It's a stifling 104 degrees here in Dallas again today, but I'm so ready to start decorating for fall! While I'm dreaming of cool days and apple cider, I thought I would show a fall project from a few years ago.
I styled these pumpkins for an article in The Dallas Morning News back in 2009. My friend Jamie wanted a simple pumpkin project to show readers, something even non-crafters could easily do to brighten their homes and gardens for the season. I hollowed out my pumpkins, inserted a mum plant from the garden center, added some ribbon, and finished each arrangement off with a sheaf of dried wheat, tucked into the center of the mum.
I recently saw some similar ones on Pinterest, with an added tip that I didn't know about at the time. If you spray the inside of the pumpkin with some bleach water before inserting the mum, it won't rot or mold as quickly! That is especially helpful here in the south, where we often still have hot days that lead to our pumpkins deteriorating faster. I usually have to replace mine several times throughout the season.
And of course, the best part is roasting the pumpkin seeds! I clean them and toss with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, spread on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper, and sprinkle with some Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. Bake at 325 for 25 to 30 minutes, and you have a wonderful crunchy, salty snack, full of fiber and antioxidants. I hope you'll try some!
I'm joining Yvonne for Tips Tutorials and Tidbits at StoneGable.
What a cute idea! I was so happy to see the rain here, in Dallas, today! But, I'm so ready to decorate for fall! The cooler temps will be a welcome change.
Posted by: Shenita | August 08, 2012 at 04:08 PM
You have the best ideas, Andrea! I'll take your temps if you'll take the 115 days we've had of late... What is the deal with this crazy weather?
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula-Pruitt | August 08, 2012 at 04:11 PM
I'm thinking of fall, too! I love your decorated pumpkin, it's so cute. I love the tip about spraying the inside with a bleach/water mix to slow down deterioration, I'll be sure to try that. My carved pumpkins rarely last more than a few days. I can't wait to go to Michael's to look for a pretty ribbon, I was there the other day and they had all their fall stuff out.
Posted by: Leslie Hayes | August 08, 2012 at 04:15 PM
Oh, come on fall! YOur pumpkin gets me in the mood to start pulling out the cool weather decorations! I love it's easy directions! Adding mum's to a hollowed out pumpkin is brilliant! I am doing this for sure!
Thanks for sharing this great fall DYI with us at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | August 08, 2012 at 07:06 PM
Cute idea. I'm going to make a note of this one. Stay cool.......Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | August 08, 2012 at 07:25 PM
LOVE this idea!!! I am DYING for Fall BUT all my Fall decor is PACKED:(:( We are moving and building a new home. BUT, if we get in, in time I will be doing this for sure!!!! XO, Pinky
Posted by: Pinky | August 08, 2012 at 10:35 PM
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Tammy Partin Spangler | August 09, 2012 at 07:55 AM
That is a pretty arrangement, spraying the inside with bleach is a great tip.
Posted by: Karen Harper | August 09, 2012 at 11:06 AM
I am so ready for Fall...it has been so dang hot! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday on my blog.
Karin
Posted by: The Style Sisters | August 09, 2012 at 08:09 PM
Ohhh this just has me so excited for Fall! So cute!
Posted by: debbiedoos | August 14, 2012 at 10:22 PM
Very pretty! I've been wishing and wishing for fall to get here. I don't think I can take anymore 90+ days!
Posted by: Manuela@A Cultivated Nest | August 17, 2012 at 02:51 PM
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Posted by: florist online | October 25, 2012 at 06:31 AM