No-Carve Pumpkin Adorning Thought ~ Homestead and Chill

Closing Updated on October 27, 2023

Come be taught to make botanical pressed flower pumpkins. These lovely embellished pumpkins are trending on the interwebs, and for good goal! Making botanical pumpkins is an superior sustainable fall craft problem thought – and SO so much satisfying to do! Use dry pressed flowers out of your yard, pressed fall leaves, ferns, herbs, totally different foliage, or buy pressed flowers on-line if wished. With a bit bit guidance, this could be a good kid-friendly autumn craft problem too. 

This easy step-by-step info will current you ways one could make DIY pressed flower pumpkins, along with the gives wished, a pair other ways to press flowers and leaves, and totally different concepts for achievement. Even increased, I’ve included a recipe for do-it-yourself food-safe biodegradable glue, so the embellished pumpkins is likely to be composted or eaten if you’re carried out using them as decor! I do know you’ll love having these pretty botanical pumpkins to brighten your non-public dwelling by the use of the holiday season.

Related: Examine 9 sustainable strategies to utilize or do away with pumpkins after Halloween proper right here.

A set of several botanical pumpkins on a small round wood table in a garden setting. There are five modest size white decorated pumpkins, three with a variety of colorful pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkins, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Large fern plants are in the backgroundA set of several botanical pumpkins on a small round wood table in a garden setting. There are five modest size white decorated pumpkins, three with a variety of colorful pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkins, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Large fern plants are in the background

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Offers Wished

  • Pumpkins. White pumpkins are best possible to make pressed floral embellished pumpkins. The flowers and leaves stand out beautifully in opposition to a white background! White moreover hides the do-it-yourself glue or mod podge residue correctly after it dries. You may also use pretend white pumpkins (which can remaining for just a few years!) or paint an orange pumpkin white, nevertheless then it obtained’t be compostable. Or, go ahead and gives adorning orange pumpkins a attempt! I imagine a lightweight tan-orange pumpkin with dried leaves or inexperienced foliage accents may very well be pretty.
  • Pressed flowers, leaves, herbs, or totally different botanical pumpkin decorations. See decisions and proposals on pressing your private flowers or leaves beneath, or ponder looking for a set of already-pressed dried flowers. This commonplace pressed flower tools comes with many different flowers, coloration decisions, and useful tweezers!
  • Craft glue. You can even make pressed flower pumpkins with fundamental Mod Podge (useful must you use pretend pumpkins in order that they’ll final extra) or make your private do-it-yourself non-toxic, biodegradable cornstarch glue using edible parts. See DIY glue parts and instructions beneath. Observe that do-it-yourself glue will not be waterproof. For an outside present the place rain is a precedence, consider using waterproof Mod Podge.
  •  Paint brush (small craft measurement) to make use of the glue to the embellished pumpkin. 

TIP:  Whereas I actually like an excellent lumpy pumpkin, smoother pumpkins with a lot much less ridges and lobes are finest to brighten as pressed flower pumpkins as a result of the flowers or leaves obtained’t have to bend as so much.

A few smaller white pumpkins with a variety of dried flowers sitting on a plate as well as drying paper, a white ramekin is full of homemade glue with two small vases of flowers in the background. A few smaller white pumpkins with a variety of dried flowers sitting on a plate as well as drying paper, a white ramekin is full of homemade glue with two small vases of flowers in the background.

Straightforward strategies to Press Flowers to Beautify Pumpkins

Over the summer time season, I collected and pressed flowers and herbs from the yard in my wood and paper flower press, so I had them dried and in a position to make use of on my embellished pumpkins. Flowers and leaves take a couple weeks to dry in a fundamental press, so this function will take some endurance and planning prematurely. We don’t have many vibrant fall leaves in our house however, or I might need used these too! (I moreover prefer to make use of pressed leaves to make pretty DIY beeswax fall leaf garlands.)

To instantly press your private flowers or leaves, consider using a microwave flower press. This microwave press tools presses and dries flowers, leaves, herbs or totally different plant supplies in minutes, and as well as presents superior coloration retention compared with typical sluggish pressing. The quick turnaround time and vibrant colors is sweet for adorning flower pressed pumpkins! In reality, I plan to spend cash on one rapidly.

An above image of a variety of pressed flowers still on their drying paper. The bottom and top wood sections of the flower press are visible. An above image of a variety of pressed flowers still on their drying paper. The bottom and top wood sections of the flower press are visible.
Pressed flowers from the yard

The right flowers to press for pumpkins

Since pumpkins are curved, fairly flat, skinny, and pliable pressed flowers and leaves work most interesting to brighten pumpkins. Cosmos, violas, pansies, daisies, asters, poppies, calendula, petite roses, and scabiosas dry very nicely, retain their coloration, and go onto the pumpkins like a dream! I moreover beloved the consequence from pressing wildflowers like native Indian blanket. For herbs, I used African blue basil and Tulsi (with flowers).

