Sunday, September 9, 2012

DIY Fall Porch {Pumpkin Topiary}


I really love to decorate for Fall! There's just something about getting ready for cooler temps, football season,
and the special holidays to follow!

Sometimes all you need is one simple picture to inspire you to create, 
or in this case....duplicate!
My inspiration came after seeing this pic from Southern Living on Pinterest. 
via
I've seen several ideas using REAL pumpkins, but honestly, if I'm going to all that trouble...
I want it to last and be usable year after year!
The craft stores have these "carve-able" faux pumpkins now.
They work great....here's what you need for each topiary:

a small, medium and large carve-able faux pumpkin
a drill with 2 different sized bits
strand of Christmas lights
hot glue
Glitter spray
fall garland with leaves, berries, etc.
sprigs of grapevine

I randomly drilled big and little holes all over the large pumpkin.
 Also, drill a hole in the top, near the stem
for the lights to come through and connect to middle pumpkin.

Drill large holes in middle sized pumpkin...
and top holes for lights.

Drill small holes in small pumpkin...
but leave top and stem in tact!

Thread lights up and through all 3 pumpkins.
Then, begin hot gluing the pumpkins together.
 Finish off with a fall garland, grapevine and a little glitter spray.
 
I secured the topiaries in my urns with a metal dowel rod...just something to keep it from tipping or blowing over in the wind...
whenever that first coldfront comes in!

  
I also spruced up those urns with a fresh coat of Rust-Oleum Flat protective enamel.  I used this really cool Comfort Grip that Rust-Oleum
gave us at the Haven Conference. Wow...what a difference it made.
It clips on easy and has a trigger that is just as it's named...COMFORTable!!!
 Closeup pic of the topiary with the grapevine, and fall garland.
The first installment of my "Fall Porch" is done!
Painting those front doors is next...
(already painted the inside of the doors and that post is coming soon!) 
If you'd like to see my finished Fall Porch and wreaths, click here,
and to see my post on Fall Porch Lighting, click here.
They look so pretty all lit up....even if it is still 90° outside!
Hurry fall weather!!!!




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58 comments:

  1. BrandiSeptember 9, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Such a neat idea. I love all the great pumpkin ideas I've seen on blogs lately. I bet yours looks so nice at night.

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:16 PM

      Thank you Brandi! I am so ready for fall!!! Can't wait to keep adding to my porch, then the mantle is next! Appreciate your sweet comment, and I love the way the lights are subtle!

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    I love it and it looks great outside your front doors. Isn't fall the best season of all?! :)

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:17 PM

      I LOVE fall and couldn't wait to get these up and going!!! Thanks so much Laura!

      Delete
  3. Karah @ thespacebetweenblogSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    This is so awesome!! Sharing!!

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  4. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Janis, this is so pretty! So creative!

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:18 PM

      Thanks Shenita! It was a copycat project, but I can use it year after year, so worth the trouble! xoxo

      Delete
  5. SarahSeptember 10, 2012 at 12:12 PM

    I saw the carveable pumpkins for the first time the other day. I think these are so pretty and I agree, if you're going to go to all the work then it should last a while.

    If you get a chance I would love for you to come link up your tutorial at my Fall Edition Pin Party.

    http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/pintastic-monday-fall-edition.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 11, 2012 at 1:59 PM

      Thank you Sarah for the invite...I'm all linked up! The fake pumpkins are the way to go!!!

      Delete
  6. Anita at Cedar Hill September 10, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    I'm with you, fake pumpkins are much better, and no mess.

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM

      I just discovered them last year...so love that they are carve-able!!! Thanks for stopping by Anita!

      Delete
  7. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsSeptember 10, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    Janis, I wanted to stack some fake pumpkins in my urns this year, but I didn't think about drilling holes in them so that they would be lighted! These are just fabulous, and if I get around to doing mine, I will link back to you. Last year I painted a real pumpkin, and it rotted before Halloween so fake is the way to go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM

      I hope you get a chance to make some...you'll love 'em!!! Thanks so much Jane for your sweet comment!

      Delete
  8. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsSeptember 10, 2012 at 6:23 PM

    I love that!!!...I am with Jane and Anita.....the real ones do not last long..so need to gather up some faux ones....I love, love your topiary!!! Can't wait to see what you are doing with your doors...I have mahogany stained doors and it is stained on the inside too...Trying to convince my hubby to paint the inside of the doors white....we shall see.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:02 PM

      Thanks Shirley!! Trying to spiffy up the outside porch area a bit. I need to paint the wrought iron on the doors too...so much to do...so little time!

      Delete
  9. Jen Lossing, Artistic Abode DesignsSeptember 10, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    These are so so cute!! I love them so much. I can't wait to give them a try!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bella@artclubblogSeptember 10, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    You've really got some wonderful ideas on your blog. These pumpkins look fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  11. One More Time EventsSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Love these so cute. Would love it if you would share these at http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2012/09/share-it-one-more-time-party-and.html. What a great way to welcome fall. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Notions from NonnySeptember 10, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    That is so nice!

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  13. The Style SistersSeptember 10, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    iI have made these with real pumpkins and it was a mess you are so smart to use fake pumpkins! I am totally going to do this. Come lnk up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this idea with us. It will be up early tomorrow morning so cme on by.
    Karin

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 11, 2012 at 2:12 PM

      I discovered these fake carve-able pumpkins last year...what a lifesaver!! Can't wait to see yours!! Thanks for the invite...i'm heading over!

      Delete
  14. priscillaSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Love your topiaries !

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  15. Eclectically VintageSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Gorgeous - I've been thinking about making my own topiary! I agree on using the faux pumpkins so you can enjoy these beauties year after year!
    Kelly

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  16. BlissSeptember 11, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    All Pumpkins Beautiful.

