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DIY Nautical Pumpkin for Fall with Mod Podge

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:

Sara

Saturday 23rd of July 2022

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!

Amy

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

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!

janet hall

Wednesday 25th of November 2015

happy thanksgiving to all of you

CreativeKhadija

Monday 23rd of November 2015

Just perfect. So pretty!