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The inspiration for these faux reclaimed wood pumpkins came during a trip to the dollar store where I found these Thanksgiving pumpkin signs.

While they looked a little ahem cheap, I figured the pumpkin shapes had perfect crafting potential.

How To Make Faux Wood Pumpkins

We'll begin the pumpkin craft by removing the bronze glitter from the thanksgiving signs with a sanding block.

Next, let's make those pumpkin stems look a little more realistic with burnt umber craft paint that I had on hand.

To add depth to the stems I created a shadow with a blackened bronze paint that I had on hand. This step is completely optional.

How To Decoupage Faux Wood Pumpkins

Next, I went through my scrapbook bin in search of faux reclaimed wood paper (alternative) and hit the jackpot with these.

At this point, you could trace the pumpkin shape onto the scrapbook paper and cut them out, if that's your preference. I didn't bother and will trim the paper later.

Brush a generous coat of Mod Podge onto the pumpkin shape and set your scrapbook paper on top. Gently rub the paper with the tips of your fingers or a scraper to remove any wrinkles.

Check for any areas along the edges that didn't bond well and use a small art brush to apply more Mod Podge in those areas.

Once they are completely dry, use a sharp craft knife to trim the paper.

To protect the paper, apply two coats of a matte Mod Podge on top of the decoupage paper. If you plan on using the pumpkins outdoors, seal them with Outdoor Mod Podge.

How To Age Decoupage Pumpkins

While the front of the pumpkins looks like real reclaimed wood, our secret is obvious when you look at the sides of the pumpkins. To make them look more realistic, we're going to use brown wax.

With a lint-free rag dab brown wax along the edge of the pumpkins. Don't fret if you get some of the wax on the front of the pumpkins. In fact, I encourage you to get a little along the top edge because it adds to the time-worn weathered charm.

Use your finger inside the rag to dab the wax in random motions along the edges, blending it as you go.

You can see the difference in the photo below between the green pumpkin that has been waxed along the edges and the brown pumpkin without dark wax. Big difference, right!

Last but not least embellish the pumpkins with raffia ribbon wrapped around the stem and hang a small charm or whatever embellishment you like. I had a bag of skeleton key charms in my stash so that's what I used.

That's it, so easy, right? Wouldn't you agree the faux reclaimed wood pumpkins look very realistic. You have to touch them before realizing they are decoupage barn wood paper.

Enjoy decorating with your new pumpkins! For more pumpkin craft ideas visit my DIY Fall Ideas page.

For more pumpkin inspiration you may like these 12 DIY pumpkin ideas that are easy on the wallet. Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by these faux reclaimed wood pumpkins.

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