Orange gourds scattered across kitchen tables signal more than just autumn’s arrival. These versatile spheres become the foundation for memorable pumpkin crafts for thanksgiving that transform ordinary gatherings into something special.
From carved centerpieces to painted displays, each project offers families a chance to create together. The simple act of working with pumpkins brings generations around the same table, sharing stories while their hands stay busy.
These crafts turn seasonal decorating into lasting memories that guests will talk about long after the turkey’s gone.
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Layer Pressed Botanicals onto White Pumpkins with Mod Podge
White pumpkins become living canvases when you press dried flowers and greenery straight onto their surfaces. @myhomeinwiltshire uses purple blooms, pink daisies, yellow marigolds, and feathery ferns to create this botanical masterpiece that feels like a garden froze mid-bloom.
The technique is pretty straightforward but requires a light touch when positioning each element. Brush Mod Podge directly onto the pumpkin, press your dried botanicals down gently, then seal with another coat to lock everything in place.
Try mixing wildflowers with herbs like rosemary or lavender for texture that smells incredible too.
Book Page Pumpkins Energize Your Reading Nook
Old book pages folded into a pumpkin shape bring literary charm to any shelf or mantel. The orange-painted edges on these paper slices create dimension while letting the text peek through, and that cork stem with its curly wire vine adds a whimsical touch that feels totally handmade.
This clever design from @sewbyhandmtl works beautifully with any book you’ve got lying around (nobody’s judging if it’s a water-damaged paperback). You could switch up the edge color to burgundy or gold, or leave the pages natural for a more subtle look.
Add a ribbon leaf in green or yellow to match your existing decor palette.
Arrange Fabric Pumpkins With Sunflower Patterns
That plump fabric pumpkin covered in golden sunflowers and chocolate brown leaves brings instant autumn warmth to any tabletop. The soft cotton material makes it easy to stuff with fiberfill or fabric scraps, and you can tie the top with jute twine for that rustic farmhouse touch.
Pair your finished creation with a clear glass candle holder wrapped in matching floral fabric, just like @merry_home.life did here. Set everything on a woven rattan tray alongside dried florals in a textured brown vase for layers of cozy texture.
Switch up the fabric pattern to match your existing decor, from classic plaids to vintage botanicals.
Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins Showcase Whimsical Autumn Charm
These tiny orange pipe cleaner pumpkins bring an unexpected pop of color to any shelf or mantel. The ridged texture mimics real pumpkins perfectly, while the green stems curl playfully upward for added character.
You can twist together orange chenille stems and shape them into mini gourds in minutes, thanks to inspiration from @crafty.little.ones. Try clustering them on a tray, attaching them to wire branches, or even turning them into garland.
The bright orange against soft green creates that classic autumn vibe without feeling too serious.
Highlight Painted Pumpkin Faces With Floral Crowns
These cream-colored pumpkins transform into the sweetest little characters with just a bit of paint and dried hydrangeas. Closed eyes, rosy pink cheeks, and gentle smiles give each one a personality that feels almost alive, while the faded floral crowns add texture without overwhelming the simple design.
The beauty here comes from @melimelodesptitsblanpain, who uses acrylic paint for the faces and hot glue to secure the blooms. You could swap hydrangeas for eucalyptus, baby’s breath, or even faux berries depending on what’s around.
Each pumpkin becomes a tiny friend on your mantel or dining table, bringing warmth without trying too hard.
Add Rustic Texture With Wrapped Twine Pumpkins
Twine transforms into something surprisingly elegant when wrapped tightly around a foam or styrofoam base. This natural jute pumpkin from @thepomwreathcompany shows how simple materials create major impact, especially when paired with cinnamon stick stems and a soft ribbon accent.
The neutral tan color works with literally any fall palette, and you can switch up the ribbon to match your existing decor. Try different twine thicknesses or even dyed jute for a pop of unexpected color.
Hot glue keeps everything secure, and the whole project takes maybe thirty minutes once you get your rhythm going.
