These elegant white pumpkins with green vine accents from Grandin Road caught my eye and spoke to my love of green decor. While their design was exactly what I wanted, the price tag wasn’t. So, I set out to create my own version of these Grandin Road Inspired DIY Leaf Vine Pumpkins for less.
My secret weapon? Green embroidered appliques. For those who’ve been following my creative adventures, you know I have a knack for using unconventional materials to achieve high-end looks. These inexpensive appliques from Amazon designed for dress making fit the bill perfectly for this fun, creative, simple fall craft!
My mission was clear: recreate the Grandin Road-inspired pumpkins without the hefty price tag. The result is a DIY project that captures the essence of the original, satisfies my creative spirit, and is much kinder to the wallet. I’m excited to show you how a bit of creativity and some unexpected materials can transform ordinary pumpkins into elegant fall decor that looks expensive but isn’t!
*This post includes affiliate links, for more info on affiliate links visit here
The Inspiration vs. Our DIY Version
The original Grandin Road pumpkins are made of resin with raised leaf curly vines painted in various green tones. They come in two shapes: a taller, oval design and a flatter, round version resembling an heirloom pumpkin. The price tag? A steep $79.50 to $89.50, plus shipping.
For our DIY version, I chose white plastic plain faux pumpkins, easily found at a craft store or dollar tree. Instead of painted vines, I used embroidered leaf vine appliques to create a similar look. The result? A charming dupe that cost just $30 for both the pumpkin and leaf design appliques – a fraction of the original price.
As a bonus, I also crafted a sweet mini version using vine ribbon, adding even more value to this budget-friendly project.
By using readily available materials and a bit of creativity, we’ve managed to capture the essence of the high-end decor without the hefty price tag. Let’s dive into how to use your creative side to make this fun project!
Materials Needed For The Large Grandin Road Inspired Leaf Vine Pumpkin
List of supplies:
1 Large white faux pumpkin ( 10″ -12″ works well)
Glue gun/Glue sticks( I use this glue gun)
Fabric Scissors
Larger Pumpkin with Leaf Vine Appliques: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Planning the Design
Before you start gluing, take a moment to plan your design. Lay out the appliques on your pumpkin to get a sense of the pattern you want to create. Consider starting from the stem and working your way down, or creating a swirling pattern around the pumpkin. This planning stage helps ensure a balanced, attractive final look.
- Applying the Leaf Appliques
a. Start at the Stem
Begin by gluing an applique near the top of the pumpkin. This serves as an anchor point for your design and helps create a natural, organic look.
b. Create the Vine Pattern
Working from your starting point, begin laying down appliques to form the main vine. Follow the natural curves of the pumpkin for a realistic appearance. Don’t worry about perfection – nature isn’t perfectly symmetrical!
c. Secure with Hot Glue
Use your hot glue gun to attach each applique. Apply a thin line of glue to the back of the applique, press it onto the pumpkin, and hold for a few seconds until set. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can seep out and be visible. - Adding Dimension and Detail
a. Layer for Depth
Once your main vine is in place, add smaller leaf appliques on top of and around the main vine. This layering creates depth and makes your pumpkin look more lush and realistic.
b. Incorporate Smaller Elements
If you have any small flower or bud appliques, add these sparingly for extra detail. They can help fill in gaps and add visual interest to your design. - Finishing Touches
a. Make Final Adjustments
Step back and look at your pumpkin from different angles. If any appliques seem out of place, carefully remove them with a craft knife and reposition the next leaf as needed. This is your chance to perfect the overall look.
b. Secure Loose Edges
Check for any loose edges on your appliques. Add a small dab of glue under any that aren’t fully adhered to ensure they stay in place long-term.
Remember, the beauty of this project is in its handmade nature. Small imperfections add character and make your pumpkin unique!
Complementary Mini Pumpkin: A Charming Addition
While not part of the original Grandin Road collection, I created a smaller companion piece to complement the larger leaf vine pumpkin. This 6-inch white faux pumpkin adds a pretty touch to your fall decor and pairs beautifully with its larger counterpart.
For this mini version of the DIY Leaf Vine Pumpkins, I used a green satin ribbon that comes pre-designed with leaf patterns, replicating a pumpkin vines. This ribbon offers a slightly different look from the appliques but maintains the overall aesthetic of the larger pumpkin.
The process is similar to the larger pumpkin, but simplified:
- Start at the stem, securing the end of the ribbon with hot glue.
- Trail the ribbon down the white pumpkin, following its natural curves.
- Adjust as you go to ensure the leaf pattern is visible and attractive.
- Secure the ribbon on the body of the pumpkin with dabs of hot glue at regular intervals.
- As you approach the bottom of each vine stem, don’t leave it with a blunt end. Instead, carefully cut individual green leaves from the ribbon. Use your hot glue gun to attach these leaves at the end of the vine. This creates a natural, tapered finish that mimics how real vines grow. This small detail adds to the overall realistic appearance of your decorated pumpkin.
