DIY Pumpkin Ideas: Creative Repurposed And Upcycled Fall Decor

DIY pumpkin ideas made with thrifted finds, old decor, scrap wood, fabric, and reclaimed materials for budget-friendly fall decorating. 

Let’s face it: nothing says fall like pumpkins. I love real pumpkins, but they do not last long, and buying them every year can get expensive. These DIY pumpkin ideas use items you already have on hand, so you can save money and create unique fall decor in your own personal style.

These easy pumpkin crafts can be made with sweaters, baskets, wood scraps, fabric, yarn, and other repurposed materials you may already have at home.

1. Recycled Sweater Pumpkins

I covered foam pumpkins with thrift store sweaters to make these recycled sweater pumpkins. They are much prettier than the plush pumpkins I spotted at Anthropologie for $42. Would you pay $42 for one smallish plush pumpkin? Not me. I made three sweater-covered pumpkins for less than $8, making this an affordable DIY fall decor project.

2. Bandana Fabric-Covered Pumpkins

I have a thing for bandanas and bandana-print fabric. There are so many ways to use bandanas in fall crafts, and I love what Sarah at Sadieseasongoods did with these DIY fabric pumpkins. She used embroidery floss along the sides to take them to the next level.

3. Upcycled Basket Pumpkin

How cute is this upcycled basket pumpkin from Organized Clutter? The basket did not look so good when Carlene found it at a garage sale. A little spray paint, a new stem, added greenery, and tadah! So much better.

4. Reclaimed Wood and Quilt Pumpkins

Create cool DIY pumpkins using recycled wood, an old quilt, and pom-pom fringe. An estate-sale quilt inspired these reclaimed wood pumpkin decorations, and the mix of texture and color makes them perfect for cozy fall decorating. 

5. DIY Wood Block Pumpkins

This cute wood block pumpkin DIY is one of the easiest fall craft ideas ever. I used square wood blocks from the hardware store, orange paint, and tree branches to assemble the project.

6. Farmhouse Pumpkin Wreath

There are many ways to decorate a basic wood wreath. You can leave it as is, decorate it to match your décor, or change it up with the seasons. I added wood pumpkins to this wreath for a farmhouse-style fall look.

7. Reclaimed Pallet Pumpkins

Gail was originally going to use the reclaimed wood from an old pallet for a coffee table. When that did not work out, she made a template and cut out this cute pallet pumpkin instead. The stenciled design is the perfect finishing touch.

8. Easy Scrap Wood Pumpkins

Make these scrap wood pumpkins in a matter of minutes. They are easy, fun, and a great way to use leftover wood pieces. I made 18 wood pumpkins, three reclaimed wood pumpkins, and 15 wood rosette pumpkins. Find the tutorial here.

9. DIY Pumpkin Refrigerator Magnets

These DIY pumpkin refrigerator magnets from Homeroad are so cute. I would have never thought to make pumpkin magnets, but they are a fun fall craft idea, and you can keep them on the fridge through Thanksgiving.

10. DIY Twine Pumpkin Sign

This DIY twine pumpkin sign for fall has a farmhouse-style look. I need to make one because the neutral color is perfect for any room in the house. The sign is on the small side, but Maryann at Domestically Speaking says you can use this project as inspiration for any size sign your creativity imagines.

11. No-Sew Flannel Pumpkins

Christy covered old Styrofoam pumpkins with flannel for this fabulous no-sew upcycle. The flannel colors are not typical fall colors, and I love that. Sometimes all the orange in fall decor is a little much.

12. Fancy Fabric Pumpkins

Michelle made several fabric pumpkins using old clothing, but my favorite is the sequined pumpkin because I love sparkle. She cut beading from a thrifted shirt to make these over-the-top DIY pumpkins.

13. Burlap Pumpkin

That burlap pumpkin sure looks soft and cushy. I bet you can’t guess what it is filled with. This is a great recycling project using those plastic garbage bags we all have at home. Great Idea!

14. Yarn Pumpkins

The yarn pumpkins are made from foam pumpkins and yarn purchased at the Dollar Store and Walmart. I love the variety of yarns used in this project. The pumpkins are so unique. I need some yarn……That’s a wrap!

Thanks for being here, Kathy