Uncarved Pumpkin with Birch Bark
Pumpkin Design Idea using Birch Bark and Flowers
Pumpkin design ideas are everywhere this time of year, with so many beautiful ideas its difficult to come up with something different, but I am hopeful this is a new pumpkin design idea.
This DIY pumpkin centerpiece requires birch bark. If you don’t want to purchase birch bark, this post on making a birch bark ribbon shows you how.
Pumpkin Decorating Supplies
Large paper mache pumpkin
White paint
Birch bark (or birch bark paper)
Pins, scissors
Mod Podge
Florist foam
Assorted fall florals
Hot glue gun and glue
Make the Birch Bark Pumpkin
Starting with a paper mache pumpkin, paint it white and let dry. One coat is fine and any white paint you have on hand will work. Painting the pumpkin first will prevent any small gaps in the birch bark from showing.
Cut the birch bark in ragged pieces and strips, then mod podge the bark to the pumpkin. Don’t worry about being symmetrical with the birch bark, just glue various pieces and shapes of bark in a horizontal position around the pumpkin.
You will find that thinner pieces of bark are easier to glue then thicker pieces. On some pieces of bark you can pull off thin strips of the bark, these very thin pieces glue very easily.
For the thicker pieces after you add the mod podge, use stick pins to hold the bark in place until the mod podge dries. Then remove the pins. If you find that the edges don’t shape, snip the edges and then fold the edge down.
Applying the mod podge took several hours mostly in drying time. I recommend doing a few pieces, then let them dry, If certain pieces hadn’t adhered properly snip along the problem edge, apply mod podge again and reattach.
Once your pumpkin is covered and dry, use a glue gun to adhere any curled up edges.
As the birch bark is very patterned and beautiful on its own. create a simple arrangement for the top using white fall flowers.
Creating the Pumpkin Flower Arrangement
Twist the florist’s foam onto the stem portion of the pumpkin. Add hot glue underneath the foam to secure it in place. Add a crown of moss, I did not glue mine, but you can if you prefer.
Add your secondary flowers between the large focal point flowers. You can see I used smaller purple toned grey flowers and faux stems for mine. Just fill in the spots between the large flowers in even amounts. This gives the display symmetry.
You can display your pumpkin as it is, place it on a tiny stand with mini lights as I have, or place it on a plate as a large focal point. This is the last of the DIY pumpkins I am making for Fall, although I wish I had time to make more.
RELATED POSTS
Here are some other neutral pumpkin craft posts I thought you may enjoy.
What a classy look for fall decor! I love tasteful fall decorations and this definitely falls into that category! Pinning!
I love the look of this pumpkin Leanna. I recently bought some birch ribbon that I want to use at the holidays. It has such a beautiful natural texture.
Hi Patti. I love birch ribbon as well. It’s so different and pretty. I look forward to seeing what you create with it.
That is so pretty! We have a few birch trees around us and I just love the texture and colors of them. What a wonderful way to bring them inside. Pinned.
How lovely, Leanna! I love the softness of the florals combined with the rustic look of the bark. It’s all put together so well. This would be gorgeous as a centerpiece. Pinning.
Thank you Beverly. I made it with the contrast between the more masculine bark, and feminine flowers. I know that is so badly sexist, lol. But I like the contrast as well. Glad to know it was noticeable. I appreciate you commenting to let me know.
So pretty! Love the natural look!
I never would have thought to do this but what an amazing result. So pretty!
This is one of the prettiest pumpkins I’ve seen this year! I love it and can’t wait to make one for myself. Hope I can do your project justice 🙂 Pinning!
I’m loving the neutral fall decor this year, the birch bark is awesome! Your flower arrangement is stunning.
Hi Emily. I am fond of the lighter neutral decor as well. It’s brighter and airier somehow. My son teases me that of course, I do. More white! lol
This is so pretty. What a wonderful idea.
Thank you Debra. I got a large bag of free birch bark prepared now and am thoroughly enjoying playing with it.
Beautiful pumpkin and floral decor! The pumpkin is amazing.
That’s very kind Jenny. I enjoy playing with elements that have contrast, like burlap and lace, or this pumpkin with birch and flowers.
Love the texture and colors of this beautiful creation.
Thank you for the sweet comment. I enjoyed playing with different textures.
I’m loving all of your fall pumpkin ideas. This one is especially beautiful with the birch.
Super cute idea, Leanna – love it!
This is such a great idea. You did a super job and love the texture it adds
Enjoy your day
Cindy