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Fabric Pumpkins Infuse Rustic Charm With Mixed Textures
Mixing burlap and patterned fabric creates pumpkins with personality that feel both polished and approachable. The neutral burlap grounds the cheerful floral prints, while ribbon stems add a finishing touch that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
@my100yearoldhome shows how alternating textures keeps things interesting without overwhelming your space. Try using leftover fabric scraps or even old dish towels for a thrifted look that costs next to nothing.
Cluster them on a wood surface or tuck them into a basket for that effortless farmhouse vibe everyone’s after.
Book Page Pumpkins Brighten Your Thanksgiving Tablescape
Old book pages get a second life when they’re transformed into this rounded pumpkin shape that sits beautifully on any surface. The pages fan out to create natural ridges, and the earthy tones of aged paper bring warmth without feeling too polished.
Top it with crinkled kraft paper, dried leaves, or even fabric scraps for a stem that matches your vibe. @a.playful.day shows how layering different textures up top adds dimension and keeps things interesting.
Try using pages from vintage cookbooks or sheet music for an unexpected twist that guests will actually want to lean in and look at.
Boost Your Table With Chunky Yarn Pumpkins
Thick yarn wrapped around a base creates these adorable little pumpkins in cream, burnt orange, rust, and charcoal. The texture alone makes them perfect for scattering across mantels or tucking into bowls, and the neutral palette works with literally any fall setup you’ve already got going.
Each one gets topped with a real twig stem for that rustic touch, and @primrosefairycrafts shows how simple it is to customize sizes by adjusting how much yarn you use. You could even mix in metallic yarn for a bit of shimmer, or try wrapping foam balls if you want something lightweight.
They’re soft enough that kids can handle them without you worrying about breakage, which is honestly a win for any busy household.
Infuse Metallic Glamour With Gilded Pumpkin Displays
These copper-toned pumpkins shimmer with a handpainted metallic finish that catches light beautifully across any table or mantel. The vertical brushstroke technique creates depth and dimension, making each piece feel intentionally artistic rather than uniform.
Grab some craft pumpkins and metallic acrylic paints in bronze, copper, and gold shades to recreate this look inspired by @my100yearoldhome. Apply paint in loose, uneven strokes so the base color peeks through, adding that perfectly imperfect handmade quality.
Group three different sizes together on a neutral tray for maximum impact without overwhelming your space.
Introduce Fresh Blooms Inside Hollowed Pumpkin Vessels
Hollowing out a medium pumpkin creates an instant vase that holds fresh florals beautifully. Pair orange dahlias with lavender cosmos and burgundy hypericum berries for a combo that feels both wild and intentional.
The curved pumpkin base sits perfectly on a simple wooden stool, letting the arrangement become a focal point without competing for attention. @loreak.co shows how mixing different bloom sizes adds depth and keeps things from looking too staged.
Try swapping in dried grasses or even painted branches if fresh flowers aren’t available.
Felt Pumpkins Inspire Soft Seasonal Arrangements
These plush felt pumpkins in orange, blush pink, and turquoise bring an unexpected softness to your holiday tables. Each one features hand-stitched seams and olive-brown stems that give them a charming, handmade quality that store-bought decorations just can’t match.
The @liagriffith design uses wool-blend felt for a sturdy shape that holds up beautifully in bowls, wreaths, or scattered across mantels. You could swap in jewel tones like burgundy or mustard yellow for a richer autumn palette, or add tiny embroidered details for extra personality.
Pair them with pussy willow branches and silk ribbon for a textured centerpiece that feels both cozy and polished.
Your thanksgiving table now holds more than just traditional decorations. These pumpkin crafts for thanksgiving have added personal touches that reflect your family’s creativity and effort.
Each carved face and painted design tells a story of time spent together. The memories created while making these projects often outlast the pumpkins themselves, becoming part of your family’s holiday traditions.
Next year’s thanksgiving will call for new pumpkin projects, and you’ll be ready with fresh ideas and eager hands.
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