall to Christmas you can either plant the entire pumpkin, or simply put the top moss layer over an empty pot full of soil. The succulent clippings will continue to root themselves into the pot.
Supplies:
- Moss, preferably in two colors/textures. I like to combine these two: Super Moss, preserved Reindeer moss and Super Moss, preserved Spanish moss.
- A Cinderella style pumpkin. Look for one that has a decent amount of surface area.
- A hot glue gun, and extra glue sticks.
- Succulent clippings, ensure you clip these a couple days in advance to give them time to callus over. Keep in mind you want a good variety of succulent clippings
- A variety of dried flowers. This is optional, but I think it adds to the texture and overall look of the pumpkin. I recommend using the following dried flowers: lavender, Billy balls, and thistle. Wheat would look great too!
*Make sure you do this craft on a protected surface, and also use a protected surface when using the glue gun. Please keep in mind that the glue gun is hot, and to be mindful of your fingertips when attaching the moss and clippings. Also, I would not recommend doing this project with a fresh manicure. *
Step 1: Ensure the top of the pumpkin is clean and dry. Using the glue gun attach the first variety of moss to the top of the pumpkin. Then using the glue gun attach the other variety of moss to the top of the pumpkin. Mix the two kinds of moss to give more depth, color, and texture.
Step 2: Using the glue gun begin to attach the succulent clippings. Feel free to remove dead leaves, and be careful of your fingertips. The hot glue gun is hot! Pay careful attention to the clippings you select. This is like a flower arrangement, you will want some fancier clippings, but you will also want some of the filler kind. Remember to also select clippings that display at different levels to add more depth. For example, you will want to include string of pearls, or fish hooks so that there are some clippings cascading off the surface. Make sure that you fill in gaps, and add lots of clippings for a full look. You don’t want gaps.
Step 3: This step is optional. I like to add dried flowers or berries to the succulents to create texture and pops of color. In this example I used dried thistle and lavender. I think it adds a little something extra. Lavender would look especially nice on a white pumpkin!
Step 4: Once you are happy with your pumpkin masterpiece, you can begin to clean up the excess webbing from the glue gun. Give the moss a good misting. Then you are done!
Care: Make sure you put this in an area that gets bright light, but not direct sun. Try to put it in a spot that is not directly near a heater or air-conditioning vent. Give the moss a good misting once a week. Ensure there is a “cleanable” surface below the pumpkin. I say this because there is always a possibility that the pumpkin could begin to rot eventually at the bottom.
Enjoy your masterpiece! Be prepared for all your friends and family to ask you to make them one next year!