This little pumpkin is perfect for adding varying heights to your display. I found it looks particularly charming when placed next to the larger pumpkin on a coffee table or mantel, creating a cohesive fall vignette.
The simplicity of this project means you can easily create multiple mini pumpkins to scatter throughout your home, extending the leafy green theme across your autumn decor.
Styling Your DIY Leaf Vine Pumpkins: Creating a Charming Fall Vignette
Once you’ve created your beautiful leaf vine pumpkins, it’s time to showcase them in your home. Here’s how I styled mine to create an eye-catching fall display:
Coffee Table Centerpiece: I chose my coffee table as the perfect spot to create a stunning autumn vignette. Here’s how I arranged the elements:
- Foundation: I started with a large round hyacinth tray as the base. This natural texture complements the leafy pumpkins beautifully. For a different look, consider using an empty frame as a tray.
- Height and Interest: I added a stack of white books to create varying levels and provide a clean backdrop.
- Ambient Lighting: Two chippy wooden candle holders with pillar candles bring warmth and a touch of rustic charm to the arrangement.
- Soft Texture: Between the pumpkins, I placed a cluster of white bunny tails. Their fluffy texture contrasts nicely with the smooth pumpkins and adds a whimsical touch.
- Finishing Touch: A cream-colored bow ties the bunny tail cluster together, adding a subtle decorative element.
- Star Attractions: The two leaf vine pumpkins – the larger one and its smaller companion – are positioned on either side of the central elements, creating balance and drawing the eye.
This arrangement combines various textures, heights, and complementary colors to create a cohesive and inviting fall display. The neutral color palette with pops of green from the pumpkins keeps the look fresh and adaptable to various home decor styles.
Remember, you can easily adapt this idea to fit your space. Try similar arrangements on a mantel, sideboard, or entryway table to spread the autumn charm throughout your home.
Cost Comparison Of These DIY Leaf Vine Pumpkins
A. Breakdown of DIY Costs:
- Large Leaf Vine Pumpkin: White plastic pumpkin and leaf appliques: $30 total
- Mini Leaf Vine Pumpkin: 6″ white faux pumpkin and vine ribbon: $14 total
Total cost for both DIY pumpkins: $44
B. Savings Compared to Grandin Road Original:
- Grandin Road Pumpkins: Price range: $79.50 – $89.50 each, plus shipping • Estimated total for two pumpkins: $159 – $179, not including shipping
- Our DIY Versions: Total cost for both pumpkins: $44
Savings Analysis: Minimum savings: $115 (based on lower price point) • Maximum savings: $135 (based on higher price point) • Percentage saved: Approximately 72% – 75%
Note: Our DIY project includes a smaller pumpkin not offered by Grandin Road, adding extra value.
By creating these beautiful pumpkins yourself, you’re saving at least $115, possibly more when considering shipping costs. Plus, you get the satisfaction of crafting a custom piece that fits perfectly with your decor. The addition of the smaller pumpkin, which isn’t available in the original line, allows for more versatile styling options without increasing the cost significantly.
For More Fall Inspiration Visit:
Make an Easy Kitchen Island Centerpiece For Fall in 10 Minutes:This blog post guides readers through creating an easy and quick fall centerpiece for their kitchen island using stacked trays, white mini pumpkins, raffia, and faux greens. I provide step-by-step instructions for two different designs – a neutral fall arrangement and a dusty tone floral arrangement – both achievable in just 10 minutes with no special floral design skills required. The post also includes tips on sizing and placement for kitchen island decor, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about centerpiece alternatives and color palette choices.
How to Decorate a Dining Room Hutch for Fall Using Natural Elements: This blog post provides a comprehensive guide on decorating a dining room hutch for fall using natural elements and a neutral color palette. I share step-by-step instructions for creating a stylish and practical display using white dishes, pinecones, feathers, and subtle fall accents, suitable for both traditional wooden hutches and modern pieces. The post also offers tips on maintaining a cohesive look, incorporating vintage items, and easily transitioning the decor from fall to winter and holiday seasons.
Creating these Grandin Road-inspired DIY leaf vine pumpkins showcases how creativity can transform simple materials into stunning fall decor. With just a few supplies and straightforward techniques, we’ve recreated a high-end look that is a little different at a fraction of the cost. This little project is accessible for crafting novices yet impressive enough for seasoned DIY enthusiasts. I encourage you to try it yourself and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch – whether it’s a different color scheme or varying pumpkin sizes. Remember, the beauty of DIY lies in customization and creating something uniquely yours.
I’d love to hear about your experience with this project! Did you try it? How did it turn out? If you have any tips, tricks, or creative variations to share with pumpkin crafts, please leave a comment below. Your ideas and feedback not only help me but also inspire our entire crafting community.
Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautiful, budget-friendly fall decor!