This DIY nautical pumpkin uses Mod Podge and fabric to turn a gourd into fantastic fall decor! Learn how easy it is to make here.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never Mod Podged before this should be relatively easy. You’ll be attaching fabric to a pumpkin form with Mod Podge. This fall decor project can last years.

DIY Nautical Pumpkin for Fall with Mod Podge

Fall is almost over BUT I wanted to do one last pumpkin craft while I can. On a recent trip to Wal-Mart I found this awesome anchor fabric. I’ve done several Mod Podge pumpkin crafts, but I’ve never done one with fabric.

I knew I had to give this unique autumn beach decor a try!! This anchor pattern was perfect to try out on this fall craft. Learn how to decorate this pumpkin below!

DIY Nautical Pumpkin

For this pumpkin craft you’re going to need:

Gather These Supplies

  • Mod Podge Matte
  • Foam Pumpkin
  • Nautical or Beach Themed Fabric
  • Thin Rope
  • Scissors
  • Glue Gun
  • Paintbrush

Getting Started

Since I just got the anchor printed material at WalMart (for .99 cents!!) I just needed to round up the rest of my supplies.

Time to get crafting!

Foam pumpkin, Mod Podge Matte, anchor fabric, twine

Step 1 – Remove Stem

If your able, remove your pumpkin stem before you start the craft. With this foam pumpkin I was able to pull it right out!

Removing the stem from the pumpkin form

Step 2 – Cut Material into Strips

I cut my nautical material into LONG strips. Long enough to fit down the pumpkin.

Two fat quarters of navy blue Waverly fabric printed with anchors torn into strips

Step 3 – Mod Podge on Material

I added on my Mod Podge first, then gently laying my material on top. I added another coat of Mod Podge on top of that and smoothed down with my foam brush.

Next I used my fingers to push the material into the grooves of the pumpkin. I did a section at a time, letting them dry for 10 minutes each.

Attaching anchor fabric to a foam pumpkin with Mod Podge

Step 4 – Wrap Stem in Rope

Finally I wrapped the stem in some decorative rope. I used my “trusty” hot glue gun to keep my rope in place.

Pumpkin stem wrapped in twine

Finishing Touches

This fall decor was such a quick and easy project. Plus I think I like using fabric better than scrapbook paper with Mod Podge. It really makes it a lot easier.

Finished nautical pumpkin sitting on a wood crate

My DIY nautical pumpkin is finished and looks great with the rest of my fall decor.

Beach themed nautical pumpkin made with Mod Podge

I’m so glad I was able to get the craft done before Fall ends. I know a lot of people (including myself) are already decorating for Christmas.

But I do still have ALL my fall decor up. I can’t take it down before Thanksgiving!


If you guys want to get even more crafting inspiration, visit my blog. I’d also love for you to visit the following projects:

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4 Comments

  1. I know that I’m really late to this post- but I love the pumpkin! Perfect for my coastal theme! I would also love to know what was used in the pitcher…looks like cat tails and wheat and some sort of berries. Are they faux? If so, is there a link for purchase? Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Sara! This is a really old post unfortunately – it’s been updated but it’s been awhile since Courtney purchased or had the materials. So sorry!

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