Learn how to make beautiful blue and white chinoiserie pumpkins with 3 supplies and a few hours of time. It's the perfect, easy fall craft.
I've long admired pretty blue and white chinoiserie pumpkins. Some time ago I saw someone (I can't remember who) share a wooden bowl layered with moss and a pile of chinoiserie pumpkins, and I thought it was so charming. So today I'm going to try recreating that look for my dining room table!
I'm always looking for a fun new element to add to my seasonal decor. So instead of buying some, I thought I'd try making my own versions of these cute pumpkins.
Let me tell you, it's so easy to do! If you can handle a paintbrush and cut paper, it'll make the perfect afternoon craft while you catch up on your favorite show!
Watch the Video Tutorial:
Supplies You'll Need to Make the Chinoiserie Pumpkins
- White foam craft pumpkins
- Patterned paper napkins – I used these chinoiserie napkins, but you could use any kind you like!
- Mod Podge
- Small craft paintbrush
- Scissors
How to Make Chinoiserie Pumpkins
This is so easy that I almost hesitate to write a tutorial. But a few things make it even simpler, so I'll share all of my napkin and Mod Podge tips and tricks here!
1. Place the Pumpkin on the Napkin and Cut a Wide Circle Around It.
Cut a circle wide enough that the napkin drapes down to the bottom of the pumpkin.
The napkins I used were 2-ply. You can use them just as they come, but if you want a really thin paper layer on your pumpkin, separate the bottom sheet from the pumpkin. Watch the tutorial video to see how I did that part!
2. Remove the Stem of the Faux Foam Pumpkin
Then snip a tiny hole in the middle of the napkin circle, place it on top of the pumpkin and push the stem back through the hole. This keeps the napkin secure on the pumpkin while you work.
3. Cut long vertical sections of the napkin that line up with the grooves on the side of the pumpkin.
This makes the napkin much easier to glue down onto the pumpkin.
4. Trim the bottoms off the long strips of napkin so they just reach under the bottom of the pumpkin.
5. Now turn the pumpkin upside down, holding the stem with your fingers, and paint Mod Podge on the top part of the pumpkin between the pumpkin and paper.
Flip the pumpkin back over and glue the top of the napkin down onto the top of the pumpkin with a bit more Mod Podge.
6. Paint sections of the pumpkin's side with Mod Podge and use the paintbrush to press the napkin pieces into place.
Work one piece at a time as you go around the pumpkin. If the pieces start overlapping too much, trim them narrower as needed.
7. Once every piece is glued down, let the Mod Podge dry for about an hour, until it feels dry to the touch.
8. Optional: cut a small circle of napkin paper and glue it to the bottom of the pumpkin to cover the base. Let it sit until dry.
That's it! You now have a gorgeous bowl of chinoiserie pumpkins that you made yourself, and they look so cute for fall!
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