DIY Crate Pumpkins: Easy Fall Decor

Friend, the weather is starting to get chilly, the leaves are falling, you can buy pumpkin-flavored everything at the store, and it’s time for another easy DIY fall decor project.

I got these small nesting crates from the Target deals section (it used to be called the Dollar Spot but hardly anything is one dollar anymore!) for $5.  They are cheap and cute for projects!

They’re not very thick, but they’re perfect for an easy DIY fall decor project – painted crate pumpkins.

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Here are more wood crate options on Amazon if you can’t find any more of these at Target.

Next get some orange paint and a small paint brush.  Since I used a small bottle of paint, I had to squeeze some onto a paper plate.

Paint both of the crates in 1-2 coats as needed (I only did 1 coat) and let dry.

Then you’ll need “stems” for your crate pumpkins.  I went outside and found a thick stick to use.

We quickly cut both ends off the stick in about 1.5-2 inch pieces.  The flat end will be glued onto the crate, and the uneven end will be at the top to look more natural.

(That’s one of my most-used emoji faces below. ha)

Stand the crate on its side and glue the wood stem in the center.  I used my favorite super glue and let it dry for a few hours.

Finally, I found some bendable jute rope in my stash, originally from Hobby Lobby.  I curled the ends and bent the center around the stems to look like the curls that are often on top of pumpkins.  (You can cut the bendable jute with the wire-cutter part of pliers.)

You could also cut some leaves off faux flower stems and glue them on top if you can’t find this type of jute.

And that’s all for this easy fall decor project:

Aren’t these painted crate pumpkins adorable?  You can even use them like a shelf and set something else small inside.

Below is a closer look at the stem and jute curls.

I’m so pleased with how this project turned out for only $5!  And thankfully I had all the other supplies at home already.

Remember to run out and check your Target to see if they still have these nesting crates left – I’m sure there are other creative ways you could upcycle them!  Let me know if you think of anything else.

Please feel free to share this project with a friend or Pin it to easily find it again later.