DIY Scrap Wood Pumpkin
There’s no better way to welcome the fall season of the year than by adding a dash of autumn charm to your home. Today, I am excited to share an easy and fun fall project— a DIY Scrap Wood Pumpkin made from 2x4s! This project is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to repurpose scrap wood you may have lying around. I love putting scrap wood pieces to good use. Whether you’re new to woodworking or just looking for a simple afternoon project that adds a festive touch; these adorable rustic wooden pumpkins will be a perfect addition to your fall décor. So grab your leftover scrap wood (or buy a couple of 2x4s) and let’s get started!
Materials Needed
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Here’s the essentials list. This project is so straightforward. It’s perfect for DIY beginners or seasoned pros. So, let’s dig into that scrap wood pile and get working on these adorable pumpkins, shall we? Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make one of these cute DIY wood pumpkins:
What You'll Need
(2) 2×4s cut at 8 inches
(2) 2×4s cut at 6 inches
(1) 2×2 cut at 2 inches (for the
stem)
Hand Saw or Power Saw (or have your wood cut at the store)
Orange Paint (craft paint, latex paint, or any spray paint will work)
Step 1: Cut the Wood
First things first—get your wood pieces cut to size. I’m giving you the cuts on the list above which are for a small-sized wooden pumpkin (6″x8″). But you can totally get creative and cut different sizes to create a larger pumpkin or a different pumpkin shape, depending on the scrap pieces you have available. If you’re comfortable using a hand saw or power saw, go ahead and cut the 2×4s in different lengths yourself and create! If you don’t have a saw, most local home improvement stores can cut your 2×4 wood blocks to your specifications. So, head over to Home Depot and they’ll be happy to cut them to size for you. Talk about convenience!
Step 2: Apply Wood Stain
Using a Foam Brush or a rag, apply Wood Stain to each wooden piece. A little bit goes a long way. This will give a rich, rustic look to your DIY wooden pumpkins. Allow about 20 minutes for the stain to dry. I recommend you wear gloves for this. Stains can be stinky and messy. If you get it on your hands wash them with olive oil! (you’re welcome!)
Step 3: Create an Easy Distressed Look
Apply a thin layer of Petroleum Jelly to the edges of your boards. This will make it easier to achieve that beautiful distressed look later on. If you’re using old wood you may not even need to do this because it has natural character.
Step 4: Apply Your Paint of Choice
If you have a specific color in mind to match your décor, now’s the time to bring it out! Simply use a foam brush to apply a thin layer of paint over the stained wood. Whether you’re aiming for a vintage look or something more modern, the paint will add that final touch of personality to your project. The white paint look is my favorite and perfect way to add to your fall decor in a more subtle way; especially if you think the orange paint is too much. You can use any shade of white for a beautiful fall centerpiece. Craft paint, latex paint, or any spray paint will work great.
Step 5: Assemble and Distress
Once your paint has dried—which should be relatively quick—use wood glue to secure the boards together. Clamp them together for 20-30 minutes to make sure your pieces of scrap wood stay together.
After the glue has set, grab some fine sandpaper and start distressing the edges where you applied the petroleum jelly. The rough edges add character. If you like a more finished look, you can omit this step.
Final Touches
When you’re finished, top it off by adding any piece of scrap wood as the stem, and glue it on top of the pumpkin. I used a piece of 2×2 for mine. Here’s a pro tip: don’t use a hot glue gun, it won’t last. I did that and ended up having to re-glue the stem for mine the next year. You can also nail or screw it in for a lasting hold!
To complete your adorable Scrap Wood Pumpkin, tie the pumpkin stems with some rustic twine.
There you have it, your very own Scrap Wood Pumpkins. A great deal price-wise, if you ask me! And such an inexpensive project. A perfect addition to your fall decorations and lasts much longer than carved pumpkins :).
Pin the image above for later!
If you end up making these, tag me on Instagram @homegoalswithjanice. I want to see them!
