Spice up your fall décor with beautiful, pressed flower pumpkins. This easy, no-carve pumpkin decorating idea is a great way to enjoy your pumpkins while adorning your space with gorgeous autumn color. With pressed flower pumpkins, you can utilize your seasonal favorites while sparking your creativity. Unwind and make the most of the season with this fun fall activity that your whole family will love.
Supplies:
- White Pumpkins
- Matrix® Pansies
- Mod Podge®
- Foam Brush
- Fine Paintbrush
- Parchment Paper
- OPTIONAL: Additional Fall Blooms or Foliage
Step One: Making Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers are a lovely way to preserve flowers beyond their blooming days. It helps them maintain their color and shape for years to come. They can be used in crafts, jewelry, or even framed as artwork.
There is something timeless and classic about the look of pressed flowers, especially when you are using Matrix® Pansies. These friendly blooms are ideal because they have a single layer of flat-shaped petals which will allow them to dry faster and hold their shape.
There are many ways to make pressed flowers and some methods take less time than others. With the classic approach of using parchment paper and a few heavy books, it can take up to 2 weeks before your blooms will be fully dried and flat. Luckily, there are a few ways to speed up the process.
- Choose flowers in full bloom.
- Pick your flowers in the morning once any dew is gone.
- Make sure the blooms are completely dry before pressing.
First, lay a sheet of parchment paper on top of a flat surface or inside a book. Next, carefully remove the blooms and leaves from the stems and place them on the parchment paper. Be sure to arrange them with at least ¾ inch of space in between.
After your pansies are set up, place a few heavy books on top to start the process. Press down to secure everything and start a countdown with your family for when it is time to decorate! Plan an exciting evening with fall-themed snacks and some hot apple cider.
Step Two: Clean Your Pumpkins
Before you begin your no-carve pumpkin decorating, give your pumpkins a good cleaning. Fresh-from-the-farm pumpkins can have some lingering soil. By washing them thoroughly and carefully, you can enjoy vibrant and beautiful pumpkins all season long!
Wash your pumpkins with a mild cleaning solution. You can use water and dish soap or water and vinegar. Water and vinegar will require one part vinegar to three parts water for effective cleaning. Allow the pumpkins to soak for 20-30 minutes and use a soapy sponge to remove any excess dirt. Then, set them in an area where they can dry completely.
Step Three: Decorate Your Pumpkins
Once your flowers are pressed and your pumpkins are ready to go, it is time to create your pressed flower pumpkins!
First, apply Mod Podge® to the pumpkin with a sponge brush in the areas where you want to place a flower. Place one flower at a time to ensure the glue stays wet so your flowers can adhere.
Attach the flowers to the pumpkins by placing them directly onto the wet Mod Podge®. Next, layer more Mod Podge® over the flowers with your foam brush and use a fine paintbrush to secure around the edges and small areas. This will make sure everything is attached to the pumpkin while you wait for the adhesive to dry.
Need some pumpkin and pansy design inspiration? We are here to help! Check out these easy ideas for your no-carve pumpkin décor.
BLOOMING PANSIES
Go for a modern look with full blooms. Keep things clean and simple and skip the greenery. Create a floral pattern of pansies in different hues and varieties.
FOLIAGE & FLOWERS
Add a touch of elegance with feathery green foliage and decorate with pressed ferns.
Choose varieties that have thinner, less woody stems for easy adhering and create a whimsical design with your pansies.
PANSY PORTRAIT
Let your pansies be the star of the show! Create a life-like design by layering leaves with a bundle of their blooms in the center of your pumpkin.
There are so many possibilities for your masterpiece! Have fun and be creative while you dress up your pumpkins with pansies.
Shop with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, Autumn Harvest is here! Visit us today and explore our entire collection of beautiful pumpkins and gourds, fall flowers, seasonal décor and so much more! Shop one of our 28 neighborhood stores, serving our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
