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Wedfrugal.com Free Craft Projects - Miniature Pumpkin Centerpiece Options by Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast
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Miniature Pumpkin Centerpiece Options

copyright Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast of WedFrugal.com

This centerpiece craft proves that you can take a simple craft and customize it to your needs. The original version of this craft was extremely simple. Carve out a hole in the middle of a miniature pumpkin and place a candle in the center. Of course, every craft has the potential for customization, and that is what this article is based on.

I believe that the first time I mentioned the idea for this craft project was at WedNet. I was answering a question about decorating for fall weddings, and one of my suggestions was to use a grouping of miniature pumpkin centerpieces (pictured above) of varying heights and widths.

The idea is as appropriate now as it was then. Of course, we are talking about customization of wedding craft projects in this particular article. Rather than using miniature pumpkins and taper candles, you can use larger pumpkins to hold pillar candles. This will give you an entirely different look and cover more space if you have large reception tables.

Of course, simply changing the size of your pumpkins is not the only option. Normal orange pumpkins give a more casual look, but you may be after a fancier or more traditional look. In such a case, you can simply purchase white pumpkins instead. White goes with any color scheme and white pumpkins will immediately add a certain amount of class to this craft project.

This doesn't mean you have to stop there either. To make the craft even more formal, you can simply carve designs into the pumpkin. Imagine the above designs carved into white pumpkins. These designs were created/drawn within 15 minutes on the computer. To go further, you can carve the pumpkins in a traditional manner or can simply do a shallow carving. With the first option, your centerpieces will glow from the inside out. The second option means that your centerpieces will have a more subtle elegance.

Why stop with these ideas? Not only can you use any of these ideas, but you can also come up with more fairly easily. Replacing the taper candle with a votive candle will instantly change the look. A small piece of round tulle stuffed into the pumpkin, will automatically add a "wedding look" to the project. You can also add ribbons, pearl sprays and other notions. Perhaps you are seeking a more flowery look? Use a hot-glue gun to attach three or four silk flowers around the edge of the hole you created for the candle opening.

Of course, an inexpensive pillar candle ring can be placed at the bottom of the pumpkin as well. These can often be purchased for a dollar or so, and it's fairly easy to make your own as well. You could place the centerpiece/s on a fancy serving tray or on mirrors to increase their presence. Or you can simply find fall/autumnal themed plates at yard sales or the thrift shop.

There are also many other ways to customize such a craft. Consider a piece of flat lace glued onto the middle of the pumpkin. Not only is it easy to do, but you've also dressed up the craft. To dress it up further, glue on a flat bow using the same lace. Of course, you can scatter various items around the centerpieces as well.

One option is fall leaves, while another is potpourri or dried flowers. You can even lightly throw glitter around your pumpkins. The light of the candles will catch the shine of the glitter and create an entirely different look.

Think I'm done yet? Not quite. I still haven't discussed paint. Of the richest looks I've found with this craft involves paint. I've spray painted the pumpkins gold and also painted leaves gold to surround the pumpkins. Once this was completed, I simply placed the centerpieces on a piece of mirror and threw a touch of glitter around. This ended up looking quite luxurious. Of course, you could use other colors. Metallics such as bronze, silver or copper look just as good.

Yet another idea is to take a basket, break off the handles and fill it with fall leaves. This is a perfect "nest" for this particular project. You can add lace, flowers, paint or whatever else you wish to dress up the basket as well. Potpourri is more expensive, but you can also use this as the "nest" material in the basket. Various other materials can be used such as flower petals, tinsel, etc.

Of course, you aren't limited to using a basket to hold your centerpiece. You can use boxes, clay pots, candleholders (especially those used for square or pillar candles) or even a bed of fresh flowers. Actually, you don't have to use the project as I've shown it at all. You can use square candles and place pumpkins among them. You can place pumpkins and leaves on a bed of tulle. Your only limit here is your imagination.

Some of you may be wondering why I took such a simple project and expanded and customized it to fit various needs. The answer is simple. This is merely one aspect of frugality. You take something you have and turn it into something you need. I could have written an article about how we used an old screen we found in the garage and turned it into a dog/baby gate. It uses the same basic principle. If you have something on hand (whether it be a talent or supplies) and use it to create something you need, you will save money. This is a given, and that is one of the basics of frugality. Realizing this tends to change your thinking about such things as wedding centerpieces.

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

05222001

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

WedFrugal.com
Personal Pages

Owner, WedFrugal.com (February 18, 2001 to present)
The Wedding Frugality Page (now at wedfrugal.com - December 1995 to May 2001)
-former About.com Weddings Guide (October 26, 1997 to April 5, 2001)
-former Wed Net columnist (October 1996 to December 1997)
-Dollar Stretcher contributor (Various Dates)

Copyright, Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast 12/95 to present