An Elegant Halloween Ensemble

 

I’m not a huge fan of the ghoulish halloween scene, so I decided to add a little elegance to my October decor with a sweet wall hanging and some black and ivory pumpkins.

The wall hanging is from a Fresh Vintage publication from Fig Tree Quilts.  You can find the pattern here.  It’s a 12-page booklet that often includes a recipe, patterns, decorating ideas and more – all for the cost of a single pattern!

I love how simple and elegant it turned out!  The original pattern has a slightly different feel to it with it’s warmer colors, and it’s equally as cute.  I got to see it in person at PIQF (Pacific International Quilt Show) last weekend and I got to talk with Joanna Figueroa the creator of Fig Tree Quilts.  She is one busy and very talented lady!

Now, let’s talk pumpkins!  I’ll show you how easy it is to create some beautiful pumpkins with any fabric you choose.

Here is what you need to start:  A fat quarter of fabric and a scrap of coordinating fabric (for the leaves), fake pumpkin, Mod Podge, black craft paint, foam paint brush, ribbon, and glue.

Step 1:  Paint the stem of the pumpkin black and let dry.

Step 2:  Cut the fabric for the pumpkin into 1 1/2″ wide strips.  Then measure the length needed for your pumpkin and cut your strips into that length.  The smaller pumpkin needed 9″ long strips and the larger one was about 12″ (I forgot to measure).

Step 3:  Using the foam brush, apply Mod Podge to a small section of the pumpkin.  Place a fabric strip over the area, starting close to the stem and smoothing it down to the bottom.  Apply Mod Podge over this strip and repeat with the remaining strips and Mod Podge, overlapping your strips a little each time.

Don’t be shy with the Mod Podge and sorry for the blurry picture!

Step 4:  Trace a leaf shape onto a scrap of coordinating fabric.  Fold fabric so that when you cut out the shape, you’ll get two leaves that mirror each other.  Make one large and one small leaf set.

Step 5:  Using Mod Podge, glue the two same-sized leaf shapes together with wrong sides facing each other.  Cover both sides of the leaf with Mod Podge to give it some stiffness and let dry.

I used parchment paper to cover my newspaper and work surface.  It keeps things from sticking together.

Step 6:  Allow to dry over night and then add ribbon and leaves.  I used a hot glue gun to secure both in place.

I wish I had started with a white pumpkin, because you can see the orange peeking through the fabric.  So, I used a white one for the smaller version:

I also made an easy “pumpkin stand” for the larger pumpkin.  I used a clay pot and saucer and painted them black:

Then I used E6000 glue to secure the top and base together.  Magic!  Of course a little ribbon and pearls to glam it up:

Now I’m ready to decorate the entry way:

 

Here’s another version with an additional set of pumpkins from last year:

These are just as cute and I don’t have pictures of the process, but it all started with some vinyl halloween elements that I got from Stampin’ Up! last year.  I got the idea from my SU demonstrator, Elizabeth Price.  I don’t think they carry them any more, but I saw something similar at Safeway from Pumpkin Masters.

Just apply the vinyl or similar product to your pumpkin and add some bling (from your favorite craft store).  Then I added ribbon and leaves.

Seriously, it’s too cute!  I’m thinking I should add some spiders or cobwebs just to spice it up a bit.  I mean, you can’t be sweet all the time!

I hope your Halloween decorating is off to a good start!  I’m always behind, but at least it’s only half way through October.

Join me on Thursday for the Let’s Get Acquainted! Blog Hop.  I’ll have something fun to share!

~Julie