GLUED PUMPKIN ARRANGEMENTS - HOW TO GUIDE

Oct 15

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Pumpkin Arrangement - No Carving Needed!

One of my least favorite things is carving pumpkins. In the past, I've assigned this task to my employees, and occasionally, I've reluctantly done it myself. However, since I genuinely dislike it, I have avoided marketing these highly popular designs.

This year, I have an employee who uses a different technique. Believing that there is always something to learn from others, I asked her to show me her techniques. She uses glue instead of carving (ironically, she strongly dislikes making corsages, which involve a similar technique).

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a stunning pumpkin arrangement without the need for carving. Let's get started!

MATERIALS:

Pumpkin (choose your preferred size)
Spanish Moss
Dried materials (we save bits of broken flowers and dry them, such as statice, limonium, gomphrena, baby's breath, strawflower, etc.)
Long-lasting fresh material (button mums, eucalyptus, eryngium, etc.)
Seasonal materials (wheat, bittersweet, acorns, etc.)
Low-temp glue gun OR Oasis cold glue (we used cold glue)
Snips or scissors

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Choose Your Pumpkin

Select a pumpkin in a size and color to create visual interest in your arrangement. Look for pumpkins with smooth surfaces and relatively flat tops, as this will make it easier to attach and arrange your decorations.

Step 2: Prep Your Pumpkin
Wash off any dirt and allow your pumpkin to dry.

Step 3: Arrange the Flowers and Foliage
Now it's time to get creative!

Gather your flowers, foliage, or any other decorative elements you have chosen for your arrangement.

Using either low-temp hot glue or Oasis cold glue, attach a small handful of Spanish moss to the top of the pumpkin.
Add greenery and line-flowers to establish the shape and size of your arrangement. It's important to consider the principles and elements of design regardless of the type of design you're creating. Wheat and eucalyptus work well for this step.
Place larger items onto the moss. Tuck some items under the moss and layer others on top.
Continue adding other items while staying within your desired shape and creating depth as you go. Vary the heights and textures to create a visually pleasing arrangement. The specific materials and size of your pumpkin will determine the approach. Group some items together to create focal points. Rotate the pumpkin as you work to ensure all sides are filled.
Allow the glue to dry, then spray the fresh items with crown & glory (avoid spraying the dried materials).

Step 4: Take photos
Remember to always take photos of your work! This is important for future marketing but it also let’s you see places in your design that need a little touch-up.

Step 5: Display and Enjoy
Find the perfect spot to display your pumpkin arrangement. Whether it's a mantle, table centerpiece, or front porch, your creation will surely be a great conversation starter. Keep in mind that your arrangement will last longer if placed in a cool location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the sight of your stunning pumpkin arrangement for weeks to come!

Happy Designing!

Creating a mini pumpkin arrangement (designed by Kortney)

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Kortney for teaching me this!