Lady spray paints 7 scraps of wood orange. Her fall porch just looked a lot better

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in and the leaves start to turn golden, it's the perfect time to bring a touch of fall charm to your home. One of the easiest and most delightful ways to do this is by sprucing up your front porch with seasonal decorations that capture the essence of the harvest season. Instead of spending a fortune on store-bought décor, why not get creative with a simple DIY project? This guide will show you how to transform ordinary scraps of wood into charming wooden pumpkins, adding a festive and rustic touch to your outdoor space.

With just a few materials and some basic crafting skills, you can create beautiful wooden pumpkins that will instantly elevate the look of your porch. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking for a fun project, this step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process, from preparing the wood to adding the final decorative touches. The result is a set of custom, handcrafted pumpkins that will not only bring warmth and color to your porch but also showcase your creativity and love for the fall season.

Scraps of Wood:

7 pieces of wood in varying sizes (these can be old planks, leftover lumber, or even wooden crates broken down). Ideal dimensions might range from 6 inches to 18 inches in height and 4 to 8 inches in width.

Orange Spray Paint:

Choose a high-quality, weather-resistant spray paint in an orange hue that you love.
Green and Brown Acrylic Paint:

For adding details like leaves and stems.

Sponge Brushes or Paintbrushes:

For painting the details.

Sanding Block or Sandpaper:

To smooth the edges of the wood and prepare the surface for painting.

Wood Glue or Nails and Hammer:

For attaching the wooden scraps together (if desired).
Twine or Raffia:

To add a rustic touch around the "stem" of the pumpkin.

Decorative Items:

Consider adding faux leaves, small pine cones, berries, or even a small sign with a fall greeting.

Clear Sealant (optional):

To protect the wood from the elements if you plan to keep the pumpkins outside for an extended period.

Step 1: Prepare the Wood

If your wood pieces are rough or have splinters, use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth the surfaces and edges. This step is important to ensure that the paint adheres well and to avoid any rough spots that could cause injury.

Wipe down the wood with a damp cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

Step 2: Paint the Wood

Lay out your wood pieces on a drop cloth or newspaper in a well-ventilated area.

Shake your orange spray paint can well, and apply a light, even coat to each piece of wood. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away from the wood to prevent drips and ensure an even application.

Let the first coat dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. Depending on the paint and the wood's texture, you might need to apply a second coat for full coverage.

Once the paint is dry, check for any spots that need touching up.

Step 3: Add Details

Using a small paintbrush or sponge brush, apply brown paint to the top of each wood piece to create the appearance of a pumpkin stem. You can be creative with the shape—straight, curved, or even slightly twisted.

With the green paint, add leaf shapes near the stems. These don’t have to be perfect; a simple brushstroke or two will give the impression of leaves.

If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can add some dimension by shading the pumpkins with darker or lighter orange tones. Use a sponge or dry brush technique for a rustic, weathered look.

Step 4: Assemble the Pumpkins (Optional)

If you want to create a stacked or layered look, you can glue or nail the wood pieces together. For example, you might stack three pieces of wood in a staggered fashion to create a single tall pumpkin, or place two side by side for a wider effect.

Make sure any glued or nailed pieces are secure and allow the glue to dry completely if used.

Step 5: Add Decorative Touches

Wrap a bit of twine or raffia around the stems of the pumpkins to add a rustic flair. You can tie a simple bow or leave the ends loose for a natural look.

Attach any additional decorations you have, like faux leaves, small pine cones, or berries. These can be glued on or tied with twine. You can also create small signs with messages like "Welcome Fall" or "Happy Harvest" and attach them to the pumpkins.

Step 6: Seal the Pumpkins (Optional)

If your pumpkins will be exposed to the elements, it's a good idea to spray them with a clear sealant to protect the paint and decorations. Follow the instructions on the sealant for drying times.

Step 7: Display on Your Porch

Once everything is dry and assembled, arrange your new wooden pumpkins on your porch. You can place them on steps, next to potted mums, or group them together by your front door. Add some hay bales, lanterns, or more fall décor to complete the look.

Your wooden pumpkins are now ready to welcome guests and celebrate the beauty of fall. These decorations are not only budget-friendly but also durable, so you can enjoy them year after year. Plus, the customizability of this project means you can easily adapt it to suit your style, whether you prefer a classic, rustic, or modern look.

Enjoy your beautiful fall porch and the compliments that are sure to come with it!