Crochet Covered Faux Pumpkins

My first October craft project is a crocheted doily covered pumpkin.  If you have to ask "Why?", then this project probably isn't for you.  The rest of us understand.....

Vintage crocheted doilies are becoming increasingly popular in home decor and craft projects.  Bloggers such as Tif Fussell of Dottie Angel are partially responsible for a renewed appreciation in these little symbols of handmade goodness.  Although I am capable of making these from scratch, there are so many vintage doilies to be found at estate sales that it makes sense that we can take those and re-purpose them, saving ourselves a lot of time and saving the doilies from mouldering away in a box for years and years.

Besides an assortment of vintage doilies in shades of white, cream, and ecru, you will need the following materials:

Dried real gourds or craft store faux pumpkins and gourds.

Mod Podge for Fabric

Paintbrush or foam brush.

Spray paint in an off-white or ivory.  I used Krylon Ivory with a satin finish for my project.

Tin foil and wax paper.

The only prep work I did prior to painting was covering the gourd stems with tin foil:

A couple light coats of paint with drying time in between was adequate to give the pumpkins an even color:

 

I selected just the right doilies to fit each pumpkin. I cut some of them apart into smaller shapes that were easier to fit onto the pumpkin.  For the two small pumpkins, I just used one whole doily which I slipped over the stem to create a slightly different look.

I usually cover my work table with wax paper when I work with Mod Podge.  I followed the directions on the bottle when applying the Fabric Mod Podge to the doilies:

After coating one side of the doilies, place them on the pumpkin and tap all the edges down with your fingers.  Once the pieces are adhered to the pumpkins, wait for two hours while the initial coat dries.  Then a topcoat of Mod Podge can be applied to the entire piece.

I like the way the large pumpkin turned out:

These can be used year after year, from September through November:

If you create something similar, I'd love to see a picture of it!  You can send pics to my e-mail at [email protected]

I'm linking to:  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Savvy Southern Style, Centsational Girl, Someday Crafts, Tea Rose Home , Thrifty Decorating, Somewhat Simple, Primp, Delicate Construction, Very Merry Vintage Style, Throwback Thursday, and FaveCrafts.

Comments

[Gina]

They look great, Mitzi! Who knew fake pumpkins could look so fabulously vintage? Now I have something to do with that giant stash of doilies I've been saving!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Gina,

Im glad youre inspired by this project. As you know, there are lots of crocheted doilies out in the world that could use new homes.

Mitzi

[Kat]

These are wonderful! I don't have to spare, so I might try some from the dollar store. Thank you for sharing!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Kat,

Thanks for stopping by today. Im glad you liked the project!

Mitzi

[My Blessed Serendipity Life]

Gorgeous Mitzi! I'm making some of these!

Danielle

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Danielle,

I cant wait to see your version!

Mitzi

[laurie]

Those are THE sweetest pumpkins ever! I just adore this idea! Thanks for sharing it with us! :)

xoxo laurie

[Lisa Beesa]

These have to be the prettiest pumpkins ever. I love the way the doilies hug the pumpkins. Thank you for this fall inspiration Mitzi!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Laurie!

Thanks for stopping by. I visited your beautiful blog too. Were both Michiganders! Hasnt this week been the most beautiful fall week ever? Im going to get my camera out this weekend and capture some of the lovely fall leaves!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hey Lisa! Im glad you stopped by. It reminds me to stop by your blog! Glad you liked the crochet covered pumpkins. As you know, I have piles of raw materials at my house waiting to be put to good use!

Mitzi

[Andrea]

I love this idea! Thank-you for sharing!

[Lady Pamela]

I absolutely love your project! I might even try it tonight. Thanks for sharing.

[Al McLeary]

Best pumpkin idea I have seen so far - love it!

[Tabitha]

What a great idea! It looks crocheted especially to fit the pumpkin. I'll have to try one. Thanks for sharing :)

[Cathy]

I LOVE vintage doilies so this project speaks to me. Very fun!

Visiting from Centsational Girl
Cathy @ Room Rx

[Brittany]

Gorgeous! I found you through Bacon Time. Thanks for sharing!

[Mandy]

This is beautiful!!
I'm a new follower. Followed you over from Someday Crafts.
Love your blog and I can't wait to see what your next project will be!

[Yadira]

I like how these look as if your crocheted around the pumpkin. Lovely work.

I found this post through Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts.

[Liz F]

I saw your link at Bacon time. I love the crocheted pumpkin! They look very elegant and cozy for fall.

[Amber]

omg... seriously lovely! you made 'blah' into beautiful! thanks for sharing!

[Serendipity Handmade]

These are absolutely beautiful! It's too bad that you won't be able to keep them around forever. Great idea, though!

[Tina "The Book Lady"]

Those turned out really neat! I don't think I would of ever thought to do that. Where did you get the doilies cheap enough to make these?

I'd love to have you link up on Friday (or anytime this weekend) on my Holiday Traditions blog. There will be 2 linkys - one for a big blog hop and one for giveaways. I'm following you now....

To join up: http://holidaygiftsandmore.blogspot.com/

Thanks! Tina "The Book Lady"

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Tina,

Thanks for the invite....link parties are such a great way to meet new people and get inspired! I will definitely link up on Friday!

Mitzi

[Michele @ {Primp}]

so pretty! hmm, I think I have some crocheted doily's from the $1 store in my sewing stash, I'll have to try this! Thanks for the inspiration. If you have time i would love it if you would share this at my linky party going on now.

[shannon]

Oh wow these are so awesome! Thanks for the great idea. Give Chauncey and Cheswick a kiss for me. I'm over from Censational Girl.