DIY Autumn Centerpiece

A short tutorial on what the title says

Image by and property of me

It’s hard to believe it’s already November and we’re two months away from 2022. Don’t get me wrong, I am absofuckinglutely ready to see 2021 go, but what I am excited about is we’ve officially entered the most wonderful time of the year! The amazing shades of red, orange, and yellow leaves, cool temps, blanket scarves, leggings, and all the BOOTS.

Though I don’t really decorate for Halloween unless I’m having a little shindig, I definitely transition my closet, front door wreath (tutorial coming soon!), and island décor to all things Autumn prior to transitioning to glitter and gold-filled holiday décor. The centerpiece I’m highlighting today is the perfect piece to last you from September through Thanksgiving. To be honest, I actually made this centerpiece a few weeks ago but have slacked on writing it down and making the accompanying Reel and TikTok posts for it. What I love about this one is it’s sustainable in that all pieces can be reused for years (pending care) with the foundational elements being pieces you can use year-round. You can keep it small and simple or as extra as your heart desires and space allows.

Supplies

These are the supplies that I used which you can instantly shop (disclosure: I do not make a commission off clicks); please note that some of these items I’ve had for years so the exact matches are no longer available (that or I’ve forgotten where I’ve purchased them by now).

How it Came Together

Full disclosure, I envisioned this in my head and pretty much made it as I went. Because whatever space you’re working with will likely vary from mine, I’m providing the high-level basics with the rest being a choose your own adventure sitch. However, I am more than happy to answer any of your questions about it, so please feel free to leave a note in the comments or on my corresponding Instagram or TikTok posts (icons linking to each are at the top of this page). Likewise, if you make one, please share pics!

Step 1: Paint your pumpkins (if you prefer to)

Frankly, this step took me the longest by far between painting, drying time, adding a second coat, drying time, using the wax sealant, and drying. I did it over a few days but honestly, you could really knock it out in one day.

So that the paint on each pumpkin dried evenly, I got resourceful by making a pseudo pumpkin drying line using some jute string I have in my trusty craft box (really any semi sturdy string will do), tied that to the handles of the cupboards above my kitchen sink, and placed chip bag clips on the strings which are what held the pumpkins by the stems as they dried.

Call me Macguyver

Step 2: Build the foundation

I prefer to wait until all pieces are ready prior to building, however, you can build the whole thing and add the pumpkins last.

The foundation consists of:

  • 1 three tiered tray stand
  • 1 roughly 1.5” wood slice
  • 0.5” wood slice
  • 1 strand of faux eucalyptus

I used the tray as the center with everything else being the supporting cast.

First, I set the tray on my island slightly off-center. Next, I placed the large wood slice next to it slightly towards the front of the tray with a smaller wood slice on the opposite side towards the back of the tray. Followed by weaving the strand of faux eucalyptus to fully cover the base of the wood slice and the base of the tray.

Step 3: Add the filler

Excluding the pumpkins and acorns, I used all other supplies:

  • 1 bag unpopped kernals
  • 2 glass mason jars
  • A handful of dried wheat stalks
  • 2 bags of moss
  • A few pieces of faux leaves
  • 1 medium size vase (for flowers)

This is really where it’s a choose your own adventure. I started by filling both mason jars 2/3 of the way with the uncooked kernels followed by adding in the dried wheat stalks in each. I placed one on each of the wood slices. Note: So I accidentally knocked one of the filled mason jars over; sharing to reiterate that you want to avoid this at all costs as cleaning up a jar full of kernels is super annoying and time-consuming. It’s been a few weeks and I’m still spotting some.

The moss I primarily used on each tier of the tray stand and to fill in the gaps around the eucalyptus. As for the faux leaves, I intentionally sprinkled a couple around the eucalyptus.

Step 4: Add the pumpkins and corns

Next, I layered in the pumpkins. Most went on the tray stand, though I strategically placed a few next to each mason jar to fill in space and add more color. I then sprinkled a few acorns around the entire thing for a little razzle-dazzle.

Step 5: Admire your work

Pretty self-explanatory: Give yourself a pat on the back and admire the beautiful piece you just made!

Image by and property of me

So that you don’t have to go back and forth, here’s the time-lapse video:

Did you make it? Would love to see how you made this DIY truly your own so share your pics/tag me in your social media posts! Stay tuned for the next tutorial which will be a corresponding Autumn front door (or any door of your choosing that is on your property) wreath.

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