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Style SistersSeptember 12, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    Thanks for linking up today :)
    Karin

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  18. the cape on the cornerSeptember 12, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    that looks so good, i love this. i wish i could do it, but i don't have any sort of porch or entry. one day, though!

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  19. Number Fifty-ThreeSeptember 12, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Fantastic idea to use the faux pumpkins! I'm now following your blog, too.

    Have a great rest of your week!
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  20. Leslie HarrisSeptember 13, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I think you've convinced me. Faux pumpkins look great, especially with lights. This is an idea I'm going to use, thanks Janis, and thanks for visiting Gwen Moss blog, so glad you liked my spooky post.
    Leslie

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  21. thistlewoodfarmSeptember 13, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Janis,

    Those are so cute! I think it was a good idea to use faux pumpkins! And now you have them for next year!

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pinky at Designs by PinkySeptember 13, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    I saw your inspiration picture years ago on Southern Living and have been wanting to do this ever since. We are moving in 2 weeks but I am going to DO THIS for the new house! Thanks so much for the tutorial!!! XO, Pinky

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  23. Linda @ Life and LindaSeptember 13, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    Love, Love, Love this idea! I might have to copy it. I always prefer faux pumpkin too for crafts. They last longer. The lights really make it pop. They kinda look like polka dots. I am your newest follower. I hope you stop by for a visit and say hello.

    ReplyDelete
  24. One More Time EventsSeptember 14, 2012 at 9:10 AM

    I am so glad you came by and linked up your Topiary Pumkins ...Just wanted to let you know you have been featured at Share it One More Time. Head over and grab your featured button and I hope you come back and party again. http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2012/09/are-you-in-mood-to-party-share-it-one.html
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nici @ Posed PerfectionSeptember 14, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    These turned out so good! I love that you can use them year after year. I am your newest follower. I wanted to thank you for stopping by Posed Perfection this week and leaving me a sweet comment about the frugal pumpkins made from tp rolls. I hope you'll visit again soon and maybe even follow me back. Have a lovely weekend!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    ReplyDelete
  26. LisaSeptember 14, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    Oh nice! I have been looking for a fun pumpkin topiary tutorial! I also love the thought of having orange, black and white for Halloween but I love that this is something that can last until it's time for Christmas decorations! Thanks for giving me a project for this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Hi! I'm your newest follower. I have been wanting to do pumpkins stacked in a pot. I love the addition of the lights. Looks very festive.
    Patricia
    http://topiaryrose.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. BrookeSeptember 15, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    This is adorable!

    Brooke

    =)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mary BethSeptember 15, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Love this ~ I'm featuring it today on my site with full acknowledgement (and links) of you as the originator. If this presents any problem whatsoever please let me know and have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  30. The Stonybrook HouseSeptember 17, 2012 at 11:48 AM

    These are so cool!! Love them! I want to do something fallish now! You are so creative!

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  31. Miss KittySeptember 18, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    These are just great...fun and pretty at the same time! Thanks for the great tips and directions. Congrats for this tutorial being featured over at "Home Stories A to Z".

    ReplyDelete
  32. Julie redheadcandecorate.comSeptember 18, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    These are gorgeous and fairly easy...I just shared them on my FB page! :) Thank you! I just might try it!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonSeptember 18, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Hi, hopped over from Cowgirl Up. I love your pumpkin topiaries. I have seen this done, but yours turned out so cute! I just bought and repainted to urns at a yard sale. I planted them for Fall, but thinking. Maybe a change for Halloween. Or maybe, next year. Happy to find you and would love it if you shared with my link party sometime, Share Your Cup Thursday. Now following you.
    Hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ricki TreleavenSeptember 20, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Your topiaries are fantastic. Thanks so much for the tutorial!

    Linking from Debbidoos,
    Ricki Jill

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownSeptember 20, 2012 at 1:06 PM

    This is gorgeous! I love the addition of the lights. Thanks for joining the Countdown to fall Party. I'll be featuring you tomorrow! ~Kim @ Sand & Sisal

    ReplyDelete
  36. JoAnn SweetPepperRoseSeptember 22, 2012 at 2:31 PM

    Janis, this is just beautiful! I'm gonna have to learn how to work a drill !!
    JoAnn

    ReplyDelete
  37. Selena Ze ArteestSeptember 25, 2012 at 9:14 PM

    That is just wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Christina at I Gotta Create!September 26, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Love, Love, Love!!! Making these for my Thanksgiving decor, thanks to your inspiration :)

    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original linky party is open

    ReplyDelete
  39. Recreate and DecorateSeptember 29, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Thats just too darn cute!
    dropping by from DIY showoff

    ReplyDelete
  40. Blissful & DomesticOctober 10, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Hi there! I featured you today on Blissful & Domestic! Stop by and check it out!

    http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2013/10/15-fall-porch-ideas.html

    Danielle @ Blissful & Domestic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulOctober 11, 2013 at 9:51 AM

      Thank you so much Danielle!!! Love all of your fabulous choices! Great roundup!

      Delete
  41. Janis@All Things BeautifulNovember 1, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Melanie, I found them at Hobby Lobby. I've also seen them in different sizes at Michaels. The stores may be sold out of some of the sizes by now. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownSeptember 26, 2016 at 10:27 PM

    How do this do with the rain? I inagine a lot of water pooling? Just trying to think of strategic drilling!

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    Replies
    1. Janis@All Things BeautifulSeptember 26, 2016 at 10:38 PM

      Most of the rain must've bounced off the pumpkins because we haven't gotten much water inside the topiaries and none caused any electrical issues.

      Delete

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