6 Beach-Themed Decorative Ideas with a Pumpkin Twist
©istockphoto/dpruter
Not ready to admit that summer is over? With these beach-inspired pumpkin ideas, you don’t have to. From bright beach balls to shipwrecked gourds, combine your love for the seashore with some festive cheer by taking your pumpkin decorating game to the next level. Thanks to their decidedly un-spooky appeal, these decorations can be left up long after the 31st has come and gone. What more could you ask for?
Beach Ball
Supplies
Medium to large pumpkins (round works best)
Opaque paint (white, red, yellow, and blue if you want to go for the traditional look but feel free to get creative)
Paintbrushes
Directions
Simple to execute and wonderful to look at, the beach ball pumpkin is a great way to get the whole family involved in creating a little festive decor. To begin, choose a round pumpkin (you’re aiming for something that best resembles a ball) and apply at least 2 coats of white paint. Once the paint is completely dry, tape off wide sections. Paint each section a different color, leaving some white to create an authentic beach ball look. Don’t forget to paint the stem!
Shipwreck
Supplies
Small to medium pumpkins of varying shapes and colors
Pieces of netting (you’re aiming to recreate fishing nets)
Small pins
Glue gun
Seashore treasures (shells, sea glass, starfish, seaweed… your only limit is your imagination)
Directions
This option works wonderfully as a holiday table centerpiece, adding some festive cheer all while honoring your love for all things beachy. On a cake stand, serving platter, or other surface of your choice, arrange a grouping of small to medium sized pumpkins. When pumpkins are situated, drape with netting, affixing with pins to achieve the look you’re after. Incorporate seashells, stones, and other accents by using hot glue to attach to netting.
Sand Design (adapted from Sand and Sisal)
Supplies
Large pumpkins
Mod Podge glue
Pencil
Sand (craft sand is an excellent option)
Sponge paint brushes
Paint (optional)
Stencils (optional)
Directions
This update on the classic carved pumpkin is perfect for those looking to infuse a little sophistication into their autumn decor. First, decide whether or not you want to keep your pumpkin its original color. Sometimes, painting it a solid color helps the sand detailing pop. You may also want to match your home’s color scheme but ultimately, it’s up to you! If you’ve chosen to paint, ensure that it’s completely dry before moving onto the next step. Using a stencil or going freehand, trace out the pattern you want to feature in sand. Some beach-inspired suggestions include a starfish, an anchor, waves, a simple seashell, or a nautical star. Carefully apply the Mod Podge glue within the boundaries of the stencil. Pour the sand over the glued area, aiming for an even application. Don’t worry, you can always touch things up later. Let dry and marvel at your masterpiece.
Scenic Seascape
Supplies
Large pumpkin
Opaque paint
Pencil
Paintbrushes
Glue gun
Mod Podge glue
Craft sand
Small sea treasures (shells and sea grasses are great for this project)
Directions
What better way to incorporate some ocean vibes into your home than by recreating a mini seascape on a pumpkin? To begin, paint the pumpkin white to create a solid base for the other colors. When the paint is dry, lightly trace the seascape (including the ocean floor) with your pencil. Get creative by adding swaying seaweed, sunken treasure (use gemstones for added texture), groupings of seashells, and anything else you think befits an aquatic landscape. Paint the upper 3/4 of the pumpkin shades of blue, representing the water. For the ocean floor, apply an even coat of Mod Podge and cover with craft sand. Now it’s time to get crafty. Using hot glue, apply shells, grasses, and whatever other treasures you’ve collected to complete the look.
Beachy Pumpkin Vase
Supplies
Large pumpkin
Opaque paint (optional)
Paintbrushes (optional)
Sharp knife
Various sea grasses
Directions
This simple option is a fabulous way to add understated charm to any autumn home decor scheme. Begin by hollowing out your pumpkin, carving a symmetrical opening in the top that will serve as the mouth of your vase. Next, decide whether or not you want to keep your pumpkin its original color. While the contrast of the bright orange with the natural shades of grass may work, painting your gourd a more neutral color can lend to the breezy seaside look as well. If you decide to paint, apply several coats to ensure even covering and let dry. Next, gather sea grasses and arrange in opening of the pumpkin. Feel free to accessorize with shells, netting, or any other nautical touches.
Shades of Blue Topiary
Supplies
3 pumpkins (1 small, 1 medium, 1 large)
Large urn or heavy duty container
Strong glue
Opaque paint (in varying shades of blue)
Paintbrush
Directions
Looking to add a touch of seasonal flare to your front porch or foyer? The pumpkin topiary is a wonderful way to celebrate the season without committing to anything too over the top or glaringly Halloween-y. Begin by cutting the stems off the large and medium pumpkins, ensuring that you have a relatively flat top surface to work with. Next, paint each pumpkin a different shade of blue. You can aim to achieve an ombre look or go for brighter shades, pastels, or any other combination that feel right. After all, you’re the artist! Once the paint has dried, you’re onto the tricky part. In the urn, arrange the large pumpkin so that it forms a solid base. Try using foam to elevate the pumpkin to the level you want it at. Next, you’ll need to cover the top of the large pumpkin with glue and set the medium pumpkin on top of it. If you want something that stands up to heavy duty winds, you can always drill a hole and insert a solid rod but be forewarned, this could get messy. Repeat the process but this time, with the smaller pumpkin. Surround the base pumpkin with moss, sea grass, or any other material that seems appropriate and then admire your handiwork.