I found it tougher to work with thicker, stiff, or brittle pressed flowers (or these with a thick base or prolonged exhausting stem) since they wished to remain out straight reasonably than conform to the pure curve of the pumpkin. However with a bit bit endurance and holding them in place, I was ready to make most dried botanicals work.

A set of several botanical pumpkins. There are four small white decorated pumpkins, two with a variety of purple and yellow pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkin, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Beyond there is a small vase with purple zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil.  A set of several botanical pumpkins. There are four small white decorated pumpkins, two with a variety of purple and yellow pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkin, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Beyond there is a small vase with purple zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil.
I actually like these botanical fern pumpkins so much too! I used my flower press to dry the ferns too.

Selfmade Non-Toxic Glue for Embellished Pumpkins

This recipe for do-it-yourself cornstarch glue is easy to make, and yields about 1 cup of accomplished non-toxic glue. 

Substances

  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp corn syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vinegar or bottled lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan on the stovetop, combine solely half the water (¾ cup) along with the corn syrup (or honey) and vinegar. Carry the mix to a boil.
  2. In a small separate bowl, completely mix collectively the cornstarch and the remaining ¾ cup of water to create a paste. 
  3. Subsequent, add the cornstarch paste to the current syrup on the stovetop. Stir successfully.
  4. Return the glue mixture to a rolling boil and boil for about one minute. 
  5. Take away the glue from heat and allow it to relax sooner than use. I typically swap it proper right into a mason jar and put it inside the fridge for a bit to expedite cooling.
  6. Retailer do-it-yourself glue in an airtight container. Leftovers are most interesting used inside various days (it begins to get clumpy thereafter) nevertheless can remaining various weeks if wished. 

As a result of it’s made with edible parts, this food-safe do-it-yourself glue is sweet for adorning pumpkins as it could be washed off later – so you could nonetheless eat the pumpkins! Have you learnt that most ornamental heirloom “pumpkins” are actually delicious edible winter squash? We prefer to make do-it-yourself pumpkin puree to utilize in pumpkin 3-bean chili, roasted pumpkin seeds, butternut squash pie, or butternut squash soup (winter squash and pumpkin might be utilized interchangeably in recipes). Examine further about making do-it-yourself pumpkin puree proper right here, along with the most effective types of pumpkins to utilize and the way one can freeze and shield it.

That talked about, this biodegradable cornstarch glue may even wash off inside the rain. Subsequently, plan to keep up your pressed flower pumpkins in a protected location. 

A metal saucepan on the stove with liquid boiling within it. A metal saucepan on the stove with liquid boiling within it.
A hand is holding a mason jar that contains homemade glue. Below is a plate and drying paper with dried flowers on them along with two white winter squash. A hand is holding a mason jar that contains homemade glue. Below is a plate and drying paper with dried flowers on them along with two white winter squash.

Straightforward strategies to Beautify Pumpkins with Pressed Flowers, Leaves, and Further

Now proper right here’s the easy half! 

  • In order so as to add the dried flowers and leaves to pumpkins, use a paintbrush to make use of a layer of glue to the realm of the pumpkin you need to improve. Subsequent, press the flowers or leaves on, after which apply one different layer of glue on excessive of the them. 
  • Use your finger or a pair of tweezers to softly preserve the flowers in place flat in opposition to the pumpkin within the occasion that they want to stick up or switch spherical. 
  • Lastly, let the floral pumpkins dry in a single day. The following day, apply a remaining layer of glue to seal all of it as soon as extra or coat any uncovered bits (non-obligatory).
  • In case your do-it-yourself glue seems too thick or clumpy, be at liberty to water it down with an additional splash of water if wished.

I had adequate dried flowers to brighten one greater pumpkin all one of the best ways spherical to get pleasure from a 360 diploma view on my kitchen counter, whereas I solely embellished the doorway half of a pair smaller ones. Each strategy, they’re all lovely!

