Pumpkin Centerpiece!

[SewCrafty]

I found this on http://www.pallensmith.com/newsletter/news_110900f.htm

Nothing says fall like pumpkins. You know they are just big, clumsy winter squash. In the past they were used for a lot of different things, but these days we basically use them for holiday pies and jack-o-lanterns. However, I like to use these traditional pumpkins in a very non-traditional way by using a pumpkin as a container for a fall arrangement or Thanksgiving centerpiece.

All you have to do to get started is cut a section out of the pumpkin where the arrangement will go, remove the seeds and drop in a piece of floral foam that has been soaked in water. You can find floral foam at most craft stores. I use this type of foam you soak in water only because I like to use fresh materials in my arrangements along with dried but if you are using exclusively dried materials you can use ordinary Styrofoam.

I like to use things like dried flowers, the seed heads of grasses, seedpods and fruit and throw in a few fresh flowers if I have them around.

Now the key here is to keep the arrangement low, particularly if it is going to be used as a table centerpiece. For something smaller look to smaller members of the pumpkin family to put your arrangement in. And if you don't have time to put something this elaborate together just carve out the pumpkin and drop in an ordinary florist chrysanthemum.

There are a lot more uses for pumpkins than holiday pies and jack-o-lanterns.

[Sherryh]

VERY pretty!!

[heaven]

wow!!!!!!!!!!! Love it.

[captclearance]

I have done these for years..... I go for a walk and pick cattails and the plumes from pumpas grass and long stemed prairie grasses and WEEDS yes WEEDS..... I start by cutting the top of the pumpkin or squash off, clean the inside as needed.... Spread vasoline on the inside (this keeps the water from making the pumpkin flesh squishy).... I use a piece of recycled styrofoam (i keep a little from packages to use in crafting (florist foam works better as it will retain water, but if you want to do them cheap use styrofoam) I use a mix of cattails, prairie grasses, weeds and mums from my garden.... I use a toothpick to hold the lid of the pumpkin or squash on the side of the arrangement..... Note: even if the pumpkin will not sit flat on the bottom , you can play with them and find a side that does sit flat, trust me these look just as lovely with a squash or pumpkin that is sitting sideways..... just make sure you cut the top at the side that sticks up......

[Michelle]

Very nice!

[dolphin]

Oooooooh I love it. I'm gonna have to try and make one for our table!

[Darlene]

Inexpensive to make, easy and beautiful. All the features!

[QuilterMom]

[Sara Noel]

We used to make these at work. We also would use mini pumpkin gourds, add dry sahara foam and add wheat, cattails, and dried flowers for smaller decorations.