This year I combined my love of flowers with mini pumpkins, and honestly, these might be my favorite fall project yet. Today I'll walk you through making a pressed flower candle holder using white mini pumpkins, plus share a couple other styles I've created with pressed leaves and dried flowers. Don't worry if you want to press your own flowers - I'll cover that too in this, Easy Pressed Flower Pumpkins: Complete Guide & Ideas post!
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Materials Needed
For these, I used fresh mini white pumpkins from my local farm stand, though faux pumpkins work just as well. Store-bought pressed flowers and greens made this project quick and easy, but you can definitely press your own flowers too. Flat blooms like pansies or small wildflowers work best - they lay nicely against the pumpkin's curve. I added some pressed leaves and greenery to mine for that garden-fresh look.
Here's what you will need:
- Faux white pumpkins or mini pumpkins
- Pressed flowers (store-bought or homemade)
- Mod Podge and foam brush or paint brush
- Taper candles (if making candle holders)
- Lenox 1-3/16 inch hole saw (optional) (to create the hole in the pumpkin)
Quick Tip: Fresh pumpkins add that perfect seasonal touch to your fall decor, but if you want to keep these beauties year after year, grab some faux pumpkins instead. Both options work great with this technique - just choose what works best for your style!
How to Press Your Own Flowers
While I bought pressed flowers for these pumpkins, I often press my own flowers at home. If you've got a few weeks before starting this project, here's the simple process: Grab your flowers (make sure they're completely dry), lay them between paper towels, and stack some heavy books on top. I usually leave mine for about 3 weeks. Place the books somewhere flat and out of direct sunlight, like a closet shelf.
Want it done faster? A flower press speeds things up and works better for delicate blooms. I picked up mine at a craft store for under $20, and it's been worth every penny. The pressing time is about the same, but the results are more consistent.
If you're impatient like me, check out my quick microwave method in my How to Dry Roses post - it works for most flowers and takes just a few minutes. Though for these pumpkins, I found traditionally pressed flowers hold up better when applying mod podge.
Quick tip: Choose flowers that are already fairly flat - daisies, pansies, and small wildflowers work great. And always pick them on a dry day to avoid any moisture issues.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Pressed Flower Pumpkin with Candle
- Create Candle Opening
Remove the stem. Using a hole saw, drill where the stem was, creating an opening for your taper candle. You may also carve with a knife if you do not have a hole saw. Clean out any loose bits from inside the pumpkin.
- Seal Interior (Optional)
Apply a thin layer of Mod podge around the opening and inside the pumpkin. Let dry completely. This extra step helps preserve your pumpkin longer.
- Add First Layer of Mod Podge
Work in small sections, brushing a thin layer directly onto the pumpkin surface where you'll place flowers. I like to start by adding greens first so I can layer the flowers over the greens.
- Arrange Flowers
Place larger pressed flowers first, then tuck smaller flowers and greenery around them. Take your time adjusting until you're happy with the design.
- Seal Design
Carefully brush a thin layer of Mod podge over all the flowers. Use a light hand - too much Mod podge can cause wrinkling. Let dry completely before handling.
Mod Podge Tips
✓ Apply in layers: first on pumpkin, then place flower, then coat over top
✓ Don't panic - it looks cloudy at first but dries completely clear
✓ Use thin coats to prevent bubbling and wrinkling
✓ Work in small sections so the Mod podge doesn't dry before adding flowers
✓ A foam brush or wide paint brush helps get even coverage
✓ Let each layer dry completely before handling
More Ideas to Try
Other Pressed Flower Pumpkin Designs
I also created a pressed leaf pumpkin that turned out just as lovely. Using the same technique, I attached dried fern leaves in an allover pattern on a white pumpkin. The leaves add such nice texture!
Flower Arrangement Ideas
Try different flower arrangements to create your own style. I love clustering flowers around the stem area for a garden-fresh look, or having them trail down the sides like a floral cascade. For a modern take, space single blooms evenly around the pumpkin. My favorite design uses tiny flowers and leaves to create a delicate vine wrapping around the whole pumpkin.
Display Tips
These pumpkins work well in different displays. Group a few mini ones together as a centerpiece, or place a larger statement pumpkin on your covered porch (just keep it away from direct sunlight and rain). For a boho look, mix pressed flower pumpkins with plain white ones and add some dried grasses or branches.
Fun Idea: Host a flower pumpkin workshop! Invite friends over to create pressed flower pumpkins together. I share more party hosting ideas in my Painting Pumpkins post.
Taking Care of Your Pumpkins
Keep your pressed flower pumpkins looking good by displaying them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun. For outdoor display, tuck them under a covered porch to protect from rain. Fresh pumpkins will last a few weeks with proper care, while faux ones can be stored and enjoyed year after year.
Love pumpkin crafts? We have several projects on the blog:
This fun craft is such a great way to bring a touch of nature to your fall decor. Whether you choose real pumpkins like I did or want to try this on faux pumpkins, the process is the same. The best part? Each pumpkin becomes its own unique work of art, adding a touch of elegance to your autumn display.
I've loved seeing how this project has taken off on TikTok, with crafters adding their own creative spins. From mini pumpkins to larger ones, each design brings that lovely bohemian feel to traditional fall decorating. If you make your own pressed flower pumpkins, I'd love to see how they turn out!
Happy crafting friends!
