DIY Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration //
Hello, friends! About two weeks ago, I posted a photo of the pumpkin succulent arrangement my crafty mom brought over to me. It was such a hit on my personal Instagram and Facebook page, that I decided a tutorial was necessary. My sweet mama came over with the supplies, and I photographed her in action!
There are so many things I LOVE about this project! The first, obviously being, that I was able to create this with my mom! I also love that it’s super simple, completely gorgeous, and is a “green” project {not wasting or harming the plants in order to create this lovely harvest piece}.
{This arrangement would make the most perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving, or a great centerpiece for a fall gathering, in which you’re entertaining. It would also be a thoughtful, handmade gift for family, friends, teachers, or coworkers.}
Unlike many of the pumpkin succulent pieces you may have seen floating around the web or Pinterest… there is no need to actually cut into the pumpkin. {Unbelievable, right?} The steps are easy, and explained below in a tutorial with pictures. I’ve also included helpful tips {from my mom!} for keeping your harvest decoration looking great, and ideas for planting the top of Mr. Pumpkin when he starts to expire.
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED //
- Pumpkin(s)
- Spray Adhesive
- Glue Gun with Glue Sticks
- Moss
- Succulent Cuttings (a variety of kinds/colors)
TIP// If you don’t have a variety of succulent plants growing where you live, you can buy them at your local nursery or hardware store, such as Home Depot or Lowes, in the plant section. A day or so before doing this project, make your succulent cuts, allowing the ends to dry out.
{The pumpkin and succulents can be purchased at a Hardware store, while the spray adhesive, glue gun/glue sticks, and moss can be bought at your local craft store, such as Michael’s.}
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES //
- Gloves (when applying the moss sprayed with adhesive)
- Butcher Paper or Newspaper (to protect your work surface)
Begin by prepping your work space. You may want to lay down some butcher paper/newspaper to protect your work surface… Also, if working inside, make sure it’s a well ventilated area since you’re using spray adhesive.
In small sections, spray the moss with an even layer of spray adhesive. Quickly place onto the top of the pumpkin {almost giving Mr. Pumpkin a hat!}, pressing down firmly, for a few seconds, to ensure that the moss sticks.
Repeat the process with all of the pumpkins that you are decorating.
Once your pumpkin tops are covered with a decent layer of moss, warm up your glue gun, and gather your succulent cuttings {making sure you have an assortment of colors and variety}.
Now for the fun part! One-by-one, using your warmed up glue gun, glue the bottoms/ends of the succulent cuttings into the moss. Make sure you hold each piece, while gluing, for a few seconds so that it properly adheres.
Make sure that you are moving around Mr. Pumpkin, so that all sides are equally adorned and beautiful!
Don’t be afraid to use all sorts of succulent cuttings: different colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. It only adds more interest and charm. Tuck pieces in as you go… making the top of the pumpkin full and vibrant!
I loved watching the arrangement come together! I was blown away at how gorgeous it was… and I couldn’t get enough of those tiny pumpkins! In fact, my mom went home and made 10 more to give to her dinner guests. What a lovely gift!
HELPFUL TIPS //
- To maintain your pumpkin succulent arrangement, mist daily with clean water, using a water bottle {but wait to do so for 24-hrs, after initial gluing}.
- Since the pumpkin wasn’t cut into…. the arrangement should last for a couple of months, if taken care of properly. The succulent roots will begin going into the moss, and eventually into the pumpkin itself {as the shell begins to soften}.
- Once Mr. Pumpkin starts to deteriorate, carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin {the part containing the succulent arrangement}, and plant into an appropriately sized pot with soil, or into your garden. How terrific is that?!
- In climates that do not freeze, you can enjoy this arrangement year round, inside or out!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SUCCULENTS //
- Succulents are very drought resistant, needing water infrequently after they’re established in a pot, or in your garden.
- The cuttings from succulent pruning can root and grow into new plants. Simply plant the cuttings in a pot of moist potting soil and keep the soil moist until the cuttings root and show signs of new growth. {This is known as propagating succulents — get the information on how to do this here}!
- Succulents come in a variety of natural colors; however, they can flower in bold, beautiful shades!
- Succulents attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds — depending on the type.
A huge ‘thank you’ to my mom, for not only making me my first beautiful pumpkin succulent arrangement, but for also being willing to do the tutorial, for the blog, to share with our lovely readers! I keep trying to convince her of staring her own blog and opening an etsy shop, since she is so wildly creative. When she does, I’ll let you all know… Thanks, Mom! I love you!