A white pressed flower pumpkin is in the process of having dried flowers adhered to it with homemade glue. A paint brush is being used to brush glue over the top of a dried cosmos. Beyond there are more dried flowers, a small white pumpkin with some flowers already adhered to it as well as a couple of small vases with zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil in them. A white pressed flower pumpkin is in the process of having dried flowers adhered to it with homemade glue. A paint brush is being used to brush glue over the top of a dried cosmos. Beyond there are more dried flowers, a small white pumpkin with some flowers already adhered to it as well as a couple of small vases with zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil in them.
A pressed flower pumpkin being held aloft by a hand. It has been decorated with a variety of dried flowers. Beyond are more decorated pumpkins as well as a small vase with purple cosmos flowers. A pressed flower pumpkin being held aloft by a hand. It has been decorated with a variety of dried flowers. Beyond are more decorated pumpkins as well as a small vase with purple cosmos flowers.
Oh hiya cutie.
A white decorate pumpkin with a variety of purple and green dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkin. Beyond there is a small vase with purple zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil.  A white decorate pumpkin with a variety of purple and green dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkin. Beyond there is a small vase with purple zinnia, cosmos, and African blue basil.
Looking down from the top to set of several botanical pumpkins on a small round wood table in a garden setting. There are five modest size white decorated pumpkins, three with a variety of colorful pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkins, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Large fern plants and brick pathway are in the background.Looking down from the top to set of several botanical pumpkins on a small round wood table in a garden setting. There are five modest size white decorated pumpkins, three with a variety of colorful pressed dried flowers adhered to the outside of the pumpkins, and two with green ferns on the pumpkins coming from stem and down the sides of the pumpkin. Large fern plants and brick pathway are in the background.

And it’s that easy!

Correctly buddies, I sure hope you get pleasure from making your private embellished botanical pumpkins as so much as I do. I’ve one in every most essential residing space within the dwelling correct now; they’re bringing me so much pleasure! As you may even see, making pressed flower pumpkins is easy, pretty, and eco-friendly in addition to. It doesn’t get any increased! You’ll almost certainly love these dried flower candle jar lanterns too.

Please let me know if you’ve received any questions inside the suggestions beneath. Should you occur to liked this tutorial, please unfold the love and depart a overview/rating beneath, or pinning or sharing this submit!

Don’t miss these totally different seasonal craft ideas:

Three white pumpkins that have been decorated with dried pressed flowers and leaves are lined up in a row. A plate with dried flowers sits nearby.Three white pumpkins that have been decorated with dried pressed flowers and leaves are lined up in a row. A plate with dried flowers sits nearby.

Embellished Pumpkins: Pressed Flower or Leaves with DIY Compostable Glue

Come be taught to make pretty botanical pressed flower pumpkins embellished with dried flowers, fall leaves, herbs, and do-it-yourself compostable glue. That’s an superior sustainable fall craft problem thought for all the family – and SO so much satisfying to do!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Craft Time 30 minutes

  • Pumpkins (white pumpkins are best possible)

  • Pressed dried flowers, pressed fall leaves, herbs, ferns, or totally different dry botanicals

  • Small paint brush

  • Mod Podge or do-it-yourself compostable glue (recipe beneath)

  • 1.5 cups water
  • 2 Tbsp corn syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vinegar or bottled lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch

Selfmade Biodegradable Glue

  • In a saucepan on the stovetop, combine solely half the water (¾ cup) along with the corn syrup (or honey) and vinegar. Carry the mix to a boil.

  • In a small separate bowl, completely mix collectively the cornstarch and the remaining ¾ cup of water to create a paste. 

  • Subsequent, add the cornstarch paste to the current syrup on the stovetop. Stir successfully.

  • Return the glue mixture to a rolling boil and boil for about one minute. 

  • Take away the glue from heat and allow it to relax sooner than use. I typically swap it proper right into a mason jar and put it inside the fridge for a bit to expedite cooling.

  • Retailer do-it-yourself glue in an airtight container. Leftovers are most interesting used inside various days (it begins to get clumpy thereafter) nevertheless can remaining various weeks if wished. 

Adorning Botanical Pumpkins

  • In order so as to add the dried flowers and leaves to pumpkins, use a paintbrush to make use of a layer of glue to the realm of the pumpkin you need to improve.

  • Subsequent, press the flowers or leaves on, after which apply one different layer of glue on excessive of the them. Use your finger or a pair of tweezers to softly preserve the flowers in place flat in opposition to the pumpkin within the occasion that they want to stick up or switch spherical. 

  • Lastly, let the floral pumpkins dry in a single day. The following day, apply a remaining layer of glue to seal all of it as soon as extra or coat any uncovered bits (non-obligatory).

  • In case your do-it-yourself glue seems too thick or clumpy, be at liberty to water it down with an additional splash of water if wished.

  • The glue is non-toxic and compostable, so you could each compost the pumpkins or wash off the glue to eat the pumpkins later. It will moreover wash off inside the rain, so preserve your pumpkins in a protected location.

Key phrase botanical pumpkins, embellished pumpkins, floral pumpkins, pressed flower pumpkin, pressed leaves pumpkin, pumpkin adorning

DeannaCat signature, keep on growing.DeannaCat signature, keep on growing.

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